Keeping Papaw's Promise

We were sitting on the front porch.  Sean sat in my lap, something he will be too big to do in a few years.  It was a little cool for that time of year in south Louisiana but not uncomfortably so.  Both of us knew that in a few short months he would undergo a bone marrow transplant as it was the only cure for his condition.  Part of that would involve a couple of sessions each of chemo and radiation therapy.  The result of the chemo would be that he would lose his hair.  None of us knew really what to expect except that this was a serious process, filled with opportunities for obstacles to arise.

As we shared this moment, I thought about how this could possibly affect my oldest grandson.  We began to talk some.  “Are you scared?” I asked.   “Not really, he replied.  After a little more conversation, I nestled his head under my chin.  “Sean” I said, “I tell you what; when it comes time for you to have the chemo and radiation and your hair begins to fall out, I am going to cut my hair off.  This will be my promise to you.  I want to do this so you will know how much I love you and that even though I can’t be with you, you will know that my thoughts are with you.”

Last week Sean’s hair began to fall out.  His Mom had taken him to the barber shop there and had his hair cut into a Mohawk.  Now I know what you might be thinking….surely Steve did not cut his hair into a Mohawk too.  You would be wrong.  Last Friday Tammy cut my hair into a Mohawk style and we took a picture and sent it to Sean.  No, you can’t see it! I didn’t do it for you.  I did that for Sean.

However, after taking the picture, we cut the rest of it off.  Now I have the neatest crew cut, about like it was when I was in the 4^th grade. 

Why go into all this? Promises are inportant.

Just keeping Papaw’s promise!

(written June 12, 2011, but just now posted)