Pat's Before Video

It was a first attempt...and a very courageous decision. Melissa and Pat were going to make a trip to Idaho without any wheelchair, just a walker. That meant he would walk from the plane down some stairs and thru the terminal and thru the double doors. Not only that, he would need to get to the Van on his own power.

But he did it! Here is proof!
This video was taken at the first of his visit here. I wish we would have taken one when he left. He was standing much more erect, not looking down at his toes, and with much more speed and agility just after that one week of no wheelchair. We are so proud of him. He did it!!!

Due to technical difficulties or my lack of magic button pushing abilities, this video will not be seen at this time. I do have it on my computer -proof that it happened!!!! I just can't get it to load. You'll just have to come see me to view it. (Sneaky, aren't I?)


PS He survived a rather nasty Faceplant at Wal-mart when he ventured out to do the crazy Atwood Black Friday Shopping trip at 4:00 in the morning. Isn't he Superman for sure?!!!!?

A tribute to Patrick

Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Sometimes things happen that seem too painful to bear. Sometimes our loved ones are taken from us before we are ready . . . and we cry out in agony . . . but when those times happen, we must trust in His wisdom and His ability to make all things right . . . and then the miracles happen.




That miracle is Patrick himself.


Seventeen years ago today, there was a huge tragedy. Carbon monoxide filled Patrick's home and took his Dad, his Mom, his two brothers, and his Grandma. Only Patrick survived . . . and only after being to the brink of death and back. How could he go on?



But he did. After many trials and difficulties, he came to the point where he wanted something different. I often wonder if his parents prompted him to seek for it, too. They wanted something better for him . . .

The life his family had before the accident was a bit scary. How could God stop such pain from going from one generation to another? He had to have someone strong and brave and willing to give his all for them. And so we come back to Pat - a young man willing to go thru whatever it took to save his family. He is AMAZING!

There is nothing he can't do. He has shown that. He has overcome many things. Now the huge miracle - the highest hill he must climb...but although his real family can't be there, we can!!! He has been our inspiration, our rallying call, our warrior. There can be no better cheering section!!!! We are behind you all the way, Pat.

We know you have proved that God loves all His children by what you have accomplished already. He wants you to walk and you are - with a walker for now but someday you will throw the walker away. There are still So many blessings in store for you. Someday you will know how thankful He is for your willing sacrifices. Pat, we love you!!!!

We declare this day a day of Celebration - not one of sadness. You have triumphed. You WILL see your family again someday...and many tears of happiness will be shed and many hugs will take place.

Countdown!

It's in the mail...Tim's birthday package. He will be 21 on the 29th. :) If you want to keep track of the countdown for when he comes home, just go to MissionSite.net and search for Tim Atwood. Click on the picture of him with his mission President and wife and a few other Elders. There is a countdown page somewhere -definitely on the links page. At midnight it will be 86 days left. :)

Other news! Loren is working on his mission papers but he shouldn't leave till after Tim gets back! Crazy!
Love you all!