Tristan's Tribute

My little boy is a hero to me. He's strong, smart and funny. Tristan is only 5 but I think he's taught me more then I ever thought I could learn from someone so small. He makes me laugh when tears seem like the only option. He's got an inner strength that melts my heart and a radiant spirit. Tristan doesn't talk much but he expresses himself more then most people realize. He laughs for what seems like no reason at all, maybe just because laughter feels good, it heals the soul. He's healed mine.
When Tristan was between 6 and 8 months old he began having severe seizures. The story is as long as the road to success has been. But he's doing terrific now. The Ketogenic diet has saved his life, given him a higher quality of life that continually improves. 3 years ago I couldn't imagine him going to school. All he would do was sit, bent in half in his own little world. The poor guy didn't care to communicate and would yell at anyone who tried to make contact with him. Through this I learned a lot about the world inside of each of us and how important it is. I also learned how very important balance between the inner world and the outer world is. Now days, Tristan follows visitors through the house talking and giggling with his arms open for hugs. He retreats into his inner world for short periods of time. Every day I see more of the little boy I knew was trapped in his mind by medications. Medications that were well intended to control his seizures, they never worked. He's been set free, his progress, enthusiasm and potential are astounding.
I have no idea what I would do without Tristan in my life. His first name Tristan means "sorrowful" his middle name, "Patrick" means "nobleman". Tristan has shown me there's nothing sorrowful about being the best you can be, the way God intended. He has taken every challenge, every bad day and shown me there's no need for sorrow. Sorrow takes up more time then determination does. My dad spent a lot of time teaching me this as well, but I didn't get it until God gave me my little boy. A blessing. He takes everything in his stride. He is a noble child with high expectations of himself. The way nothing slows him down shows me only a little bit of his shear determination. His drive and will are admirable. When I look in his eyes I know that I couldn't have come through the things he has in good shape. Yet some how, he's come through, in better shape then ever. With so much concentration on Tristan, Dr. appointments and missed visits to the park I worried that Katie felt left out or that somehow I was cheating her out of something. One day in a Dr. office waiting room out of nowhere, Tristan said, "Love Katie." Katie heard him. She bounced up and down then ran across the room to me yelling what he'd said. She was so happy for him and proud. No, she's not missing out on anything. She knows she's lucky. And having her as a sister makes him lucky.
At the park this summer someone asked me, "What's wrong with your son?” My reply, "What's wrong with YOU?" A clerk at a local convenience store held Tristan, playing with him and talking to him, she was clearly enjoying his company. Before I left, she asked, "He's special isn't he?" I agreed. "He sure is." It wasn't until I was out the door and in my car when I realized that she'd innocently meant, "Special" as in different. I took no offence to this I'm honored to have him in my life. We're all different. Tristan is just gifted. Which makes every life he touches, gifted.
In preparing Tristan for kindergarten this year, we visited his Pediatrician. The Dr. himself didn't recognize Tristan because it was the first time Tristan had walked into the office under his own steam. The nurse who's known Tristan for around 2 1/2 years was so happy to see how great he's doing, she cried while she held him. Sometimes I wonder who's getting more out of this relationship, Tristan, or I. But in my heart and soul, I think it's a tie.

I colored these pictures for Tristan's room last year.

Painting is one of my hobbies, so I painted this Puppy for Tristan.

Tristan was 3 or 4 months old in this photo. Before his seizures began. Isn't he angelic!

Tristan is usually a blur in the more recent photos. He's just too busy to hold still!!

Tristan loves his recliner. He hangs out there most of the time.

Usually Tristan listens to soft rock music while sitting in his chair. At least once a day he falls asleep in it!!

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