Ugly

Ugly
by Robert Hoge

Robert Hoge was born with a giant tumor on his forehead and legs that were dis-formed.  This was in the 1970s and his parents were not expecting their child to come out like that.  This was not their first child, so they were shocked.

The mother struggled with if she wanted to take this baby home or not, or what would be the best for the whole family.  What a shock this would have been to be there delivering your baby, not expecting multiple deformities. The doctors were telling her to just leave the baby in a home, that would be the best for the rest of her family.  To just forget this child.  

But that is not what the family does.  After a short time, and discussing it with her entire family, both husband and other children, they all decide as a family to bring Robert home.  He looks different, but he is loved.  

Robert goes though multiple surgeries to remove the tumor, and then surgeries to try to fix his face.  And then there are surgeries on his legs.  

 And Robert is so positive about his life.  Just because he looks different people might treat him different, or even as a child make fun of him.  Or assume that something is wrong with him mentally, when no he's all there.

Very inspiring.  His life could have been a lot different had his family not brought him home.  Or he could have been bitter about the hand he was dealt, but he doesn't seem to be bitter at all.  He seems happy.