Azriel Posted February 11, 2005 Posted February 11, 2005 On February 12, 2003, Tristan Conner Jacob, 6 1/2 years old, passed from this earth. He was my Godson. My sweet boy. My inspiration. For those of you who have been around PM for awhile, you remember Tristan. His face graces the picture of me in our Yahoo Group. His sister, is also my Goddaughter. For those of you who don't remember Tristan, let me take a moment to paint you the portrait of this amazing little boys life. Tristan was a healthy little boy. Born 5 weeks premature, he did suffer from a bit of a developmental delay. This was an obstacle, but not insurmountable. His smile was sweet, and while he was prone to fits of temper, he was a joyous child. When Tristan was 2 1/2 years old, he contracted enchephalitis(sp) from an unknown origin. His grandmother also contracted the illness, though not as severe. Quite plainly, one day he just wouldn't wake up. Tristan slipped into a coma that lasted 6 weeks. The doctors were never able to pinpoint what caused the enchephalitis, although it was something akin to West Nile. Three days into the coma, Tristan's sister, Bethany was born. While her brother was being Survival Flighted to U of M Hospital, little Bethany was seeing the world for the first time. Fighter that we was, he shocked every doctor by pulling out of the coma. Everytime a doct warned that Tristan may not make it over an obstacle he did. When Tristan was released from the hospital he was just a few months shy of his 3 birthday. He was considered at a "gestational age" - meaning, he could not even hold his head up. Over the ensuing three years, Tristan progressed dramatically ... while never the same, he relearned so much. The encephalitis affected his middle brain and brain stem, and it was difficult to determine how much Tristan would regain. At 6 1/2, right around Christmas time, Tristan began to develop self-abusive behavior...such as gagging himself. This is quite common in patients with a Brain Injury. Neurologically something was wrong. Unfortunately, the docts could not find the cause, and on Feb 12, 2003, Tristan passed away peacefully in his sleep. I cannot begin to express the impact this little boy had on the people in his life. His therapists, friends, family and anyone he smiled at, could not help but feel an immense joy in this little boy who didn't know how to give up. He was here to show us a love. Love that has no boundaries. This, I truly believe. In an effort to help Tristan in his progress, we held many fundraisers, and I was the proud administrator of his Rehab fund. I was able to meet so many people that Tristan touched in some way or another, and I was able to see the capacity that us mere humans have for love...love of someone that isn't family ... or even necessarily a friend. Tristan was a light in my life. He was my sweet boy. He will never be forgotten. Tristan taught me more about life and love in his 6 short years than people much much older. So, for my Tristan-man. I love you. I will always love you. And I know that you are where God intended for you to be. Home. Running free. God bless you my pham for listening, and if you could spare a prayer for T's family, I would be eternally grateful.
IcePrincessKRS Posted February 11, 2005 Posted February 11, 2005 (edited) Azzie, I'm all teary eyed and nearly crying. I know T's story, I remeber reading about him way back when I first joined the phamily, but it still hits me "right there." I can only imagine how you felt as you typed. I've prayed for T's family throughout all their struggles and will continue to do so. And for you. :wub: :group: Edited February 11, 2005 by IcePrincessKRS
Kilroy the Ninja Posted February 11, 2005 Posted February 11, 2005 [quote name='IcePrincessKRS' date='Feb 11 2005, 12:09 AM'] Azzie, I'm all teary eyed and nearly crying. I know T's story, I remeber reading about him way back when I first joined the phamily, but it still hits me "right there." I can only imagine how you felt as you typed. I've prayed for T's family throughout all their struggles and will continue to do so. And for you. :wub: :group: [/quote] Ditto. Well said.
Lil Red Posted February 11, 2005 Posted February 11, 2005 same here :hearts: :group: :hearts: hugs and prayers are continued for you and your whole family.
Azriel Posted February 11, 2005 Author Posted February 11, 2005 Thanks lil. It saddens me, it really does ... and this may seem selfish ... but the dweeb polls have more views and responses. :sigh: not that the polls don't have their place, I was just hoping T's story may be inspirational to some more people. Thanks again to my pham for your prayers.
Sojourner Posted February 11, 2005 Posted February 11, 2005 Az ... this is really beautiful. Thanks for posting it. :group:
Azriel Posted February 13, 2005 Author Posted February 13, 2005 This so saddens me. Maybe its time to take a break.
God Conquers Posted February 14, 2005 Posted February 14, 2005 Az, I'll always remember that story. It is incredible because it highlights how much God works through EVERYONE. And how such a special young man can make such a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for reminding us. God Bless, Matt
Azriel Posted February 14, 2005 Author Posted February 14, 2005 [quote name='God Conquers' date='Feb 14 2005, 10:17 AM'] Az, I'll always remember that story. It is incredible because it highlights how much God works through EVERYONE. And how such a special young man can make such a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for reminding us. God Bless, Matt [/quote] Thanks.... Your words really made my morning. Love to all the pham. :hearts:
Lil Red Posted February 22, 2005 Posted February 22, 2005 [quote name='God Conquers' date='Feb 14 2005, 08:17 AM'] Az, I'll always remember that story. It is incredible because it highlights how much God works through EVERYONE. And how such a special young man can make such a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for reminding us. [/quote] amen. -_-
littleflower+JMJ Posted February 22, 2005 Posted February 22, 2005 [quote name='Azriel' date='Feb 11 2005, 12:47 PM'] Thanks lil. It saddens me, it really does ... and this may seem selfish ... but the dweeb polls have more views and responses. :sigh: not that the polls don't have their place, I was just hoping T's story may be inspirational to some more people. Thanks again to my pham for your prayers. [/quote] T's story always inspired me and i feel i somehow knew him :wub: he effected me so..... thanks for always sharing him with us Azriel.........he was, and still is, someone very, very special :wub: :hearts: :group:
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