The Sweetest Boy

In spite of his many challenges, Duncan is truly the kindest, most thoughtful thirteen year old boy I have ever met. He sometimes struggles with understanding what it is we want him to do, but he does his best to be obedient and helpful. Like last night, I had asked him to brush his back teeth better, because he went to the dentist and had two cavities in his brand new 12-year old molars. He spent a good three minutes brushing, even though the toothpaste was burning his mouth. He didn't quite get what I meant by the back teeth, and kept trying to brush the backside of his front teeth. Later, after I had tucked him in, he called me back into his room. He wanted to say his prayers again, because he had forgotton to pray for Mitch. So I heard his prayers again, and he prayed for Mitch to "do good in the Marines". Of all our kids, I think Duncan is missing Mitch the most. He told me that now he has to be oldest boy, and the big brother. He also said he thought it would be better if Mitch were home beating up on him instead of in boot camp. (Mitch doesn't really beat on him, just harasses him a lot, the way any self respecting older brother would do.) It is sometimes easy to overlook Duncan because he is so quiet, and likes to keep to himself, but in spite of the distance he likes to put between himself and the rest of the world, Duncan is generous, loyal, loving, and most of all, completely without guile. We are so blessed to have him. I wouldn't change a thing.