This site is created in order to honor the life and beauty of 

Travis Arlin Strand

December 23, 1993 - January 9, 2004



Travis is one of the greatest people you could ever hope to meet.  His approach to life was simple and yet so powerful.  Travis' disabilities limited him in every way possible.  He could not care for himself, feed himself, talk, walk, do very much of anything independently.  But there was one thing he could do better than anyone I have ever met.  Travis could Love.  Travis showed love and acceptance to all people who met him, knew him, loved him.  You could not meet Travis and continue to have your life remain untouched.  He created profound change in the lives of those that knew him or that knew of him.  His was a powerful spirit.  Travis' spirit was his own, that part of himself that no one could "take care of " for him.  It was his.  And it was mighty!!

Travis taught me about what is important in life.  He showed me Love and Acceptance.  He taught me Joy and Wonder... Forgiveness and Humility.  He taught me Courage and Perseverence. Travis taught me all of these things although he never spoke a word to me.  Travis showed me the strength of MY spirit as he showed the strength of HIS.

I am so proud of him and of getting to be his mom.  Sure I wished things could have been different sometimes .  I had certain hopes and dreams that were not fulfilled.  But I would not trade a day I spent with Travis or trade an ounce of who he was.  Travis was like my own private little messanger.  His heart was pure.  He taught me about God.  Travis made me long to be a better person and then become a better person.

I will forever be grateful that he was my son.

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I consider it my job now, my responsibility, to continue to keep the spirit Travis brought to life, alive and in action.
I want the joy that was him to continue. 
And so I try and do so in part through this website

*****
** Please light a memorial candle on the site here so that we know of your visit...
it would mean very much to me if you would... **

Thank You 
so much for visiting.

*****

And for sharing in the beautiful blessing that is my sweet boy Travis.

 
Heavens Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth,
"It's time again for another birth"
 
Said the Angels to the Lord above,
"This special child will need much love.
His progress may seem slow,
Accomplishments he may not show,
And he'll require extra care,
From folks he meets way down there."

"He may not run, laugh or play,
His thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won't adapt,
And he'll be known as handicapped"
 
"So let's be careful where he's sent,
We want his life to be content,
Please Lord find the parents who,
Will do this special job for you."

  "They will not realize it right away,
The special role they're asked to play.
But with this child sent from above,
Comes a richer much stronger love."

"Soon they'll know the privilege given,
In caring for this gift from heaven,
Their precious gift meek and mild,
He is Heavens Special Child"

~ Author Unknown ~

 









If you have lost a child with special needs, I encourage you to visit us at LOOK (Loss Of Our Kids) - a message board that provides support.   http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LOOK/
if the link doesnt work feel free to email me.
 

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If you are a person who struggles with depression or other mental illness and wish to find a community of support, please visit  http://www.thetalkshop.org/
At the TalkShop, there is support to all people who seek it.
There is also support there for those who have lost of a child.

Additional help can be found at NAMI and DBSA

(just type is a "google search" or contact me for help finding the sites)

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An Angel Over Texas....



...and Snowflakes too!!!...