Happy 15th Birthday Ryan

15 years ago, as Ryan was placed in my arms at the fragile age of 28 hours old, I knew he would one day grow up.

Everyone told me he would grow up much too fast. They were right. I just can't believe that it's been 15 years since that most wonderful day in Carrollton Texas when we became a family.

He's turning into quite a wonderful young man.

He loves to read--dragons are currently his favorite subject--but anything in the fantasy genre would work--just ask him about Naomi Novik's books, he's read them 3-4 times each in the past 2 months alone. He particularly likes to read them to us as read aloud. I must've not been around him enough as he and his Dad have gotten so far ahead of where I'm at that I no longer know what is going on in the story, but no worries, Ryan loves to update me.

He still loves to play computers and hopes to one day be a video game programmer. He spoke with a computer programmer a few months ago that worked for Disney. He found it facinating and is working hard on math and science now.

I'm so proud of the way he takes care of his priesthood responsibilities in a reverent manner. He loves to visit the home bound members of our ward each week to give them the sacrament. I think they like him too, as he often comes home with candy and other treats to share with his siblings.

(Barry's writing now)--He's still working hard on obtaining his Eagle Scout. The reason for wanting, and working so hard for this achievement is two fold, one, he is very much a perfectionist and loves to finish what he starts, two, he wants to get his learner's permit. This is a subject that is very near and dear to his heart. It frankly scares the heck out of us. But, it is the deal that he made with us along time ago. Back when I thought that it would be a life time before I would have to seriously consider the fact that he would uphold his end. Thus is life.

Ryan is struggling to understand the world of social interaction. To me, a devout stand off and non participator, I hated this part of life. I watch Ryan as he struggles to be accepted and my heartaches for him. For him it is a fine line between being accepted for being himself, and knowing when his Asperger's is driving everyone crazy. I have to hand it to him. He is persistent and rather courageous. He does not give up.

I think about him when he use to go to nursery school. We would walk in with him and he would greet his class with "Hello friends" and waving at everyone. Too bad he had such jug head/know nothings for teachers (just preschool teacher, he had some good elementary teachers). Sometimes those who think they know everything in actuality know very little.

Ryan is a great help with the lawn care business. He is greatly missed when he is at camp or youth conference. All I have to do is give him a job and he is off to the races. I usually do not have to go back and check on him. He comes to me and lets me know when he has completed the task.

'Blow the candles out? No thanks, I'll karate chop them out instead."

This was his "date with Mom and Dad" year for a birthday celebration. Since Barry's birthday is only a few days from his, and Ryan didn't care where we went, Barry chose a mexican resturant for us to eat at. From there we went to Barnes and Noble and let Ryan choose a new book--another book by Novik from the Temeraire series he's been reading--for his gift. He bought a few more with his own money, he even bought one with his sister, Cailin, in mind, knowing that she would enjoy reading it too. Of course Barry came out of the store with another history book. We're definately a family of readers.

Happy Birthday Ryan, we're so grateful that you're a part of our family--we love you dearly. We look forward to many great things in you're life-- and ours-- with you too.