Boy born blind paints picture of American flag for President Trump

WSB-TV ^ | September 2, 2019 | Berndt Petersen

[2ndDivisionVet]

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - 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.

age 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.

[Amberdawn]

Awesome and sweet story.

[Maudeen]

Thanks for sharing . . . we need to see more stories like this. I hope more news outlets will share.

[FES0844]

He’s got a good PawPaw. God bless them both.

[Bodega]

I have always wondered why we dont’see what disabled (in any way) people can create. If they are sighted they generally love color presented in any way shape or form. If they can hear they generally really like music. I wonder how many would become very creative if given a chance?
It is always a wonder to me how what we create is perceived. I am an artist and have used most of the tools available to people who communicate through their art. Now, due to a new disability, acrylic pours is exciting to me. I can pour beautiful pictures with color combinations that are thrilling though drawing is becoming a distant memory.
The definition of disability may have to change, too. The Elderly are often very disabled and not assisted to be creative in our current medical/öld folks homes” climate. There is no reason they should not be creating art, music, dance even if they have to have assistance.

I would love to hear a concert created wholy by Elders.

In reality it doesn’t even cost very much compared to other aspects of their care. Sigh.

[Sacajaweau]

I see a lot of Melania in the President's response.

That it was also in Braille was so thoughtful.

[Pathfinder]

Thank you so much for posting this.

So beautiful !

[Albion Wilde]

[Ancesthntr]

“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.

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If I was Trump, I would hang that print in the Oval Office, and talk about that young man, his love of country and his unwillingness to quit - often.

[simpson96]

Thanks for posting this wonderful story.

[Maudeen]

You are absolutely right. Create away with the gift that God has given you!