Good evening all,

Well, I just had a talk with Hutch, and we have agreed to keep talking to figure things out. But after a hour of talking, we were both tired. And agreed to pick up where we left off on another day. And yes, we are exploring the idea of moving forward on the relationship. We both agree that we cannot marry each other, so at least that part is cleared up. Now I better get it in gear and figure out about my old love back in Austin.

Rosie, this man from Austin I have known since the early 80's and we dated off and on for 15 years. He was my first true love of my life, and he broke my heart way back when...But that is under the bridge now. He is a true gem, and back then I could not live up to his standards! We met when we were both in our early 20's and both playing the field. Not many standards under those circumstances anyway!Emotions-ha-ha College, the crazy and wild life, one thousand miles away from home....makes you want to lock your children up somewhere until they are 30 and settled down! Emotions-ha-haAhhh, the good old days! And of course, there is Rusty's father, and we still talk from to time to time, we are thinking of meeting up again some time this year.

An update on Chris. His surgery is scheduled for March 25th. At UVA. The doctor wants to wait until spring due to the cold weather and how vulnerable Chris is. His being as healthy as possible before the surgery will result in a, hopefully, better outcome. I was with him today and he did some great work with me. He was happy and very vocal today. It's as if the trip to UVA turned the corner for him in facing what is ahead and he seems more relaxed and emotionally ready. I'll be with him all day tomorrow so I hope he continues in this upwards swing.

Jo, Rusty was my son. He died 11 years ago this coming July. He was 15 years old. He was very similar to Chris, The differences were that Rusty was much more sever in spastic body movement and chronic illness. Rusty was deaf and wore hearing aids, he was also visually impaired. Chris does not have those issues to deal with. They both have a g-tube for feeding. But both can  / could eat by mouth. 
Chris has learned to walk, and say words and some phrases. With support and help, he can perform task and skill and he can play. While Rusty never could master any of that. They both communicate with computer technology and hand and facial gestures. They both are smart, however, Rusty tested way beyond his age peers and was consider by all the specialist to be a near genius. Chris is very smart, but nowhere near where Rusty was. Rusty taught himself to spell, do math and compose music and write prose and poems all on his own. And he was doing these things when he was 5 years old.
Chris is just now learning to put sentences together to form notes, letters, etc. The difference in that is Rusty was exposed very early in life to educational material and high end learning in the form of life experiences, books, school material, and travel. Chris does not have that opportunity. Both boys have and had a love of learning and exploring the world around them. Both love joking around, teasing, and having fun. Both love and loved going places and making friends. Both ache for the same things; acceptance, love, understanding and friendship and the desire to be normal and fit in.

Chris has a sunny disposition, Rusty was more inclined to depression and sadness. He never come to peace with his disabilities.
Rusty died by a tragic and horrible accident. But his body was also giving out by then and he probably would have not made it much past mid teen age years. Chris is 14 years old now, how strange that he is facing this now, so close to Rusty's age. Rusty knew that he was dying but did not let on. He could have told me, but he choose not too. The accident was something that just happened, and Rusty (I believe) took the opportunity to be set free.
I believe Rusty's spirit lead me to Chris. He knew that I was not finished yet. And I also believe, that when the time comes, Rusty will be there for Chris. And if you believe in crossing over, the boys will be together as Chris crosses over.

Merv

Edited 1 time by Merv1 Jan 30 11 1:13 PM.