BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 10:39 AM

Emmy Lou Harris doll warbling "Dainty Davey" is a real possibility...

Have a friend visiting for Christmas and introduced her to my "Battery Operated Boyfriend". She was somewhat nervous about it until Mr. Wonderful offered to massage her feet. I too get toys that talk for Christmas.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:33 PM

The "D" batteries are for that, Mick. And if you had filled your promise I wouldn't need a battery operated boyfriend.

I am carefully casing the Christmas remnants in assorted stores to lock in next year's nuisance toy for Spaw at 1/2 price. Let the boys have their presents Spaw. Or I will send something worse!

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:36 PM

OOOOHHHHHH!!! .... NOW I GET IT ..... Shit, Sins, I thought all those batteries were for your ...... wait .....never mind ..... bad, Mick, very bad ......

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:10 AM

Well the reindeer arrived this morning and he's really a cute little guy.......until he opens his mouth. Actually he treats you to a verse of "Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer" and it could be worse! Much worse..................

For those of you wondering about this, Sinsull has some perverse need to send me things that include some kind of "action." There's the turkey for instance. He's a really neat looking "stuffed" turkey about a foot tall and sitting on a little platform. When you activate the bird, so to speak, he sings an incredibly raucous, bordering on cacophonic, rendition of "Turkey in the Straw." At the same time he's also vibrating and buzzing all over the place. He is the Thanksgiving Centerpiece from Hell.

And then there's the Lionel Trains Clock. I credit this particular little gem with cutting several years off my life. Imagine a wall clock with a little toy train on tracks around the outside. Every hour the train whistles and toots and runs around the outside matching it's circuits to the hours. Now all of that sounds pretty innocuous until you actually HEAR it! The decibel level of this thing would make a jackhammer operator stop and take notice. But even that isn't the problem. The real problem is the "surprise" factor. It seems that no matter how long you have it, you never get used to it and when the hour arrives and you're sitting peacefully, this damn thing goes batshit and you leap 6 foot in the air.......and your heart stops.   I have one hanging behind me right now and I will kill anyone who puts a battery in the son of a bitch! My kids got great laughs by sneaking in behind me and advancing the hands up an hour right after I had just gotten done swearing at the thing from the last hour.

On the other hand...........Thank you Dear Heart. Michael and Tris are anxious to open their presents but I'm sadistically making them wait.......Dad getting even for the clock tricks. I also assume the reindeer does not explode or fart or something after the tenth time.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 03:38 PM

***blush***.....thank you and thanks for being a part of our family as well.

No, the reindeer has not arrived and I am waiting in rapt anticipation (read:dread) of it's imminent appearance.....I'll let you know......................oy......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 10:13 AM

Did the reindeer arrive? Did the reindeer arrive? Did the reindeer arrive? Is he singing? Did he get there? Huh? HUH?

What kat and KT said. I feel as if your boys are part of my own family. HMMMM, that's a bit of a backhanded compliment. I mean that I like them.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:57 AM

Could be, KT, except we quit using tinsel years ago due to the danger to the less intelligent cats we had at the time.:-) It'd be a treat having him do that and having to put the darn stuff on, though! I used to just fling it on and of course mom always wanted it put on carefully, one strand at a time!:-)

I meant what I said, Pat. Having you and Karen in my life and your sharing of the boys is a privilege and I cherish it.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 05:24 AM

It's funny, I can see so much of Limpit in some of these stories.... She's been bugging me daily about getting her tree out of the loft (which Manitas has just put his foot through.....!) and has been dancing about dressed as a Christmas fairy since about 8 yesterday morning....

Spaw, you have two incredible boys, give them both a special big hug from the UK.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: GUEST,KT, not logged in
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 03:00 AM

giggle. ....kat, it could be worse. He could be doing that with the tinsel!!

