FIRST…..

From the Los Angeles Times…11-11-11…by Deborah Netburn

Happy 11-11-11, everyone!

No matter how much thought you’ve given the numerical significance of Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 (11-11-11), we suggest that Aziz Inan, professor of electrical engineering at the University of Portland, has thought about it more than you have.

In an email missive, Inan explains that 11-11-11 is a once-in-a-century repunit palindrome day. If you’ve never heard of the word “repunit”, it means a number such as 11, 111, or 1111 that contains only the digit 1. 

Furthermore, he explains that 111111 equals the product of two palindrome numbers written as 111111=111 x 1001.

He points out that, this year, the month of November has been rich with palindrome days including 1-1-11 (another repunit day), 11-2-11, 11-3-11, 11-4-11, 11-5-11, 11-6-11, 11-7-11, 11-8-11, 11-9-11 and coming soon — 11-22-11.

 You may have already surmised that after this Friday, the next time 11-11-11 will occur is 100 years from now in 2111.

Happy 11-11-11!

SECOND…

I do not understand much about the preceding article, but I know EXACTLY why 11-11-11 is such a significant day…

It is my middle son’s birthday!!!

Yes, today, the sweetest son any mother could have, is turning 30.  It can’t be possible, can it?  How can 30 years have past since this gentle soul came into our lives?  From the very beginning, Alex always had the sweetest temperament.  Smart as can be, and twice as clever, he had as his willing accomplice his younger brother, Ian.  While Alex always tried hard to obey, he had no qualms about thinking of things that COULD be done and convincing Ian that it would be great fun.  Ian, on the other hand, obeyed if it suited him at the time, and willingly took his punishment in exchange for being able to do as he pleased…and as his older brother pleased!  Those 2 were quite the pair.  Born 20 months apart, they were as different as night and day…but loved each other fiercely.  Along with their older brother Adam, who was 7 when Alex was born, they were brothers and enemies on alternating days!

[Alex does not have crossed eyes or a ‘wonky’ leg as it appears here!  He always did this in pictures when he was young.]

This little incident, captured on film, was probably Adam’s idea to get his brothers to help him push that heavy lawn mower.  Oh those boys!

But, today is about Alex.  I have trouble writing this because my eyes keep filling with tears.  I love this young man so much, and I feel as if I fail him so often.  Alex is so kind and gentle and patient and loving…and all the while his life is filled with pain from morning to night.  It is so rare to hear him complain…He takes each day and gets through it as well as he can.  Very rarely is he able to leave the house, but does his best to get up and speak to each person who comes to our house.

I do not know why God has allowed Alex to suffer so much and I don’t know why it is that we can not find any better help for him.  I don’t know why he has to be the one to suffer this horrid disease, and I don’t know why no doctor has come upon a treatment for it.  I don’t know why his life has been destined to be lived in such a restrictive manner and I don’t know how he continues day after day after day…after day.

But, I do know that one day we will know why.  One day it will all be clear.  One day he will be able to run and jump and roll around with Finn and Scooter…and maybe even chase his brothers again.  One day, God will make his suffering a thing forgotten…and there will be a shining light in his eyes.  I will be there to see it, as will all of his family.

But, until then, our prayer is that his life will serve to remind others not to take anything or anyone for granted.  If you can walk down the driveway to the mailbox, thank God.  If you can run across the yard with your dog, thank God.  If you can join friends and go to a movie or out to eat, thank God.  If you can take a road trip with your brothers, be thankful.  If you can get together with friends and laugh about old times, be grateful.  If you feel like celebrating your birthday with a party and cake and ice cream and friends and family and presents…do it.  And make a wish for those who can’t.

You are my sunshine, Alex.  I’m thankful God sent you to us.  You inspire me to be a better person.  I love you.

Today is Alex’s birthday.  He is 29 years old.  I don’t know if I can tell you all that is in my heart about this young man.   He was always different from his brothers. They both had a darker coloring like me and Don…Alex was blond, blue eyes, and very fair skin. 

 He’s always thought and acted on a different level.  His spirit is that of a gentle soul.  He has an amazing tenderness, but he also is strong and brave.   Adam and Ian both got their fair share of spankings, but a spanking wounded Alex’s spirit…that was not the way to discipline him.  He had to write me a full page report on the subject at hand.  Oh, how he didn’t want to do that!

 Cousins at play…NC…….1985

We became aware of his disease when he was in the 8th grade, and it changed the life of our whole family.  Instead of going off to college, with fraternities, and studies, and girlfriends…he went to doctors, and doctors and more doctors.  Instead of choosing a major and making career plans….he was trying medicine and therapies to help him deal with pain.  Instead of walking in graduation and receiving his diploma and degree…..he was trying out wheelchairs and walking canes to help him stay mobile.

He is blessed to have 2 brothers who love him and are always there for him to lean on.  He has a SIL who loves him also. He has cousins who would do anything for him.  He has aunts and uncles who help us search for doctors.  He has a Dad who has provided him with a beautiful apartment in our home.  Here he has complete privacy and we are near to help if need be.  His grandparents have always spent hours in prayer for him and have been a source of strength.  Many of our friends are available for him at a moment’s notice.

Even though he is in such terrific pain all the time, he reaches down deep and summons the strength to get out and be with those he loves.

He shows us all the meaning of bravery, and is an inspiration to any one who knows him.  And…he has a new best friend!

As his mother, my heart breaks every day.  I see him suffering and I want to do something…anything.  But,  we have been to doctors all over the country.  We are continually searching for someone who knows enough about his disease to offer him some help.  We are confident that God will lead us to that person, if that is His will for Alex.  And, if it’s not, then we will continue depending on Him for strength each day.  We will praise Him for all that He has blessed us with.   Look at how He blessed us in the middle of the pain and helplessness.  He led us to a doctor who fixed so much of his vision.  This was just dropped in our lap…we weren’t searching for it or seeking help for his vision.  But, God knew…and in His time, He gave Alex his vision back, by working through his brother, Ian.  And, the biggest bonus…Adam is seeing much, much better also.  What a reminder that He is watching all the time, and He knows what we need.  I thank Him for sending Alex to our family.  He has taught us all such lessons, and he fill our life with joy.  Happy, Happy Birthday!