Sorry, but your browser doesn't support Java.

Last updated August 15, 2009
Graphic by Cindy Arnold

Riding 'Blossom', August 7, 1998, Mercer/Grove City KOA, PA

Ryan's second year went rather well.  Even riding 'Blossom' as seen in the picture above, he had lots of fun ... for a while anyway!  He's certainly a fun-loving little guy, and still loves chewing on Mommy's hair.  Full of character, always surprising us with new looks and mannerisms, loving in a very deep way.  He's just a gem.

Storybook Gardens, London, Ontario, August 28, 2998

He's become quite the climber, too!  Moreso than the other kids, he's able to climb almost anything.  Yesterday, he was on his way to the top of the entertainment center!  He climbed to the top of the stairs before he could walk, can get to the top of the ladder to Aaron's bunk bed in no time, and will climb people if given the chance!   He did see the IMAX "Everest" film in St. Louis, but fortunately, hasn't shown any interest in that yet!

Front Royal KOA, Front Royal, VA, August 5, 1998

Toward the end of 1998 though, his health went downhill.  In November he experienced 3 TIA's, or small strokes.  After that he experienced more events, which the neurologists are attributing to post-stroke siezures.  Just prior to Thanksgiving, he spent 9 days at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they determined that he has some type of clotting disorder.  A clot somewhere may be breaking apart, with the pieces ending up in his brain.  When it occurs, his entire left side shuts down from head to toe for up to five minutes.   After that, he acts as though nothing happened.  He's now on Coumadin, and we're monitoring his progress.

Meanwhile, he just keeps strutting along.  Please keep this little treasure of ours in your prayers.

December 7, 1998