Re: Off the subject again!

[Guest guest]

Hi Patty,

That was absolutly beautiful... Jon sounds like such a happy boy,

you must be so proud!

~Leah, mom to 10 and

Olivia 6, 22lbs, 36 " , RSS, OI

PS Olivia still talks about you and how fun you were while waiting

for Joe to take pictures last summer!

>

> The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

looked

> back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

all

> to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

but

> a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

>

> Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

stay

> awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

like

> I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

with

> him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> tears I shed for him and with him.

>

> However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

little

> brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

slide

> tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

now

> include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

still

> to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

common

> as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

the

> much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

>

> I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

this

> list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

those

> parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

future.

> Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> through what seems like overwhelming todays.

>

> Pattie Warren

> Jon Warren 11 years old

>

[Guest guest]

>I have recently for this group in order to get more help for my

baby Lily.I have just read your text and it has made me cry.The

strss we feel and have felt for the last 12months is overwelming and

I am sad that I am wishing our lives away til we are at that stage

where you are. You have help me look at my child and feel more

hopeful for her future.

> The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

looked

> back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

all

> to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

but

> a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

>

> Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

stay

> awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

like

> I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

with

> him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> tears I shed for him and with him.

>

> However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

little

> brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

slide

> tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

now

> include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

still

> to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

common

> as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

the

> much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

>

> I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

this

> list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

those

> parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

future.

> Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> through what seems like overwhelming todays.

>

> Pattie Warren

> Jon Warren 11 years old

>

[Guest guest]

Pattie

What a wonderful tribute. I still remember meeting Jon at our first convention!

I sure hope these moments of reflection are recorded somewhere for the future. I

have a book (well bookS now!!) that contain my " talks " with both my kids from

pregnancy onwards. Someday they will get these books as a loving gift from me.

You have such a poetic way with words, your prose would make a special gift as

well!

Happy Birthday to Jon!

Debby

Off the subject again!

The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I looked

back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you all

to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child but

a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to stay

awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much like

I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared with

him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

tears I shed for him and with him.

However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his little

brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to slide

tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison now

include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are still

to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as common

as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced the

much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on this

list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially those

parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the future.

Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

through what seems like overwhelming todays.

Pattie Warren

Jon Warren 11 years old

[Guest guest]

Wow, there will be many tears shed today! What an inspiration, thank you for

sharing such a heartfelt message. Beautiful.

pswmjp wrote:

The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I looked

back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you all

to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child but

a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to stay

awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much like

I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared with

him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

tears I shed for him and with him.

However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his little

brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to slide

tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison now

include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are still

to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as common

as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced the

much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on this

list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially those

parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the future.

Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

through what seems like overwhelming todays.

Pattie Warren

Jon Warren 11 years old

[Guest guest]

Pattie,

That was beautiful and it totally made me cry! I mean, CRY! You are

great with words and Jon is very lucky to have you. I also remember

meeting you and Jon and his brother our very first New York trip back

in October of 2003. You guys came in 's room after Jon's Dr.

H. visit and I can't tell you enough how much that meant to me. Jodi

Z. also came in and introduced herself, her husband, and Max. It was

great being able to meet you guys because I was able to see waht

older RSS children where like and it reassured me to see that your

kids were doing so well. And, it seems like Jon is growing up and

happy and that you are happy with how things are going and how things

have turned out. I admire you and thank you for sharing such

personal feelings with us. You are right, it helps us parents of

younger children to see light at the end of the tunnel. It is just

hard right now. It is hard seeing your child go through so much.

Thanks for sharing that wonderful post with us!

JR

>

> The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

looked

> back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

all

> to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

but

> a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

>

> Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to stay

> awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

like

> I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared with

> him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> tears I shed for him and with him.

>

> However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

little

> brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to slide

> tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

now

> include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

still

> to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as common

> as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced the

> much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

>

> I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on this

> list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

those

> parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

future.

> Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> through what seems like overwhelming todays.

>

> Pattie Warren

> Jon Warren 11 years old

>

[Guest guest]

Leah,

I also have fond memories of time with Olivia. We did our best to

get Joe to laugh!

