Hi, I'm Patty. I am a wife, a mother and Jacob's aunt.
Over 20 years ago, my nephew, Jacob, was born with a hole in his heart. The doctor's told his parents that because he also had Down Syndrome there was nothing they could do to correct it and that he would probably only live 3 months. When it became apparent that he was going to have a longer life, his mother went back to work and I became his day care provider.
Our entire family loved Jakey dearly. We fought over who got to hold him. My children all wanted to have a child just like him when they got older and started having children of their own.
When Jake was three, he began going to a Developmental Preschool. I went with him. He loved preschool, especially the bus ride to and from North Park Elementary. There were about 6 other children in his class who also had Down Syndrome. One of them, a cute little blonde named Tara, became his best friend--his girlfriend.
When Jake was about 3 1/2 years old he passed away. The Monday following his funeral, I went back to the preschool. Little Tara came over to me, put her arms up to be held, cuddled up to give me a hug and patted my back--just like Jake had done many times before. Tara had never wanted me to hold her before or after.
Tara's actions confirmed two things. One, my Heavenly Father was aware of me. that He loved me and that He wanted me to be comforted. Second, that He uses others to bless the lives of His children--us. That day He had used little Tara and I will remember that brief encounter forever.
Tara's actions that day were ordinary, but the way she made me feel was extraordinary.
You and I are just ordinary women doing ordinary things, but if we will strive to pattern our lives after the Savior's and follow those simple promptings, we can do extraordinary things. We may never know how a simple act on our part may lift or build another, but someone's life may be changed forever because of our actions.
It is our intent to introduce you ordinary women to each other as you share simple stories from your lives. "While our backgrounds and experiences are diverse, we share a deep commitment to Jesus Christ, to each other and to our neighbors." ("I'm a Mormon") We hope you enjoy learning about each other as much as we have.
My name is Patty and I'm a member of the Kanesville Utah Stake .
