Grandfathers and grandchildren always share a special connection. For this charming duo, their bond is strengthened by their surgical scars for the heart surgeries that they both had to go through.
Grandparents will always have a special bond with their grandkids. More than the bond that they have with their own children, grandparents have a special place in their hearts for the grandkids.
However, for the grandpa and grandson, they are not only bonded by their heart surgery scars, but they are also sharing the same heart surgery anniversary.
The photos of Jim Simpson and his grandson, James O'Leary were posted on Facebook and have been garnering attention from people online. The photos were taken by Lindsey Tatum.
The grandpa and grandson duo
In an interview with Good Morning America, the mother of James, Larkin O'Leary, shared the kind of special bong her father and her son have for each other.
Larkin said that ever since her son was born, the two have had some real connection, "James and his grandfather have an undeniable bond and their love for each other is palpable. His eyes light up when he sees his grandpa."
Larkin shared that he has been cherishing the photos of the grandpa and grandson showing off their heart surgery scars. For Larkin, it is a reminder of how important life is. She said, "Both my son and dad have taught me just how precious life truly is."
Aside from this, Larkin shared that it also meant survival and strength for her, "Because there was a point in time when I didn't know if my dad or son would live."
Larkin added, "The photos are also important because they capture the beginning of the roller coaster of a life we now have."
The surgeries
There were no reports explaining why the grandpa and the grandson specifically had their heart surgeries.
Good Morning America, in their article about the grandpa and grandson duo, said that James already had 28 surgeries since the day he was born. Something that made Larkin a stronger person. That is also the reason why she founded the organization, Common Ground Society.
The same group shared the photos of the grandpa and grandson.
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The heartwarming photos
In the photos shared by Common Ground Society, the grandpa and grandson are seen smiling at each other. The Facebook page shared that the two had heart surgeries on the same day, eight years apart.
Some of those who commented on the photos noticed the smile of the two. One netizen said, "So special. James has literally the best smile ever!!!"
Another Facebook user said, "They are so sweet together."