Gone but not forgotten

Last Friday my good friend Ginger called late at night to inform me of the sad news of her brother’s passing. At first I couldn’t believe my ears, after all Wyatt is only 24 and it is difficult to accept the fact that someone so young and full of promises is gone, just like that. I thought about writing about him, but I hesitated. After all, I have only met him on several occasions and I really can’t claim to say that I know him well. However, within the short few hours that I have spent getting to know him, I was impressed by his honesty and insight into his own world. I was further impressed by the selfless act of dropping everything that he holds dear to go overseas to help the less fortunate. I don’t think I would have the courage to make that kind of commitment, no matter how much I wanted to help. I was impressed by his good nature and how easy it was to be around him. It is as if no matter whom you are as long as you are in his company you are a friend. Unfortunately life was cut short for Wyatt, but fortunately he went doing something that he loves.

Today being Thanksgiving, I just wanted to say that I am thankful for the memories of those that touched my life and marched on. I am also thankful for those that remain in my life to continue to offer love and support and teach me valuable lessons in living the life that I want. I know that this Thanksgiving has forever changed the lives of the Ammon family, and I would just like to offer my deepest sympathy. As Ginger said, we should celebrate life. Life is short, but always worth living.

If you would like to find out more about Wyatt, he has a memorial site: wyattammon.org and his blog: zambum.blogspot.com

How wonderful it is to watch a child grow

I spent some time this after and evening with my mom and my nephew. When I first got there, he couldn’t wait for me to be close to him. He kept gesturing me to come over, he even fuss a bit when I walked away for a minute to put my jacket away. My mom then gave him so juice in his bottle and he then said juice. It’s so adorable!

My mom then asked him if he wants to go back to Taiwan with her. In response, he nodded and said yes in Taiwanese. I then asked if he wanted to go visit grandpa. He also nodded and said yes. Later in the evening, I asked if he wants to visit grandpa and grandma in Taiwan (without using the words for yes or no). He nodded and said yes again in Taiwanese. Clearly, he seems to understand what the words mean.

I just cannot stop bragging about my nephew as I am so proud of him!

First words… and last words

First the good news. Yes it has happened folks! My nephew has spoken his first words that are clearly associated with an object. About two weeks ago he said “baby” while looking at some pictures. Yesterday, my brother took him to a park and while sitting in the playground watching several adults playing soccer, he said “ball” while looking at the ball. Although I have known all along that he knows more than any of us give him credit for, it’s nevertheless very nice to see him grow and understanding the world around him.

Then the bad news. Jason and I are taking a break, and this, I will just leave it at that.

Quick update

I have completely neglected my blog for the last month, for good reasons, I would like to think. School has consumed a lot of my time and the lack of it that is free has been devoted to my family and my cute little nephew, who has turned a year old about a month ago. We ended up taking him trick or treating last Sunday at a local mall, he dressed in a Tigger outfit and was just so cute. It was crowded but he was a good sport. He probably fined it strange that people were dropping things into his bucket not knowing what’s being dropped in there. It didn’t take long before he figured out that whatever is in the bucket is actually something he can eat, and then of course without doubt, he wanted a taste.

In other news, I am still having some problems with my externship site that I wish to resolve SOON! Also I am going to have to register soon and need to figure out what I am going to take next semester… very exciting!