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 09:50 PM

Thanks for the continuing smiles, Spaw and everyone else, too. Our one year old grandson, Morgan, is enchanted with the tree and very much into *helping.* He takes the ornaments he can reach off of the tree and brings them to us, then expects us to put them back on, within reach...so much fun to continually redecorate the tree!:-)

Spaw, I'd love to see those pix, too, when you get your camera fixed, but esp. Michael's artwork. I know he and Tris are remarkable young men, but that's a BIG reflection of what remarkable parents you and Karen are, too.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:34 PM

Did the reindeer arrive yet? Did the reindeer arrive yet? Did the reindeer arrive yet????? Is he singing? Long and loud? Did the reindeer arrive yet?

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: GUEST,Spaw's Secret Santa
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:54 PM

Can you guess what you're getting for Christmas?
No
can you guess what you're getting for Christmas?
No
Can you guess what you're getting for Christmas?
No
Can you guess what you're getting for Christmas?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Well you'll just have to wait a bit Spaw
Love to you and yours
Spaw's SS

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 11:15 AM

Tell Michael that my brother did the exact same thing. He told Aunt Jen that her Christmas present was a secret but you wear it on your ears. Aw geez, John...

Come to think of it my nephew Tom told my mother that her present was a secret but it went 'round and 'round and played music if you wound it up.

Aw geez Tom....

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: MMario
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 07:22 AM

This is better then Springtime in Guam!

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: KT
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 02:13 AM

*grin*

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 12:59 AM

Regarding photos.....My digital, a Nikon no less, quit and I am trying to get it fixed so nothing at the moment but I'll scan in some things somewhere on Michaels art as soon as I can.....and thanks for asking!

Thank you all too for the great response to this thread. He was so excited tonight to goout Christmas shopping with Mom and Michael to get Dad his Christmas presents. I picked them up outside a store and he leapt into the van happily yelling, "Daddy, we got you pants!" Michael had a cow and told him he wasn't supposed to tell then sat down with a sound of exasperation as he strapped in saying, "Aw geez Tris......."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 08:07 PM

..............oh no.................................

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 05:16 PM

And the littlest reindeer winds his way westward in hopes of brightening the Pattersons' holiday. Ho Ho Ho? Oh No! He sings...

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Joybell
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 05:44 PM

Thank you Spaw. Christmas with a special joyous little boy we once had was like that. The memories are very welcome and happy.
Hope your Christmas is wonderful. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Metchosin
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 01:06 PM

Thank you Spaw and a very Merry Christmas to all indeed.

Susan

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 12:52 PM

WE WANT PICS OF STUFF!!!! Tris in his work clothes, scans of Michael's art......come on here!!!

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 12:15 PM

Thanks Spaw,
In our house it is 8 year old Robert that craves an order in our routine. I don't have much order to give except for little things.
There doesn't seem to be anything as joyous as setting up an adventure for the kids to look forward to.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 11:55 AM

The "Talented Michael" is progressing along on all fronts. He has quite a few girlfriends which move in and out of his life in a bit of a rotating fashion as well as one that is his friend whether she's a girl of not.....they're budddies and although Katie sometimes is a "girlfriend" she is always a friend. She takes no crap off of him as do the others whom he will "put on" with great glee. He told one girl he was ADD and needed meds regularly and another that he was moving soon........just pulling their chains a bit. I don't know where he gets that stuff............

His art is getting better and he still goes through periods of learning versus periods of "production." He's big on writing stories and accompanying them with the drawings in a style of anime that he seems to like. He still completely resists all lessons. The school just gave him a scholarship" to a program the Ohio Arts Center was running, but he said "Thanks but no thanks." As several artists have told us (including a Disney producer who met him at a career day for high school kids that he went along with Ricky (Conniie's son) to.......Just give him the tools and let him alone....so we do. The Disney fellow spent almost all of his time with Michael as opposed to the kids who he was there to address. He told Connie that Michael was the best prospect at the meeting and we now have his card and Mike corresponds with Sol every now and again. He thinks it's neat but pretty normal. Can you imagine being 11 or 12 and corresponding with some honcho like that? To him, Sol is just a friend and a good artist....amazing. He's getting some cool new supplies for Christmas.

