When I think of tender I think of my Grandma Verona.  While Grandma shared kisses and hugs with us, she didn’t overdo it on the affection.  But, she had this quiet way of letting you know how much she loved you.  Things like letting me have the last slice of lemon pie, baking me my own small paska bread for my Easter basket, or slipping a few dollar bills into my pocket when my mom wasn’t watching when she knew there was a toy or treat I wanted.  Whenever we would all gather at her house on Friday evenings, or on holidays, sometimes she would sit quietly in her chair and just watch all of us.  We were a large, noisy bunch, but she was always delighted to have her children and grandchildren around.  When you walked in that door you just knew you were welcome and that Grandma was truly happy to see you.