Duncan William Martin Wade. You really have to see the photos . . . they really capture who he is. So grab a cup of tea and a biscuit (a cookie – flapjack if youhave it) and watch his slideshow. Then read on.
While he had a similar, trying, birth experience as his brother, he didn’t have the same problems. (read Cedric’s giving page for all the details) While carrying him, I repeatedly said that baby B (Duncan) was doing fine, and baby A (Cedric) was not. Baby B continued on quietly while everyone fussed over everyone else. He seemed to know immediately what he wanted and was not afraid to scream for it. As he got bigger he figured out how to do what he had to do. He is independent, helpful, dedicated. He isn’t flashy, he is steady and reliable. Everyone wants him on their team. He works hard. Duncan is a rock. He is honest and thoughtful. He is really goofy, and like to say “chicken” and laugh if he doesn’t have response to a question. Duncan is a helper, he loves ot set a goal and reach it.
While still in Robin Hoods Bay after hiking coast to coast in England, he asked if we could do it again. I replied that would do it when he was 15. So we have a plan to do it again. He asks about it regularly. So now Duncan and I talk about “when we hike the C2C again . . . ” I love having that on the calendar with him! We read look, look at maps and photos, an talk about our future trip. I feel so lucky to have him want to do the trip again, and, at least for now, he wants to do it with me!
Duncan is thoughtful and charming, Recently when we were going through a rough time with the deaths of two close friends, he stood up at their memorial service (over 500 people) and presented a toy to the family. He and our friend Lee shared a love of Star Wars, so he remembered him by making a starship with mini figures on them and stated to the crowd “Lee loved Legos and Star Wars, so I made this for him.” No dry eyes.
Duncan loves sport, loves games . . (watch out, he may be a card shark when he grows up) He likes to win, but is a good sport when he doesn’t. He loves to practice football/soccer. He is my only competitive kid, but he has a sense of sportsmanship, he cheers for his teammates and has a “we’ll get ’em next time” attitude. He really loves games of skill.
Duncan loves school. He works hard, loves hearing his teachers praise, and proudly brings things home to post on the refrigerator! He loves art, he makes pictures for everyone. He loves to build complicated things our of Lego, and he has had amazing gingerbread houses! He helps around the house without being asked. He is he first to step up when someone needs help or a favor. He saves his pennies. he came up with the idea of a tattoo for my Christmas present. What a superstar.
Duncan is our very own George Bailey. He does the right thing. He works hard, he cares about other people, and everyone adores him.
after winning the first round of our S.H.E.E.P. game . . he won a flapjack!
he practiced and practiced . . .was riding a 2 wheeled bike with no training wheels by the time he was 4.
As for his giving. In 2010 Alex an I went to South Africa. We came home talking about a cheetah rescue operation we saw there, he saw the photos of us petting a cheetah, and meeting the Anatolian Shepherds they raise to protect livestock. He’s never really forgotten them. So that is why he chose Cheetah Outreach (http://www.cheetah.co.za/) . Giving is a bit tricky there, as you have to actually fill out a form, or call them. But, it is what he wanted to support. He loves that cheetahs are the fastest land mammals, that he can help save them from trapping. He loves dogs and the fact that Cheetah Outreach uses the dogs to protect the cheetahs (although indirectly) is brilliant.
Duncan is a love. Pick him for your team, you won’t be disappointed.
The Road to Springer Mountain 