This photo captured his energy and default state of happiness so well that it is a treasure. Alex is a generally happy go lucky kind of kid with amazing creative talents in music, art, and now, apparently, drama. His academics are off the charts. He gets along really well with everyone, and is a joy to hang around with. In eighth grade he has an arts resume as long as his arm, but that isn't what it is about for him. He likes to create music and artwork. He is an artist, and just can't help himself. This past Christmas we spent time doing some craft kits together and I could see his hands and brain engage into the fun of making things. Genuine attraction to it. And, to my surprise, he likes fiber art -- he was dabbling with yarn and fabric art that day, and it made my heart so happy to see him work at it. Many 8th grade boys would shy away from doing fiber crafts, but not Alex. He is 100% his own person and that is what makes him a unique character that is so special to know.
His older brother, who graduates Belmont High School next month, is equally wonderful and talented. He is into sports, especially rugby, and is a wonderfully thoughtful and sensitive young man. He also has significant art talent, and is musical as well. He is going to Holy Cross in the fall, which is no small achievement. It has been fantastic to know both of these fellas and watch them grow from their very first breaths. Love them to bits, even if there is a distance of time and space. Not having kids of my own, I've been awestruck watching them both grow up into such terrific people and am grateful to have been in their lives, even if it has not been as much as I would have liked. Busy schedules on their ends and lots of work and sickness on mine are some factors in this distance (as well as Alex's aversion to email) and other factors have kept me from being a bigger part of their lives, but I hope as they grow up this can change a bit.
Alex is the only nephew who has expressed interest in caring for a parrot (or five) if I get hit by a bus,. While this brings me joy beyond words, the timing has to be right. I have to live long enough so that the bird doesn't become a burden on a young person just starting out. That's a tall order for me in this body, but with luck it can happen. His allergies to cats do not keep him from saying he wants "500 animals" like me when he grows up, too. Love this kid. Thanks, David Gordon, for snapping a little pic that captures so much for me about my pal Alex. An artist for sure!
What will you create today?