April 2009: From Jerry

April 1-8, 2009 was spring break for Nate.  He, Dad and Mom spent a week in Texas visiting Jeremiah, Marci, Ethan, Kaden (and baby Rito who is still growing in Marci's stomach).  Needless to say, it was a wonderful trip.  Nate had been a year ago for spring break, but Dad and Mom had not been to visit though they had tickets to go when Nate got sick.  It's OK for Dad and Mom not to be their grandson's favorite people because no one will ever be adored more than Nate is by Ethan and Kaden.  The love and adoration is mutual.  Nate spent a lot of time playing hide and seek with them and just hanging out.  It has always been wonderful to see how much love Nate has for the boys.
The day after Nate came home from TX he was asked to be the inspirational speaker at a football camp.  One of the boys in our neighboring ward, Taylor Kozck, decided to have a football camp for his Eagle Scout Project.  One of the awards given at the camp was the "Nate Sparks Determination Award".  Nate talked to the boys about dedication and overcoming obstacles in their lives.  A person who went told us he was really inspiring and, of course we were very proud of him.
Also during April, Nate's cousin Becky, her husband, Scott, and children Rilee, Ashlee and Kyller came to Disneyland for a visit.  We were all excited to go see them along with Nate's other cousin Emily.  Becky and her family have been so supportive of Nate and all of us through his illness.  Interestingly, Nate accidently broke Rilee's arm jumping on the trampoline when she was little and she was so proud of her cast.  Fun memories. 
Nate's 18th birthday was on April 30th which was on a Thursday and he had class that night so the whole family (Mom, Dad, Shaughan, Michael, Eva and Benji) took him to his favorite "restaurant."  In 'n Out Burger.  He was a happy guy.  The next day, Friday, we all went Go Cart Racing.  It was so much fun.  If anyone gets the opportunity to go, do it.  We had a blast.  Afterwards we took Nate to his favorite (upscale?) restaurant Outback Steak House.  There is nothing Nate likes more than steak!