Every time I think of Tate I smile

The first time I got acquainted with Tate was at the Halloween Party. I got to hold him while you, Brandi, attended to other motherly duties.? I was a little concerned about being left with Tate since he didn?t know me very well, but with all the kids running around, he was very entertained. At one point he looked over his shoulder up at me and I made a silly face at him and he went back to watching all the other kids. He was just as happy as could be.

The next time I saw Tate, I was with one of the other ladies in the ward, and when he saw her, he covered his face with his little arm and acted shy. But when he saw me, his arm came down and our eyes met and I could tell he remembered me. I was thrilled that he remembered me and I could see what a smart little guy he was.

From then on, we were good friends. And each time I saw Tate, he would tease me by playing hide and seek by hiding his face in mommies shoulder and hair. I would tickle him and he would kick his feet and we would both end up in giggles.? One of my favorite memories during sacrament was one week when I could hear babies fussing around the chapel and above it all came the sweet sound of Tate?s laugh. I loved hearing it and it truly is one of my most special memories.

It amazes me how Tate has been able to break thru his physical challenges to be able to be so expressive and show such happiness and love. His spirit was one of the strongest I have ever felt and I know that he was truly one of our Father?s most valiant spirits in the premortal existence. I feel that his mission on this earth was to teach us each to feel and recognize unconditional love. He was such a blessing to our ward and to me and Tim.

Brandi & Travis, your family has been such a huge blessing to this ward and your love and Christ-like example has touched everyone who knows you. We love you and appreciate all you do for our family and our ward.