I Miss You

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted life as we know it. The daily statistics for incidents of infection, hospitalization, cure, and unfortunately deaths caused by the virus numb the senses. I am afraid the people caught in the midst of COVID-19 have just become numbers. Let’s keep focusing on people, one person at a time.

And, then there is that one little person who can and often does warm my heart with simply a laugh, a knock-knock joke, a homemade surprise gift, or an expression of love that only a five year old can deliver with such innocence.

Last Sunday, grandson Hayes, with Duchenne, visited us with his mom and dad and our son. We sort of practiced social distancing in the back yard while playing water games but shared a lot of up close and personal family love.

Hayes got to the dinner table first because we grown-ups could not stop jabbering with each other. I worked my way over to the table and sat down across from my favorite little boy. I just stared at him, saying nothing. Then, he did it, again.

After making eye contact with me for what seemed to be a full minute, Hayes quietly said to me, “Papa, I miss you.”  He was alluding to the lesser time we are spending together due to the virus. 

Ouch. He deeply touched my heart, again. Hayes is an expert at making me exceedingly grateful for the blessings our family enjoys. With the immunological effects of Duchenne, we have to be very careful about our close contact with Hayes.

Well, Hayes, I miss you, too. Facetime, swapping digital pictures, and conference calls are convenient and help a bit. However, no technology in the world will substitute matters of the heart, especially our heartfelt bond.

Papa loves you, John Hayes. Missing each other when we live so close to each other is not an option. I am here for you (and with you) always and, together, we can keep genetic disorders and pandemics out of that special little place we share together within our hearts … indeed, a very special little place.

Kindly,

Papa in Tennessee