BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is

Subject: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 07:58 PM

Geeziz the time does pass quickly. I'd been on the 'Cat only a couple of years back in 2000 and Karen and I worried over whether Tristan at age 8 with many delays, MRDD, and autistic spectrum disorders, would ever ride a bike when Gervase volunteered to acquire a set we could only find in England. I had put a request for help on the 'Cat and Gervase had things happening in less than an hour! It was one more thing that in those early days proved what a special place this really was. Tristan surprised us as he often does and his bike became his best friend! Here's what he looked like back then............

Age 8 on his bike

But this thread is really about his birthday which is today, February 4.....and much to our amazement, he's 16! Karen and I talked about it all morning as we gathered things to go to his Special Ed class for a birthday surprise. Below are some other pics of him now......

Here unsure of both Bill D. AND his Old Man
Photo 160 and 161 in grocery line (with his class out and about) and #181 at his desk

Folks I just can't believe he's 16...............Karen and I couldn't be any prouder of him, He's gotten a load of life skills, can read over 200 sight words, writes out his vital information, does basic arithmetic, tells time (the old way) to 5 minute intervals......and just a million other wonderful things we feared he would never do. We worry about the day in the future when we'll both be gone but he's into a job program at school and will be going through other programs as he gets older. He starts in the laundry at the local hospital part time this month.

No words can express how Karen and I feel about him...........he's pretty amazing though and we can only hope that he continues and is as happy forever as he has always been. He has certainly taught us what "happy" really means...........

Thanks for listening and thanks to all of you that have shown such interest in Tris and help over the years, his Mudcat Aunts and Uncles......

Karen and I love you all.

Spaw, aka Tristan's Dad (even better)

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:07 PM

Happy Birthday, Tris!!! Love that smile!!

Pat & Karen, ya did good!

luvyakat & myRog (I can't believe he's sixteen!)

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:07 PM

Trying to imagine being sixteen and having Spaw as a Dad...
he's a cutie, Karen and Pat. I have Tris and Michael's pictures on my refrigerator and think of them and you every day.

My favorite Tris story is about how he charmed the construction workers into giving him a uniform and a job.

He's grown into a handsome young man. Not surprised to see him at the game table with the ladies.

Happy Birthday, Tris!

Love,
Auntie SINS.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:10 PM

Happy 16th Tris!! And be patient with the your old Dad, ok? He's been a lot of help in the past, but as time goes by, he'll need more and more of YOUR help!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Hawker
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:15 PM

Well done Spaw & Karen! You did your son proud, and now you can be proud of all that he has achieved. Lovely photos, Happy Birthday Tris, My eldest is 17 next week and had her own hurdles to leap. She has come through and made us very proud too, its a great feeling isn't it. Enjoy!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Sorcha
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:26 PM

Happy Birthday, Tris....I'm so old I remember the training wheels story! Hard to believe that our oldest was 29 last week....and the 'baby' is 23 now.

Pat, you oughta be proud! He'll be just fine.

Sorch

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Bill D
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 08:54 PM

As someone fortunate enough to have met him, I can say he's quite a kid! He's a 'bit' shy at first, but always happy to talk about his dog, varieties of trucks, and many other neat things.
   I could easily appreciate why he's such a joy to Pat & Karen. He'll have a pretty good life, no matter what exact direction it takes.

Pat...and Karen...I'm so glad we got to meet you all, even for such a short couple of hours. We'll be watching for news of more progress.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 09:00 PM

Amazing! And wonderful.

Mudcat can function now and then as a supportive community. It's nice to see the evidence.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 09:55 PM

Of course the kids age in exactly the same proportion as their old man's ass gets baggy and he joins the "trust no fart" crowd-- and come to think if it, THAT explains why Spaw suddenly cut back on his Mud-Bombs!

Eeeew. But that IS what it costs to get a kid safely to their 16th. Now, what it takes to get 'em graduated and not in jail, that is aNOTHer story-- you'll have to wait for that one.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 10:03 PM

Also, wasn't it just last week that they said of SPAW: "He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is"

And he wasn't (in maturity)? And now he's the wise old man of the Cat. Of course he always was.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 10:08 PM

I have one who is creeping up on 16--next month. Oy! He's expecting cash--it blew him away when his sister got cash when she turned 16. Better start saving. (He'll use it for guitar stuff--I'm not worried about that!)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 10:10 PM

Happy Birthday, Tris! I love success stories!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Amos
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 11:31 PM

Well done, Tris!

Congratulations, Pat, Karen and Tris, too!

Well done, the lot of ya!


A

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 03:16 AM

Birthday greetings to Tris & congratulations to you all.

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Megan L
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 03:26 AM

Happy birthday Tris life is an adventure go live it :)

awra best Dauvitt and his Meg

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 04:54 AM

((((Spaw and Mrs Spaw and Tris))))

Have a happy birthday boy,

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: The PA
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 05:03 AM

I dont know you, only through this place, but took a look at your pics.
Our lad is 18 in September, and has no 'problems' for want of a better word.
Your boy looks wonderful, you've made me feel very priviledged and extremely humble.

Good luck and good wishes to you all for the future.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 05:23 AM

Happy Birthday!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Morticia
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 06:07 AM

My but he's grown up to be a handsome young man! Congrats on being 16 and congrats to Pat and Karen for helping him to get there

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: gnu
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 06:22 AM

Happy Birthday Tristan!! I hope you have a great day.

Give your Mom and Dad a big hug for me eh!

