Living to the fullest requires that you be in love with life

Stephen loved life. 

Despite many acute and chronic physical threats, Stephen loved every single minute of every day.  He loved his friends, going to the grocery store, chores, homework and strawberry ice cream.  He loved the sound of the wind in the trees and the sound of brushing his teeth.

He didn’t care what color your skin was, whether you lived in a mansion or were homeless, if you had $1,000,000.00 in your bank account or were broke, if you were democrat or republican, the pope or a medicine man…Stephen loved everyone.  He didn’t miss a thing and he soaked up every word that was said around him. 

Stephen’s body was medically fragile yet he:

• drummed with Indian warriors,
• swam with dolphins,
• sang with Billy Joel,
• prayed with Joni Erickson Tada,
• healed with Benny Hinn,
• played basketball with Michael Jordan,
• caught fish with Aunt Nia,
• camped with cousin Brianna,
• had a pet dog named Benji,
• baked apple pancakes with Uncle Billy,
• testified for congress,
• was the guest of Senators,
• had a song sung just for him by the U.S. Attorney General,
• played baseball with Sammy Sosa,
• and clowned with Patch Adams. 

His courage led him through pain to an expression of love.