Pattie

> >

> > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

> looked

> > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

> all

> > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

> but

> > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

> >

> > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

> stay

> > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

> like

> > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

> with

> > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> > tears I shed for him and with him.

> >

> > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> little

> > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> > feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> slide

> > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

> now

> > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

> still

> > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> common

> > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

> the

> > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> >

> > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

> this

> > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

> those

> > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> future.

> > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> >

> > Pattie Warren

> > Jon Warren 11 years old

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Debby,

Thanks for the suggestion. I did copy my post to Word last night

and also found the one I wrote two years ago. I guess I should print

them out and place them in his baby book. That would be the book that

is totally empty because there was never time to put it together!

Pattie

>

> Pattie

> What a wonderful tribute. I still remember meeting Jon at our first

convention!

> I sure hope these moments of reflection are recorded somewhere for

the future. I have a book (well bookS now!!) that contain my " talks "

with both my kids from pregnancy onwards. Someday they will get these

books as a loving gift from me.

> You have such a poetic way with words, your prose would make a

special gift as well!

>

> Happy Birthday to Jon!

>

> Debby

>

> Off the subject again!

>

>

> The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I looked

> back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you all

> to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child but

> a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

>

> Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to stay

> awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much like

> I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared with

> him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> tears I shed for him and with him.

>

> However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his little

> brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to slide

> tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison now

> include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are still

> to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as common

> as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced the

> much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

>

> I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on this

> list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially those

> parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the future.

> Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> through what seems like overwhelming todays.

>

> Pattie Warren

> Jon Warren 11 years old

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Jayne,

I'm sure that you have found that this group of people offers much

more than you could have ever hoped for. Not only will you find

valuable information about caring for Lily but also support and love

for her and your family. I think we all wish our time away, even with

our kids who do not have RSS. Who hasn't said " I just wish they could

walk " or " I can't wait till they can feed themselves " or now my

favorite " Won't it be great when you can drive yourself! " It's

impossible to think right now that you will look back at this time

with both tears and great joy, but I promise you that you will. Feel

free to share your thoughts here, that no one around you seems to

understand. You will find acceptance and understanding from an

amazing group of people. Thanks for helping me to remember also!

Pattie

> >I have recently for this group in order to get more help for my

> baby Lily.I have just read your text and it has made me cry.The

> strss we feel and have felt for the last 12months is overwelming and

> I am sad that I am wishing our lives away til we are at that stage

> where you are. You have help me look at my child and feel more

> hopeful for her future.

>

>

>

>

>

> > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

> looked

> > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

> all

> > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

> but

> > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

> >

> > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

> stay

> > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

> like

> > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

> with

> > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> > tears I shed for him and with him.

> >

> > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> little

> > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> > feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> slide

> > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

> now

> > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

> still

> > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> common

> > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

> the

> > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> >

> > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

> this

> > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

> those

> > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> future.

> > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> >

> > Pattie Warren

> > Jon Warren 11 years old

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jodi,

I remember meeting in New York along with your wonderful

family. I have to say that sharing my feelings is easier now when

things are going good. I do feel very blessed getting to be part of

other Rss families' lives and having all of you in ours! Thanks

Pattie

> >

> > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

> looked

> > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

> all

> > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

> but

> > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

> >

> > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to stay

> > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

> like

> > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared with

> > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> > tears I shed for him and with him.

> >

> > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> little

> > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> > feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to slide

> > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

> now

> > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

> still

> > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as common

> > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced the

> > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> >

> > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on this

> > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

> those

> > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> future.

> > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> >

> > Pattie Warren

> > Jon Warren 11 years old

> >

>

[Guest guest]

i too as i read this cryed it was great.

thanks cara mom to jacob

pswmjp wrote:

The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I looked

back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you all

to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child but

a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to stay

awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much like

I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared with

him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

tears I shed for him and with him.

However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his little

brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to slide

tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison now

include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are still

to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as common

as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced the

much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on this

list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially those

parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the future.

Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

through what seems like overwhelming todays.

