That is really the question. Can you find humor no matter what?

Because it is laughter and play that gets you through when things seem somewhat intractable. I have always been very serious about the subject of play, especially with Spencer.

The circumstances will be what they are. Things will go how they go. But no one can stop us from having a devilish good time.

I laugh with my son like I laugh with no one else. He surprises me with his intelligence, he makes me think with observations way beyond his years, and he makes me prouder than I ever thought another human being could.

Sure there are moments that are hard, sure sometimes I think it sucks, but those are the moments I discard in favor of all the spastic good times we have as a family.

Spencer has people around him wherever he goes. He cares for people in a way that is hard to comprehend sometimes. He is a brilliant student and a creative thinker. He has painted with me and his artwork is always hanging in my studio.

I found some great posts I made on Spencer's original website that I just had to repost. They had me recall some amazing memories of the first two years of his life. These are all prior to any of his surgeries.

April 8th, 2002
Spence is doing great. He is in swim therapy and loves to kick in the water. He says "apple", "Momma", "dada", "uh-oh" and the incredibly cute "thank you!" He is 24 lbs and soon to turn 1 year old. A very big kid! On the 28th we are having a "Harry Potter" birthday party for him here in LA.

May 8th, 2002
My son is 1 year old! He had an amazing birthday party. We had Harry Potter stuff everywhere and his very Special Grandma Betty Borden made him a wizard's outfit that was beyond compare! It is Purple with stars and moons on it along with a Purple cape with a big "H" on it for Hawk! He also had a wand with a gold star on the end and a pointy wizard hat!

I never thought I would end up having such extensive knowledge of a rare disorder like TAR syndrome. I have also been amazed at the families and amazing people I have been blessed to meet on this crazy journey. I found it very appropriate when Spencer's school play was "The Magical Mystery Tour" and that his role was "The Ringmaster."

Looking back on it now after 10 years, I am thankful. Jenn and I always reminded each other that Spencer had chosen us. We always imagined him as a soul waiting to choose his parents and spotting us and saying "Those two, yeah I will take them."

To other parents who may be starting a journey with a child with TAR syndrome (or really any rare disorder) let me be the one to tell you, in no uncertain terms, you are stronger than you think. Find ways to laugh and enjoy your child and don't get too caught up in the doctors, or the procedures, or the diagnosis. They chose you. You can do this.

Spencer brought our families closer and reminded us what was really important... and he still does, to this very day.