Sy Devin is my four-year-old grandson. He is the son of Ann, my daughter, and Stephen Harbeson of Carriere, Miss. Stephen’s parents are Glenda and Gary Wayne Harbeson, also who live in Carriere. Ann is my daughter by Dianne Gibson Farrell. Dianne’s mother and father were Jesse and Henry Gibson.

His birthday was Nov. 19, but the party was held on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The party was held at Glenda’s home in Carriere. All the relatives and friends were there, and Sy Devin kept telling me all week that he was “expecting a big pile of presents.” My, how kids today are spoiled. But we do it to them. Big deal. You only live once.

First, Sy Devin sees his daddy. His daddy, Stephen, works off-shore and is gone a lot. His dad works hard, long hours. He comes to the birthday party and Sy Devin runs and jumps up in his arms. “You love your daddy, don’t you?” I ask Sy. “Yes, Sir!” he replies.

There is all kinds of food available; hot dogs, two different types of salads and casseroles; Mexican dip. Great comfort food, and of course, all types of treats for the children.

Here is a list of those attending: Jennifer Dore and daughters Ali and Anniston; mom-dad Ann and Stephen Harbeson; Sy’s paternal grandparents, Stephen’s mom and dad, Gary Wayne and Glenda Harbeson; Ann’s mom and dad and Sy’s maternal grandparents David and Dianne Farrell; Sy’s sister Natalie; Melissa Wise and daughter Heidi and mother Sharon Gibson Stockstill (Sharon is Dianne’s sister); Emma Craft and son Morgan; Michelle Leleux, Sy’s aunt, Stephen’s sister and her children and Sy’s cousins Lexi and Vince (Michelle is married to Eddie Leleux. Old-timers here will remember that Eddie’s father was the late Mike Leleux. Mike’s father owned the IGA Supermarket at one time.) Andy Farrell with son Tate and daughter Zoey. (Andy is Ann’s older brother.) Debra and daughter Sophie; and Trey, a friend of Stephen’s.

Sy Devin loves his daddy, Stephen.

I was lucky enough to get Sy Devin ready for his birthday party early that morning.

Here’s how it went:

“Sy,” said I, “Let’s get some of your new clothes to put on so you will look real pretty when you go to your birthday party this afternoon.”

“Okay, Paw Paw,” he replies.

This gets him to thinking about anything “new.”

“Do you have any new clothes, Paw Paw?” he asks me.

“No I don’t,” replies I, “I have old clothes that I send to the cleaners each week and get them pressed real neat so they will look new.”

I am sitting on the couch. He is standing up in front of me while I help him get his new clothes on. He is just high enough to spy the first part of the top of my head. He reaches his little hand up and rubs my hair, just above the forehead.

“Paw Paw, You need some new hair,” he says.

“I know, Sy,” I reply. “I need that and I need some new eyes, arms, legs and skin, and everything else.”

“Why do you need all that?” he asks.

“Well, you are a young whippersnapper, and when you get to be an old whippersnapper like me, Sy, you will understand,” I reply.

He is is quiet and contemplative, as we walk to the door.

“Paw Paw.”

“Yes, Sy.”

“What is a whooper-flapper?”

From left Sy Devin, Ali Dore' and Zoey Farrell watch as Sy points out the fine points of his cake.

(More to come and pictures)