“Santa came early in 2006.
“He left his reindeer munching North Pole hay. The harness with jingle bells was hanging on a peg in the barn. There was no time to hitch the sleigh, so Santa used his frequent-flyer miles and jetted south on Sept. 18.
“And he had a cool ride down the Wilson Family chimney in Senoia, Georgia, since it would be months before a match was set to the kindling.”
That’s what I wrote 18 years ago.
And this is what I write today:
Dear Hayes:
Indeed, Santa did come early in 2006.
You are one of the grandest gifts anyone could ever receive. I remember the day you were born. I especially recall the back-and-forth conversation your mother and her mom (your MyMa) had about your name.
“Emily, why are you calling him Hayes?”
“Mom, I like Hayes.”
“But it’s not a family name.”
“Mom, he’s my baby, and I could name him Domino’s Pizza if I wanted to.”
And when we held you for the first time, we fell in love with you and your name. Hayes fits just right. But we would have loved you even if your nickname had been “Pepperoni.”
All of God’s children are born with special gifts. Two of your gifts are a light-up-the-room smile and a gentle disposition. Your mother and grandmother call it your “sweetness.” Your smile and the love that you exude do make you “sweet.”
But that doesn’t make you a softie.
Quite the contrary.
Growing up with three brothers and a nature-loving dad, you had to be rumble-and-tumble tough. Paddling a canoe, sleeping on a sandbar, and eating whatever you caught or shot instilled a passion for the outdoors.
And when you were no more than 6, you showed your agility and athleticism. Dressed in Spider-Man mask, you spread your arms and legs and walked up door facings with your hands and bare feet. Time after time, adults would beg, “Please, Hayes, can you do that again?” And you would, over and over.
That was eager-to-please Hayes.
When you got a little older, you traded the red-and-blue costume for cleats, shoulder pads and a helmet. You enjoyed football, but you found two sports that you liked even better.
You had a knack for wrestling. Training and discipline took you to the state tournament in Macon. Counting middle school, you’ve competed in the state track-and-field meet six times as a pole vaulter. Even the real Spider-Man would be impressed with your up-and-over achievements.
You have established that you are a rugged outdoorsman, a gifted athlete and an honor-roll student. I applaud you. But most of all, I am impressed by the mature and caring young man who you’ve become. You are a gentleman and a role model for your peers. Good manners will take you where money never will. And your smile makes everyone smile.
In August, you’ll begin your college career at the University of North Georgia. As you pack your SUV for the trip to Dahlonega, make extra room for the abundance of love and support that I’ll always have for you.
I am proud of you, Thomas Hayes Wilson.
Love,
Grandpa
dnesmith@cninewspapers.com