Puppy Love

If you know Garrett, you might understand why I call him my “puppy”. If you don’t, let me explain. All his life Garrett has been ENORMOUS for his age (off the charts for height and weight). You can tell when you look at his “paws” (hands and feet). So it’s no surprise that he doesn’t know his own strength. He may not mean to hurt you, but if he’s coming at you with a running hug, BRACE YOURSELF because you’re gonna get bowled over. You might think his size would make him ideal for sports but…how do I put this…he doesn’t exactly excel with coordination (although he does love swimming). You get it when you see Garrett wiggling his behind when he’s running, usually while looking in a different direction than which he’s traveling. But he has a HUGE, tender heart and is very affectionate. He loves to cuddle, sit in your lap (all 55+ pounds of him) and sneak in some wet, slobbery kisses. Are you seeing the similarities here? This is not to mention that he finds ALL animals completely irresistible (who he’s sure to greet if they are within 100 yards).

If he doesn’t win your heart with his endearing ways, then he is sure to entertain you at the very least. He loves to tell jokes (that make no sense), make up songs (that ALWAYS rhyme and, consequently, make no sense), tell stories (sometimes these do make sense, at least to him), and has a knack for remembering and repeating EVERYTHING (so you have to watch what you say). He says some of the funniest things (you’ll notice most of the quotes in my “The Logic of a Child” column come from him), but it’s not just what he says, it’s how he says it. He communicates with such drama, such animation…and such VOLUME. He loves to read (and write) books, dress in costumes and play music and sing. He has a special uniqueness about him that makes him, well, Garrett. Just don’t expect him to share his dessert (he loves his sweets)! At least he comes by that honestly…

For more information on his medical condition (vesicoureteral reflux), click on the link under “Have you seen this?”. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgery on February 4 at UCLA. I will be sure to keep our blog updated on his prognosis.