The hand expression is sign language for I love you....
Yep, good old American sign language. The very first sign that I learned.
About 40 years ago, I drove a church bus and on my route I picked up a pretty little 5 year old deaf girl and her older brother. I'd flash her the I love you sign as she got on and off the bus, she was a shy little girl and usually just blushed and went on her way.
After about a dozen weeks of picking up her and her brother, she shocked me one morning by flashing it back at me. After that we chatted a little bit every time she rode the bus (Not while I was driving)
Thanks for taking me back to that fond memory.
I notice you are retired now, I’ll let my g/daughter know, she’s a member of this forum and a “lady doc” too. (Holly_P)