He's also hitting the adolescent age and it's hitting back as we now must knock on his closed door so he can treat us to a greeting of "Yeah?.....What?" He's got a lot of friends and they spend the night quite often....his social life has picked up considrably. He does well with Tris but it's a pretty tough period now as his life moves ahead outside of the family. I find myself chewing on his ass to treat Tris better and not be so mean to him but the reality is, they are typical brothers even though Tris has a few problems. I try to give Michael some time that's his where Tris isn't always tagging along but it's funny........after awhile he comes to me and asks if Tris can do whatever it is too and he'll take care of him. It's that kind of thing that makes me more comfortable for the future. I am so proud of Michael that I could bust. He's a good kid and I'm never afraid to tell him how I feel although he is embarassed by the praise.

I posted the same story that began this thread over at my favorite racing site. It got good response but I must relate one back to you guys here. Over there I am really old as most of them are in their 20's or 30's and many in their teens. A few of us are "up there" but I do enjoy the place. I posted this in the "Fun Zone" and a young man who has become a very good friend posted something that was very special to me. Tommy would be a great 'Catter......kinda' like Meebo but with both common sense and street sense. He's very smart, well educated, passionate about racing, and has a wonderful sense of humor. Anyway, Tommy has a brother with some disabilities. Here is what he posted followed by my answer back and his response to that as well. This is one very neat young man!   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOMMY:

Thanks for sharing Spaw!

I think we've already discussed this before in PM's or something, but my little brother has a physical disability and needs help with a lot of things. I remember being 12 years old, as Michael is now, and dealing with many similar situations and many of the same thoughts. Here I am just days short of my 22nd birthday and I can say in all sincerity that I've learned 10 times more from my brother than he will ever learn from me, and, like Tris, I am sure he is totally oblivious to that fact. It hasn't always been easy, I've lost my temper, as Michael did, more than my fair share probably, but it's an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. I'm fairly confident that in the years to come, Michael will feel the same way.
_________________

SPAW:
Yeah Tommy, we have talked about it and I can only hope that Michael does half as well as you do. You're a good man Tommy!

__________________

TOMMY:
^ You just proved a point I always try to make when people compliment me on things of this nature. My brother is the reason I am a 'good man' today. It wasn't any concious decision I made, but rather James' needs that forced me to become responsible. I didn't really have much of a choice in the matter. I doubt I'd be half the person I am today without him.

*********************************************************************

Like I said......Tommy is a special young man!

I'll be scanning some stuff into this new computer soon so I'll get some of Michael's things out for you to see.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: wysiwyg
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 11:33 AM

He never answered me, but at least someone else supplied the addy before the contents of the package, um, ripened too much.

:~)

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: MMario
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 10:30 AM

'Spaw? 'spaw? 'spaw? you gonna answer Auntie SINS? Huh?

Spaw?

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 10:25 AM

HEY! Spaw! I asked a question! Pay attention!

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 11:40 AM

YUP! 11:30 AM on a Wednesday and I am still in my nightie! I love being unemployed.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 11:39 AM

What is the talented Michael up to these days? I still have his artwork from a couple of years back. A girlfriend? You may not know Spaw, but Karen does.

Is it time to share with him the wondrous tale of how the angel first got to sit on the top of the Christmas tree?

Auntie SINS, cuddled up in her Kitty nightie.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 11:14 AM

Thanks, Pat.....for the reminders of what it's REALLY all about.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Micca
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 10:13 AM

Spaw I love these Tris stories and also about the "other Mike P" ask Liz sometime about the toothbrush( a gift from Morty!!) Limpit had that played a tune!!
You know the VERY first thing a child learns if it is given a drum for Christmas???


Its NEVER going to get another one!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 09:49 AM

'Spaw, thanks for the update on the boys.
It reminded me of a story current in my youth (!)about a small boy who also liked to watch the workmen on a building site who adopted him. One day he came home early and his mother was afraid he'd been a nuisance and had been sent away. "Why are you home early, son?" she asked. "The delivery lorry didn't come, so we'm buggered for bricks" was the reply. He wasn't allowed to go again!

