Change

Been working around the yard and kayaking the Little Harpeth River in 80 degree weather since school would have normally started during late August-early September, but for COVID-19. Planted flowers last weekend in 70 degree weather. No leaves were on the ground.

Then, all of a sudden, I come home from my work commute this evening and have to put on a sweater because the temperature is dropping to the low 40’s  this evening. And, there are fallen leaves in my yard. Wow, what a change!

More change. College football normally marks America’s beginning of Fall, at least in terms of sports fandom entertainment. This year, the SEC started its season in late September. Very different.

Some things do not change, however. Dogs’ familial instincts about genuinely good natured people. Young children’s laughter at just about anything silly or playful. The precious moment of a soft kiss. God’s unconditional love for us, individually, regardless of our faith or absence of faith.

 And, then, regretfully, there is the inevitable lethality of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. A dream killer that has not changed for the better, not at all. We can change the ultimate outcome of Duchenne. Getting control of COVID-19 is showing us what focused public policy, medical research supported by adequate funding, and persistent public awareness can do when pressed to solutions. 

Our Duchenne community is pressed for solutions. It is time to ramp up even moreso than before for change, and change sooner rather than later. Let’s refocus and work smarter to combine the best of medical research with generous funding and increased public awareness to end Duchenne during this generation. Now, there would be a change worthy of the grandeur of Life itself, indeed!

Kindly yours,

Papa in Tennessee