Pattie Warren

Jon Warren 11 years old

[Guest guest]

Pattie - wow. So well written. So beautiful. So wonderfully

insightful and meaningful. Thank you so much for your thoughts. I

just read this to my husband and he and I were at first at a loss

for words. First, Happy Birthday Jon!! Sounds like he is doing

fabulously. Your words are so hopeful and so appreciated. Thank

you for sharing them during a time that many of us - including

myself - could use a positive light for the future.

There are many days that I try to remind myself to make the

days " fun " for Ian. And, at night - I try to hold my boys for as

long as they let me (well, I have to leave Xander because he would

prefer I sleep with him! LOL) because I know that these moments of

childhood will be but a blip in our life - especially with all the

medical stuff that just seems to take over our " fun " .

Thank you again for sharing.

Our best to you and yours.

- H

>

> The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

looked

> back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

all

> to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

but

> a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

>

> Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

stay

> awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

like

> I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

with

> him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> tears I shed for him and with him.

>

> However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

little

> brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

slide

> tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

now

> include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

still

> to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

common

> as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

the

> much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

>

> I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

this

> list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

those

> parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

future.

> Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> through what seems like overwhelming todays.

>

> Pattie Warren

> Jon Warren 11 years old

>

[Guest guest]

,

You are so sweet. I remember when Jon was little and he would

always shock people when he answered their questions about his age,

they always thought he was too young to speak. It was really rather

funny.

Pattie

> > > >

> > > > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

> > > looked

> > > > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on

Jon's

> > > > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

> > > all

> > > > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child.

Well

> > > > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

> > > but

> > > > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

> > > >

> > > > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

> > > stay

> > > > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

> > > like

> > > > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

> > > with

> > > > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > > > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> > > > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > > > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some

brought

> > > > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> > > > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that

stores the

> > > > tears I shed for him and with him.

> > > >

> > > > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an

independent

> > > > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> > > little

> > > > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His

forced

> > > > feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants.

The

> > > > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> > > > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and

bumps

> > > > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> > > slide

> > > > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

> > > now

> > > > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time

Square

> > > > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

> > > still

> > > > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> > > common

> > > > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> > > > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

> > > the

> > > > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> > > >

> > > > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

> > > this

> > > > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and

we are

> > > > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

> > > those

> > > > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> > > future.

> > > > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> > > > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> > > > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> > > >

> > > > Pattie Warren

> > > > Jon Warren 11 years old

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks, I'm hoping some day he'll be big enough to hold me in my old

age!

Pattie

> > > >

> > > > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

> > > looked

> > > > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on

Jon's

> > > > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

> > > all

> > > > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child.

Well

> > > > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

> > > but

> > > > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

> > > >

> > > > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

> > > stay

> > > > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

> > > like

> > > > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

> > > with

> > > > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > > > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> > > > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > > > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some

brought

> > > > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> > > > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that

stores the

> > > > tears I shed for him and with him.

> > > >

> > > > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an

independent

> > > > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> > > little

> > > > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His

forced

> > > > feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants.

The

> > > > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> > > > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and

bumps

> > > > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> > > slide

> > > > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

> > > now

> > > > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time

Square

> > > > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

> > > still

> > > > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> > > common

> > > > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> > > > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

> > > the

> > > > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> > > >

> > > > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

> > > this

> > > > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and

we are

> > > > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

> > > those

> > > > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> > > future.

> > > > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> > > > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> > > > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> > > >

> > > > Pattie Warren

> > > > Jon Warren 11 years old

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I looked up the pictures of Ian and Xander the other day. I loved

the one of the boys making cookies, looks like they are happy and

doing well. It looks like you are doing a great job making life fun!

Pattie

> >

> > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up. I

> looked

> > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on Jon's

> > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put you

> all

> > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child. Well

> > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a child

> but

> > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday tribute:

> >

> > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried to

> stay

> > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms much

> like

> > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I shared

> with

> > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I tried to

> > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some brought

> > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem less

> > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that stores the

> > tears I shed for him and with him.

