Uncle Ronnie

This week, Jason's uncle Ronnie has come to stay with us (as he does once each year), and Gemma LOVES him! Kyran and Karyssa have always loved him, but they didn't get to meet him until they were older. She smiles and gazes at him. She has even fallen asleep in his arms twice. Something that he hasn't had a baby do in more than 18 years. Last night, she fell asleep in his arms as he sang "Jesus loves the Little Children" to her. They are both in love, and I love watching it.

I'm not sure if they know exactly why (they suspect a high fever as a baby), but Ronnie has some mental delays. He has a speech impediment, but the kids have always understood him perfectly. He understands a lot, and has a great memory, but doesn't comprehend some things from a "book learning" skillset. I think this gives him the best of both worlds. He is a good, gentle man. He helps around the house, lifts heavy boxes for me, backs me up in disciplining the kids, and much more. He is also a sweet, innocent kid, though. He laughs at funny kid jokes, loves playing candyland and other kid games, and sees the world as an enjoyable, hopeful place to live.

He has been through his share of heartache. In his 59 years, he has lost his younger brother (at 21 years old), dad, his older sister (Jason's mom, at 52 years old), and most recently, his mother.  He has experienced people who don't understand him and act poorly because of it. But Ronnie stays innocent. And happy.

Right now, I'm listening to him watch Annie downstairs. He's laughing and talking to the characters to tell them when there is danger.

His heart is pure. His words are kind. He reminds me of Darlene so much in these ways, and I'm so glad that the kids are able to get to know him.