Gary

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Tinker
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 07:45 AM

Damn .... it wasn't that long ago I was taking Cub Scout ideas from you.... It's really great when you wake up and realize you've helped a person with independant skills emerge. congradulations....


tink

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 08:16 AM

HMMMMM Bet he doesn't have to stack the chairs anymore to get to the train clock and set it for midnight.

WHOOOOO! WHOOOOOO!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: jacqui.c
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 08:23 AM

He really is a good looking boy and, from what I've read, blessed with a terrific personality as well.

Many happy returns Tristan (I love that name).

Live long and die happy.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Mrrzy
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 08:52 AM

Marvy! I have hope for mine, now!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 08:53 AM

Hey, Tris. Happy Birthday. Try to keep yer old man in line.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Wesley S
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 09:51 AM

As someone told us about parenthood - Every day is an eternity and the years just fly by. Congrats to the birthday boy. Does he still listen to bluegrass - or has he turned into a rock and roll punk?

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Alice
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 10:36 AM

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRISTAN!

What a good looking young man!!!

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 10:38 AM

I hope Gervase still stops in now and then. He'd love to see this, I'll bet.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Morticia
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 10:55 AM

I'll try to give him a heads up

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 01:09 PM

Thanks Terri, that'd be great as I know he rarely shows up anymore(:<((

Many thanks to all of you for all the posts as well as all your support over the years. We're going to sit down here after supper and read through the thread which he'll enjoy and I'll add a few more comments and his as well.

What a great place!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 01:15 PM

Be sure to show him the JCB song thingie I sent, Pat. I think he will like it.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Beer
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 01:52 PM

Sorry for being a little late. Thanks Spaw for the up date and a very very happy birthday to you TRISTAN
Adrien from Quebec Canada

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: jeffp
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 02:01 PM

I remember the bicycle. Has it really been that long? Unbelieveable.

Happy Birthday, Tristan!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 03:07 PM

knocks me out to see how he has grown. Happy birthday to him, and congrats for raising him. Spaw, it has been inspirational to watch you cope with the ups and downs.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 03:18 PM

I had been unaware till now. Well done both Karen and you, and many happy returns for Tris, with you there to share his future achievements.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Gervase
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 04:30 PM

Blimey, I've come over all emotional. Is it really eight years? Heck, we've all passed a lot of water since then. But well done all of you - but particularly Tris. I know there have been downs as well as ups, but he's turned out to be a fine guy and an absolute credit to the pair of you and the huge hearts you both have.
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY Tristan!!!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 04:32 PM

Ya did good, Mortee! Dragged him in here. Halloooo...Gervase!!

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 09:22 PM

Great you made it Gervase......You are missed around here you know........

Tris and I went through the messages and kat's video (loved it, "hey Dad.....BACKHOE!") and I told him something about each of you, some he knows quite well of course. And yes Sins, he can reach the clock but it no longer has hands or batteries! I HAVE them just as I have another ENTIRE clock in the garage but if you think I'm ever cranking one of them up again you got another think comin'.........

And yes Wesley, he still loves Bluegrass. He can easily fing the BG channel on TV out of the all those numbers. Many nights we have fallen asleep watching a show and I wake to either Cops or Bluegrass. Some day I'll get even with you Wes............

This has been great Friends and you know we appreciate each and every one of you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 12:30 AM

Ah...love ya right back....all o'youse....Michael, too.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Bobert
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 09:24 AM

Well, Tristan, I'm so far back in the holler that even TV is a day behind so...

...a Happy belated Birthday wish to ya', youngin'...

Tell yer folks they done good, okay... It will make them all warm and fuzzy and maybe they'll ge you something cool fir yer bike or if yer beyond the bike maybe a poster of a hot chick fir yer room???

Yer Hillbilly Uncle Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Wesley S
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 10:08 AM

I dunno Kat - Love is a strong word. I get a nice warm wet feeling when I think of Spaw. Like I just sat in something - fresh.

But Tristan ROCKS. Onward and upward kid.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: dwditty
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 09:35 AM

Yep, Spaw, you and Karen have got yourselves a genuine hero on your hands....but we have known that for a long time, haven't we? Happy Birthday, Tris.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: skipy
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 04:00 PM

Tommorrow thomas, our eldest is to the day the age that I was when I picked up my suitcase & joined the Royal Air Force, 10 days short of 16!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Donuel
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 09:01 PM

Wow

Autistic spectrum people are amazing. At age 6 Robert could not talk, then the next day he did (right after he hit his head severely on the bookcase). At age 10 he could not ride a bike then the next day he did.

My idea is that they have so much redundency in their neurons that once a few extra neurons that caused confusion are reabsorbed, the activity that presented difficulty suddenly becomes unencumbered.

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 12:17 AM

Tristan, someone in ALASKA is wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Celebrate all year! I hope you find joy every single day of this year!!

Best to your mom and dad, too!

KT

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 01:03 AM

skipy, happy birthday to your Thomas, too! YOu were pretty bold then, eh?!

Wesley...ewww!**bg**

Subject: RE: BS: He Just Can't Be 16.......but he is
From: Mooh
Date: 08 Feb 08 - 06:39 AM

As usual, I'm late for the party, but happy happy happy birthday just the same!

My youngest is 16, and eldest is 20. They've both been wonderful at every age. The bride and I have been lucky as parents.

Spaw, you're obviously doing a lot of things right. Good on ya!

Peace, Mooh.