RtS

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 09:47 AM

Tried to post this last night when my connection went down:

I remember how much fun and heartwarming it was to read one of your very first Tris stories, Spawdarlin'...the training wheels for his bike:LOOK AT THAT SMILE! (Take a pat on the back for that, Gervase..:-)

Spaw, I'll bet your dad had a **BG** on his face somewhere when Tris went to work on the RR.:-)

Thanks a bunch for sharing...this place needs more of you, again, Peaches...I hope this is a start of many more stories, etc.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 05:50 AM

How wonderful to hear the Wisdom of Tristan! And of his parents- I think you have my parenting philosphy of "benign neglect" honed to the highest art form. Tris is blessed to have you.

Wesley, I've been thinking of you, and hoping you are all growing and finding the places where there is joy in this new "country" you've found yourself in. As a fellow denizen, you know there's lots of love and support and joy here.

'Spaw, in a kitchen drawer of my house are two Christmas ornaments. They have been there for 3 years. Somehow I've hit upon the best place to hide the d@# things that my ex-mother-in-law gave the kids years ago. Little teddy bears; you squeeze them, and out comes a tinny, whining little melody that travels up and down my spine, irritating my primal lobes and making me crazy! Dylan delighted in squeezing both at the same time- it's one of the only teases he ever took great pleasure in, watching my reaction. So, into the drawer (could I throw them out? Not I)!
He actually found them once, gave them a squeeze, gave me a knowing look and a chuckle, put them back in the drawer and shut it. I guess at 19 he's maturing....

lots of love,

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Gervase
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 04:48 AM

Thanks for the update Pat. Maybe the reason Tris is such a good lad is because his parents are so darned good. Much love to all of you this Christmas - and may it be truly joyful.
(And, heck, what's wrong with the smell of warming cat's piss - it should be as much a part of Christmas as It's a Wonderful Life?!).

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: KT
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 03:00 AM

Spaw, I don't often visit mudcat from my computer at work, but today, I happened to have a few extra minutes on my lunch break. I was laughing out loud at the description of Tristan's hourly check in about the tree. (I know the scenario well). My boss heard me chuckling and insisted I report what was so funny! Great story! Thanks for sharing it. No doubt Tristan's joy is contageous! What a love!

Good to see you 'round here again, Spaw.

KT

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Amergin
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 12:30 AM

Maybe some one should send Spaw some batteries.... ;)

Beautiful words, Spaw, I think Tris gives you a lifetime of Christmas joy, all the year round. You're a special dad to have such a special son.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: open mike
Date: 15 Dec 04 - 12:24 AM

be here now

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Amos
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 11:12 PM

Spaw:

I suddenly remembered how it was that I became addicted to this place, you rogue.

Thanks, buddy. Give that boy one hug for me.


A

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Big Mick
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 09:50 PM

Hey Sins, if you are going to wash them babies while they are plugged in, would you give me a little advance notice? I would love to be there, might even schedule a ramble just to see it.

Spaw, I just love the Tris & Michael stories. I agree with Sins, we need piccies with the hardhat.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 09:15 PM

Sins, I told Karen about your light propblem and we both agree it's good to have friends who aren't too proud to admit that they have the same problems we do. Yes, they wash.....just do as Mario says and let them dry well before you plug them in. It's a lot easier than cleaning a similarly attacked toaster.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Morticia
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 03:32 PM

Always good to hear from you and catch up with Tris, Michael and Karen. Have a good Christmas, Uncle Pat......now where did I put that singing gibbon I was going to send you?

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: MMario
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 02:15 PM

sinsull - outdoors - snow? rain? fog? remember - water?

I wouldn't soak them - but a quick rinse shouldn't hurt them. I still wouldn't do it with them plugged in though.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 02:10 PM

The Christmas Spirits have punished me for my transgressions, Spaw. The cats peed on the Christmas ornaments. Is it safe to wash outdoor electric lights? Ask, Tris. He probably knows.
How about a picture of "Men At Work"?

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 12:37 PM

Wes my friend, Aunty Sins is exactly right. Things happen at odd times and sometimes in bunches.....but sometimes not at all as well. Some things that Tris is now doing are so much beyond what we ever expected and some others haven't happened that we did expect or had hoped for. Just take each one and milk the moments for all they're worth. I know you will so why am I telling you? The road always looks long but every now and again you catch a piece of autobahn in the midst of the cowpath.(:<))

So while I'm at it here..........

