Dean

I’ve been in Bangkok for work since May 30th and loving my stay here. It’s been five years since my last visit. I’ve missed my friend Joey so much, I decided to extended two more days.
Today Joey took me out for major shopping. Tell you all about it later, but first, I want you to meet Dean.
Joey took me to Gaysorn, to a store called GGUB, which sells one-of-a-kind hand-painted bags and accessories made from recycled T-shirts.
As I was browsing through the store, I saw this little boy who had just woken up from his nap, still holding his blanket.

“Hello!” I called him and dropped to my knees. He didn’t talk. He was so tiny, only 1.5 years old.
He came to me and I picked him up and smelled him. He smelled like heaven.
Through my Thai friend Joey, I spoke to the mom who said Dean was her only child. She had a problem conceiving and had him when she was 40. Dean’s mom works in the store. I asked her if it was OK to take his picture. Luckily she said yes.

I can’t tell you how much I felt for this child. It was an Angelina Jolie moment. I really wanted to take him home, and I’m sure all my boys would love him. But he’s not for sale.

It was like meeting Christian for the first time, like my heart jumped. I was full of emotion. Maybe I knew him in a past life. I never do this with strangers. I took pictures of us.

I’m so happy. I’m so in love. I cannot tell you how much.
He was really fascinated with my camera.

If it were up to me, Dean would be my fourth child. But I had to leave him with his mommy who loves him.

When will I see you again? When will I smell you? I want to come back and show him to Jeroen.

• Tweet