e lost his wife, and this grandfather cries while holding his granddaughter, who shares her name. This beautiful story surfaced on Instagram and quickly went viral because it is filled with love, precious memories, and a stunning way to keep a loved one’s memory alive.
In the summer of 2021, Ashley Lemieux’s grandmother Anna passed away. Her passing drastically changed her grandfather’s life. He missed his “Anny” in a way no one could understand. Anny wasn’t just his wife. She was his partner, best friend, and the love of his life.
As the year went on, Ashley would sadly go through her own heartbreak. She and her husband were so excited to meet their son Jayce–but they would never get a chance to hold their sweet little boy in their arms. In an Instagram post, she shared, “I miss him so much it physically hurts.”
She mesmerized his little face and precious little body while nursery rhymes chimed over the intercom to announce the arrival of other little ones. Yet, at the same time, the lullaby song gave her hope. In the moment of darkness, hope was birthed in her empty heart.
She couldn’t wait to share this abundant joy with her grandfather. Ashley invited him to meet his new great-grandbaby. And you won’t believe what happens next. He learned she had been given the name Annie Rae.
Ashley recorded the moment when her grandpa got to hold Annie Rae for the first time. You won’t miss the life coming back into his eyes and a smile that spreads from ear to ear. The grandfather cries tears of joy during the heartwarming moment. My heart melted to witness the adoration he had for this precious baby girl.
In the video, Ashley posted, “He loved my grandma so much, and he’s not usually an emotional person, but them sharing a part of her name meant a lot to him.”
The most beautiful part of this family moment is knowing Anny is in heaven holding their precious little boy Jayce, and most likely, she is telling him, “My darling boy, you’ll get to meet your family soon. Until then, we’ll be here in the presence of Jesus, celebrating. And all the while, little Annie Rae is replacing both Ashely’s grief and her grandfather’s with abundant joy.