A Cobb County grandfather is trying to spread awareness about children with disabilities.
Randy Hogue has always loved to paint. He loves it even more when his grandson Gage is by his side.
“If there is a disabled person, you have to understand. All they want to do is be included, just be included in life,” Hogue said.
Gage was born blind. He is also autistic and mostly nonverbal. But together, Gage and his Paw-Paw created a painting of the American flag. It’s called “The Crying Flag.”
“It really excites him to think he achieved something. Everybody knows he didn’t paint it on his own. But it’s his painting,” Hogue said.
They mailed a print to Washington, D.C. They recently received a response from the White House.
“Dear Gage, thank you for the beautiful painting of the American flag that you and your Paw-Paw made,” Hogue read out loud.
The letter was from President Donald Trump. It was both in print and in Braille.
It’s a piece of history the family will never part with. Faith is very important in their home, which is why the last words of the note meant the most to them.
“You are beautifully made in the image of God. I hope you always remember you are loved and cherished by so many,” Hogue said.
You didn’t paint that.
Great story, truly.
What Trump wrote was simply beautiful.
Colin Kaepernick hardest hit…
If one ever wondered just what it is that defines “America,” this is it.
The name of the painting, “The Crying Flag”, is perfect. As is President Trump’s response. I bet his Paw-Paw is a good guy too.
I read he has gotten requests for a print. I’m going to check into it.
A wonderful and sweet story. Thankful you shared it with all of us. That family is truly dedicated each and every day. God bless them.
Thanks for posting it, BFH.
This story made my day. What a great family. What a great president. What a great America. Let’s keep it great!
speechless and overwhelmed. Thank you
Very beautiful. You’re right, Fur, it was a special note. Can you imagine oblowme ever sending such a note AND sending it in braille? He would have sent the boy a picture of himself.
What a beautiful story. I’m in tears, not just for the story, but for President Trump’s response. It will be a truly momentous event in Gage’s life and for all his family. God Bless President Trump for his kind heart.
Thank you, Fur.
*sniff*
I have 4 Autistic children. We’re cheering him on. 😀
My mouth is open in awe and now I breathe deep. Rush JUST today had a man on that became blind from diabetes and for him it has been a mind expanding experience.
The knowing use of Paw paw in a vernacular was…compassion at it’s best.
@ Bob M – This makes me think of my own, sinced passed, older brother. God bless.
This is a very good painting done in an Americana that is worth buying. Looking closely, for me, I can see a profile of pine trees under the ‘stars’.
This is some good shit.
Breathe again, thanks @BFH.
I’d fly that flag! I wonder when it goes into production and makes this kids life better – for him and his family.
Yeah! What! got all dusty up in here… Can’t see a fricken thing.
“Speaking the truth in times of universal deceit is a revolutionary act.” Geo. Orwell
YOU DON’T KNOW THE SUFFERING…
Until you meet someone, or God-forbid, have a disabled child of your own.
⏺ The constant dependence
⏺ The worry
⏺ The stares from other people you know are looking
⏺ The lack of inclusiveness and loneliness
I had a disabled kid run up to me and hug me at a swimming pool one time and his mom said, “Oh no, stop!” Guess what I did?
NOTHING!
I just put my arms around the kid and said, “Hey, how are you doing?” And his mom rushed over and pulled him away. Really, it’s totally Ok, I can handle an ambush hug once in a while.
Think about it people….