Tris had a great summer. He has always loved trucks and machinery and will spend hours on end watching them work. Several years ago the Village administration sent us a letter asking us to keep Tristan from following the garbage truck!!!! This past summer though.........

For the past few years I have allowed him to watch when work is being done somewhere as long as I know and the owners and workers okay it. I have had to track him down on numerous occasions and apoplogize to someone. But they have always said the same thing....that Tris stayed out of the way and they loved having him around. He does kinda' have that effect on people. In any case Karen and I have worried to death about him but the "call of the machinery" from a lawn mower to a cement truck to a backhoe has been far too strong. We are so grateful to have decided to live in this little village............

Early in the summer I went out looking for him as he'd been gone awhile and found he and his trusty bike sitting toether and watching the street and water depatment guys use the backhoe to replace some lines. I talked to Rick and Byron and they both said he was "no problem" and always stayed out of the way. A few days later he came home with a bright orange new safety vest. It was immediately his most cherished possesion. There are about 8 guys in the street and water gang and they decided that if Tris was going to be around, he could help! So off he'd go each day "to work." They let him sweep and all sorts of things....even gave him a bit of lap time in the backhoe. I went out one day and found them and thanked them all, especially Rick and Byron, for doing this. Again, they said no problem and began telling me stories of things he'd said and done.

About a week later the railroad crew came to town and spent a week working on the crossing with our street guys. Sure enough, Tris comes home with safety goggles and a real hard hat from Norfolk Southern!!! I think Byron then fixed him up with some old gloves as well. You had to see it!! Here was this little boy all rigged out and hanging out with the big guys!!! If we were away, as soon as we came home he would put on his vest, helmet, glasses, and gloves and head out in search of the crew. Other days he'd simply get up and "go to work."

At the local gossip shop I'd talk to some of the Street and Water gang and they were really getting a kick out of having him around and indeed as I listened I knew they were telling the truth. An ex-mayor said to Rick, "Hell Rick, I think he's ready to take your job!".......and Rick laughed and agreed. It was wonderful to hear how much these men really did enjoy Tris....and watched out for him as well.   Some would think we are awful parents.....maybe we wre. But the day I drove past them all sitting on the curb drinking cokes, Tris right in the middle and "dressed to the nines" in the proper attire, I felt more secure about Tristan's ability to make his way in the world.

A few months ago I saw the movie "Radio" for the first time. If you haven't seen it, do so. You'll see much of my son in James "Radio" Kennedy.

Mario, keep all that stuff in New York and SINS....the friggin' turkey is right above the computer on the shelf and that damn clock is on the wall. AND if anyone puts batteries in it, I will hunt them down and commit mayhem upon them!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 11:49 AM

HEY CATSPAW!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, I've asked you for your snail addy several times now, via PM-- I have something from Foxy to forward to you. C'monnnnn!!!!! :~)

Or I can send it to someone who DOES have his addy but I dunno how personal the item is...... :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 11:37 AM

My Grand niece has similar problems, Wes. With special help and very loving parents she is at last coming out of it. She now speaks and interacts and is a very loving little girl. Hang in there, Brendan will speak to you when he is ready.

One of the joys of Mudcat for me is the ability so many of you have to understand that there is nothing "wrong" with special children. They are just as nature intended them to be - complete, whole, totally loveable and to be respected for who they are. Warm and fuzzy moment.

Now...has Tris decided which ornamnet goes where? This could create a whole new midnight conversation. And have you "found" the choo choo train clocks complete with batteries and the dancing singing turkey? I love you Spaw. Actually I have a new obnoxious singing toy for you guys - a Christmas Reindeer. I will keep the tune a secret. Ho Ho Ho and hee hee hee.