> >

> > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an independent

> > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> little

> > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His forced

> > feedings of old have changed into a love of great restaurants. The

> > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a little

> > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and bumps

> > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> slide

> > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr. Harbison

> now

> > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time Square

> > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes are

> still

> > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> common

> > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than the

> > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have replaced

> the

> > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> >

> > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you on

> this

> > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and we are

> > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week, especially

> those

> > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> future.

> > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than their

> > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry you

> > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> >

> > Pattie Warren

> > Jon Warren 11 years old

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Pattie - thanks. I try - there are some days - like this last week

actually that there was SO much to do, I don't get to " do " as much

with the boys as I would like. Today will be no different. But,

I'm planning on spending some quality one-on-one time with Xander

specifically tomorrow because he will miss me LOTS while I'm at the

hospital with Ian next week. And, he is such a sensitive child and

can't ever get enough of me sometimes, that he really needs this

quality time. Then on Sunday we will concentrate on lot's of fun as

a family as well. Gramma is coming on Monday - so, that will be

tons of fun for the boys. Ugh - poor Ian. He has no clue what is

happening to him. I'm going to have to explain it to him next week

before the G-tube surgery. I bought lot's of toys (75%off at Target -

yippee) - it will seem like Christmas all over again!

Anyway, like I said previously - your post was beautiful. Thank you

again.

- H

> > >

> > > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up.

I

> > looked

> > > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on

Jon's

> > > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put

you

> > all

> > > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child.

Well

> > > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a

child

> > but

> > > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday

tribute:

> > >

> > > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried

to

> > stay

> > > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms

much

> > like

> > > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I

shared

> > with

> > > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I

tried to

> > > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some

brought

> > > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem

less

> > > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that

stores the

> > > tears I shed for him and with him.

> > >

> > > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an

independent

> > > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> > little

> > > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His

forced

> > > feedings of old have changed into a love of great

restaurants. The

> > > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a

little

> > > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and

bumps

> > > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> > slide

> > > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr.

Harbison

> > now

> > > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time

Square

> > > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes

are

> > still

> > > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> > common

> > > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than

the

> > > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have

replaced

> > the

> > > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> > >

> > > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you

on

> > this

> > > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and

we are

> > > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week,

especially

> > those

> > > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> > future.

> > > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than

their

> > > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry

you

> > > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> > >

> > > Pattie Warren

> > > Jon Warren 11 years old

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

I hope you have a great time this weekend. I remember having the

same feelings you do, about my other child. My daughter Madison is 2

years older than Jon and I always felt that I missed about two years

of her life after Jon was born. It's tough but I believe there are

also great lessons that our other children learn. Children that grow

up in homes where either a parent or sibling is ill learn to be

compassionate and giving. They learn that life is not always perfect

and things can't always be about them. THey learn how important

family is and how it takes everyone to help out. And in their faith

they learn that they have to Trust that God knows what is best and

works out things in His way. These are all valuable lessons, ones

that many kids are never blessed enough to learn or experience.

As hard as it is for Xander, he is getting to experience something

that will shape his character for the rest of his life. I think our

kids also get to experience true love from their parents because we

see life so differently.

Have a great weekend and enjoy your time at the hospital if that's

possible!

Pattie

> > > >

> > > > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow up.

> I

> > > looked

> > > > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year on

> Jon's

> > > > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I put

> you

> > > all

> > > > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS child.

> Well

> > > > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer a

> child

> > > but

> > > > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday

> tribute:

> > > >

> > > > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he tried

> to

> > > stay

> > > > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my arms

> much

> > > like

> > > > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I

> shared

> > > with

> > > > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and what a

> > > > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I

> tried to

> > > > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing up.

> > > > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and some

> brought

> > > > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood seem

> less

> > > > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that

> stores the

> > > > tears I shed for him and with him.

> > > >

> > > > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an

> independent

> > > > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves his

> > > little

> > > > brother and shares his great personality with everyone. His

> forced

> > > > feedings of old have changed into a love of great

> restaurants. The

> > > > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is a

> little

> > > > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down and

> bumps

> > > > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer field to

> > > slide

> > > > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr.

