Message for the New Year

Dear Friends and Family, Christmas 2001

Since we were not able to send out a Christmas letter last year, we wanted to share with you how the last two years have been. Most of you already know all this, but here is a recap:

In June of 2000, just two days before Thomas turned one year old, we became proud homeowners. Two months later we learned we were expecting our second child, which was exciting. Unfortunately, the pregnancy had difficulties from the start. To make matters worse, at the beginning of the fifth month of pregnancy (four days after Thanksgiving), all three of us were in a car accident. Michael’s right wrist was badly broken and required surgery and intense therapy. He was also home from work for nearly two months.

Thomas was not hurt in the accident, but Diana was hospitalized three weeks afterwards, where she remained until our sweet baby was born. Adam Stuart Boren entered this world 10 weeks early, on January 28, 2001, weighing 2.5 lbs. and measuring less than 14 inches in length. We heard his delicate cry a moment after he was born, and that meant he was breathing on his own, which we knew was a tremendous hurdle to overcome. However, he did experience feeding problems, and since he was so small, he remained in the hospital for six weeks. Now he is eleven months of age and he weighs fourteen pounds. Adam is still small for his age, and he receives therapy to help him stay on track developmentally. Otherwise, he is very strong and intelligent, he says "mama", and he is the happiest kid you could ever imagine. Adam loves his older brother Thomas, who is now 2 1/2 years old. Thomas also adores his little brother, and Adam is the first person he wants to see when he wakes up in the mornings.

In September we were able to take our first family trip since having the boys. We spent a week in Utah, seeing friends and family. One of the highlights for Thomas was riding the "Heber Creeper" train. Both Adam and Thomas are big fans of trains, so of course this subject is what most of our conversations are about, not to mention cars and airplanes~It must be genetic!

Although we have been through a lot, particularly this last year, we have truly been blessed in many ways. First of all, our families and friends have been there for us every step of the way. Secondly, we have seen how fragile and precious life is and we have witnessed Heavenly Father’s power to heal, comfort, and strengthen even the smallest of his children. Last, and certainly not least, we have a better understanding of the emotions experienced by the human soul, which has given us greater compassion for those around us.

We are very grateful to everyone for continuing to pray for us and for the support and love that we have been shown. May the Lord bless you this Christmas and through out the New Year!

From the Borens,

Michael, Diana, Thomas & Adam