AUNTY SINS

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Wesley S
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 11:24 AM

Brendan turned four yesterday { how time flies } and they tell us that he is mildly to moderatly autistic. So far no speech of any sort. He had about 15 words before he fell silent when he was about two. But he's never said mommy or daddy. So he gets OT and speech therapy every week. We'd LOVE to have the conversations you've had with Tristan. We'll get past this eventually - but now the road looks to be a long one. On the plus side he is slowly picking up some sign language. But he doesn't understand Christmas. So all I want for Christmas is some kind of miracle breakthrough. He's a healthy and happy little guy - we just wish he could talk. We're still counting our blessings. It could be worse - it's not cancer, MS or MD. We'll get by. Thanks for the update on Tristan.

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: MMario
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 11:06 AM

'Spaw - I saw this singing dancing "Larry the Lobster" the other day - want me to see If I can pick it up and have it shipped?    Or there's the drum set I've got tentatively slated for my great-niece...

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: Flash Company
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 10:59 AM

Remember some years ago the son of a friend (similar problem but different). He was addicted to daytime television, not the programmes, the commercials!
I remember his mother drawing herself up to look disapproving when he was acting up at a meal-time, and Philip saying when he saw the look on her face 'My gurgle is killing me'. (Playtex girdle add running at the time!).
Everything dissolved into laughter, sometimes I think he was smarter than all of us.

FC

Subject: RE: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: GUEST,Mingulay
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 10:59 AM

Spaw, I hope Christmas is joyous for you and your family, I'm sure it will be for Tristram. It seems that such as he capture the innocence that the rest of us lose and holds it in trust until the day we can unlock it and use it again.

Peace to you all.

Pete

Subject: BS: For Tristan It's Always Joyous
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 10:35 AM

Ah yes Christmas..........The rest of the family is going through the motions this year as Michael is now 12 going on 50 and outside of getting the gelt and not being in school, has little enthusiam for the holidays. Karen and I are both bogged down in the real world but all of us have Tris to bolster our spirits and make the season a wonderful and fun time of year.......providing none of us kill him before it's over.

We are putting the tree up tonight so that I can get some sleep. The other night he had me up every hour:

"Daddy? Daddy? Daddy? Daddy?"
......hunh....er.....uh what....er.....yeah...
"Daddy? Daddy? Daddy" Daddy"
What?
"Daddy? Daddy?"
WHAT Tris?
"We gert reetomahrow?" (We get tree tomorrow?)
Yeah Tris
"We gert reetomahrow?"
Yeah Tris we will.
"We gert reetomahrow?"
Yes Tris! We are going to get a tree tomorrow Okay?
"Okay Daddy, we gert reetomahrow!"
Right Tris We will go and get the tree tomorrow....Now go to bed.
"Night Daddy. We gert reetomahrow"
Yeah Tristan...You're right! We are going to get tree tomorrow. Now GOOD NIGHT!
"Night Daddy"

An hour later I am awakened again and we have the same conversation. Every hour through the night Tris comes and wakes me up and we repeat the above. It generally doesn't matter much because I can't get back to sleep anyway. Tris on the other hand lays down and drops off immediately. Oh well..............

One of the "Joys of Autism" is what we refer to as "Rain Man Syndrome." Tris has a compulsive need to know exactly what is going to happen and when and the routine must be firmly established in his mind so he quizzes us to be sure we have everything just right. If you're not complete in your answer he repeats things until you are. For Michael it is the worst thing Tris does and he simply can't take it. The other day after playing a similar conversation with Tristan about the tree, Michael lost it and told Tris where he was going to put the tree! Tris ran off crying, "Mikey going to put tree in my butt!" While Karen consoles Tris, I go off and find Michael and we have yet another talk. Truthfully, Michael does very well with Tris and when he has to he becomes Tristan's biggest supporter. He knows that one day Tristan will wind up as his resposibility and that's a lot to have on your shoulders at age 12.

For the most part, Tristan is one of the happiest young men around and that enthusiasm rubs off on those around him. It just doesn't always lead to a good night's sleep. But I have to feel good about him. I know that unlike the rest of us who grow weary with age of the things that used to make us so happy, Tris will always be joyous. Maybe that's the trade-off for the mental retardation and speech problems. I look at myself and wonder just how much unlimited joy is worth. No, you're right, it's not worth the learning and understanding difficulties but it certainly is a blessing........as Tris is to us.

Hope your Christmas is joyous.

Spaw