Family Comes to Visit New Granddaughter, but Dad Has Different Priorities

Newsweek

6 hours ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A new grandfather visiting the hospital to meet his first grandchild went to check on someone else first—his daughter, who had just given birth.
Riho Maruyama (@riho.maruyama) from Hawaii shared a heartwarming clip on Instagram showing her family excited to meet the new addition, while her father, Paul, had other priorities.
"He walked straight over to me to make sure I was OK," Maruyama told Newsweek. "It was such a small, quiet moment, but now it means everything to me."
From left: The new grandparents walk into the maternity ward.
From left: The new grandparents walk into the maternity ward.
@riho.maruyama
The clip, which was captured by Maruyama's sister, didn't fully sink in for the new mom until she watched the footage back.
"I didn't realize what happened at the time because I was just so happy labor was over," the 26-year-old said. "But seeing it on video later really hit me; like, 'Wow, that's who he is at his core.' Even in the middle of something as big as meeting his first grandchild, his instinct was to check on me, his baby."
That quiet instinct is something Maruyama said defines her father. In her caption, she wrote: "The quiet strength behind every hard moment, and the example I look to every day. The kind of dad who never asks for attention but deserves all of it."
The new mom told Newsweek that her dad never asks for recognition and is a selfless man led by his faith.
"He always reminds us to stay centered in Jesus Christ," Maruyama said. "He's Christlike in the way he loves and shows up for people. He's the best man I know."
Maruyama's clip has gone viral on Instagram, amassing almost 3 million views. In the comments, she received an outpouring of emotional responses.
"Not me crying. We are so blessed to have these men, our fathers, be our first love. They never stop seeing us as their little girls," one user commented.
"My Dad did the same thing while I gave birth he stood in the hallway to listen and make sure I was OK," another wrote.
Maruyama didn't expect her clip to go viral. "It was such a personal moment, so the response has been really touching," she said.
"I think it's resonated because a lot of people have experienced something similar—their dad being there for them after giving birth or showing love in quiet ways. I love that it's sparked so many positive, emotional stories in the comments," Maruyama said. "It's been beautiful to read."