For the love of a child

I had the unrivaled privilege of attending a fundraising dinner last night for the 12-year-old son of my friend Harry Alexander. Grant Alexander has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an especially cruel form of the disease that limits the life expectancy of those afflicted to, on average, 17 years. Harry and his wife Terri have dedicated themselves to doing all they can to find a cure. Harry, a PGA club professional, has hosted a charity golf tournament each of the last four years. The dinner last night was the second annual.

I'm the parent of a child with a disability, though it's nothing compared with what Harry and Terri deal with. Here's what you learn; here's what's "good'' about it:

The power of compassion. The magic of friendship. The perpetual cauldron of emotion that lets you know you're alive. Every day, every moment, is bittersweet and deeply realized. It's gratifying and humbling. Harry isn't good at asking for things, which makes him one of those people you just want to do things for. Each of these gatherings, dinner or golf tournament, stands as a testament to what we think of Harry. The ballroom at the Madison in Covington was packed last night. Thousands of dollars were raised.

Here's to you, my friend. Whatever you need...