> Harbison

> > > now

> > > > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in Time

> Square

> > > > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His clothes

> are

> > > still

> > > > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are as

> > > common

> > > > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more than

> the

> > > > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have

> replaced

> > > the

> > > > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> > > >

> > > > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of you

> on

> > > this

> > > > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives and

> we are

> > > > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week,

> especially

> > > those

> > > > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of the

> > > future.

> > > > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger " than

> their

> > > > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will carry

> you

> > > > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> > > >

> > > > Pattie Warren

> > > > Jon Warren 11 years old

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Pattie - you know, you are incredibly insightful and I so much enjoy

reading your responses. I very much like your thought process and

ability to find the positive in the circumstances we face. I see an

incredible amount of empathy in my 4 yr old - he is so gentle

usually will " Give In " to Ian and is compassionate beyond his

years. I pray the boys will both learn valuable lessons through

this entire process - I know I have myself and I will share those

another time.

Thanks again. Your writing is beautiful.

- H

> > > > >

> > > > > The pace of life gets faster and faster as our kids grow

up.

> > I

> > > > looked

> > > > > back to see what I had written on the list serve last year

on

> > Jon's

> > > > > birthday only to find out that it was two years ago that I

put

> > you

> > > > all

> > > > > to sleep with my sappy recollections of raising my RSS

child.

> > Well

> > > > > I'm back again but this time feeling that he is no longer

a

> > child

> > > > but

> > > > > a quickly maturing young man. So here goes my birthday

> > tribute:

> > > > >

> > > > > Jon who today turned 11 asked me to lay with him as he

tried

> > to

> > > > stay

> > > > > awake so his birthday would not end. I held him in my

arms

> > much

> > > > like

> > > > > I had done 11 years ago(except he's MUCH bigger now). I

> > shared

> > > > with

> > > > > him how excited I was to hold him that first night and

what a

> > > > > beautiful baby his was. Then much like every other mom I

> > tried to

> > > > > tell him of all the great memories I had of him growing

up.

> > > > > Unfortunately the memories were not all happy ones and

some

> > brought

> > > > > tears to my eyes. Although the details of his childhood

seem

> > less

> > > > > vivid to me now, there is still a place in my heart that

> > stores the

> > > > > tears I shed for him and with him.

> > > > >

> > > > > However, life is different now. Jon has grown to be an

> > independent

> > > > > pre-teen (his word, not mine)who enjoys his friends, loves

his

> > > > little

> > > > > brother and shares his great personality with everyone.

His

> > forced

> > > > > feedings of old have changed into a love of great

> > restaurants. The

> > > > > sweaty head of my infant is now covered with hair that is

a

> > little

> > > > > longer than his dad approves of. He no longer falls down

and

> > bumps

> > > > > his head, but runs with great speed across the soccer

field to

> > > > slide

> > > > > tackle boys twice his size. Trips to New York to see Dr.

> > Harbison

> > > > now

> > > > > include our favorite restaurants, ESPN Zone, staying in

Time

> > Square

> > > > > and catching at least one " fast-paced " musical. His

clothes

> > are

> > > > still

> > > > > to big on him but now " it's the style " . Nightly shots are

as

> > > > common

> > > > > as brushing his teeth (well maybe the shots happen more

than

> > the

> > > > > brushing). Comments of " Wow he's gotten so tall " have

> > replaced

> > > > the

> > > > > much heard of comment of " How old is he? " .

> > > > >

> > > > > I would not trade my last 11 years for anything. Many of

you

> > on

> > > > this

> > > > > list serve have contributed in so many ways to our lives

and

> > we are

> > > > > forever grateful. I hope that each of you this week,

> > especially

> > > > those

> > > > > parents with little ones will be able to get a glimpse of

the

> > > > future.

> > > > > Each of our children have the potential to be " bigger "

than

> > their

> > > > > circumstances. I pray that a vision of tommorrow will

carry

> > you

> > > > > through what seems like overwhelming todays.

> > > > >

> > > > > Pattie Warren

> > > > > Jon Warren 11 years old

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>