Am I Handsome?

My Duchenne grandson does not take lightly to being photographed, especially when the family is together and really wants to get a fam pic. He is very contrarian (like his maternal grandmother whom I have known well for over 42 years).

I learned that, this morning, grandson Hayes actually cooperated getting dressed and “spruced up” for school. Why? It was picture day! He is a bit (O.K., a lot) of a ham and likes attention among his group of peers.

As grandson got out of the car in the carpool line and approached his special teacher, Hayes asked, “AM I HANDSOME?” The teacher beamed, acknowledged his good looks, and even offered to comb his hair … a taboo for Hayes but for school picture day.

Hayes is very well liked by his classmates, teachers, friends, neighbors and, oh, did I add, his family. He is irrepressible, just like his maternal great grandfather Jesse in Birmingham who was my best friend for 20 years prior to this death.

Jesse was full of life, just like Hayes. Jesse could strut like a peacock one moment, and be mischievous the next, just like my grandson. They both were/are sharp as a tack.

Are you handsome, Hayes? You bet you are! And, no matter what toll Duchenne takes on you and your body, you will always be a beautiful soul for your loving family.

We are absolutely nuts about you and want you to know that, regardless of what happens to the exterior, we will always love, adore and be very grateful for your interior warmth, joy, and beauty.

We love you, handsome fellow. Keep making us menfolk quite jealous!  

Kindly,

Papa in Tennessee