Not everything that happened on September 11th was bad...

[Stryder]

I'd like you all to meet my son, Talon Michael.
www.geocities.com/strydermike

[edew]

Was that on Sept 11? Congrats!

[Mergs]

Amen, Eric. Congratulations, Michael.

[Moonitic]

Truly precious, Stryder. He's such a cutie!

Yesterday, a thought occurred to me: Two pregnancies (for me), two tragedies. 4 years ago, while I was pregnant with my son JT, the limo carrying two of our Red Wings was in a single vehicle accident. The driver, a junkie (or was it a drunk?) had a history of suspended licenses.

Mind you, it wasn't as bad as what happened on Tuesday, but not knowing how they'd be...that was bad. When I went into preterm labor, I was in the same hospital as the men. How could a, well, bastard do such a thing? They lived, but the damage to their brains will keep them away from hockey for good.

And now this.

Someone on the board criticized me for my comments about the tragedy, saying they were "spineless." Well, to that I must say, "You're wrong!" This "spineless" woman was so angry when she found out, that she was ready to arm herself for this country. A 5'2, 100 lb girl, ready to fight.

But anger can be consuming. And hurtful. I had to let the healing start THAT DAY. Not just for me, but for the baby. Did you know, person who said what they did, that stress can harm the unborn? And that I had a problem with my previous pregnancy? Not with stress...but this time, I want to take NO chances.

So please, everyone...stop dwelling on this. We must LIVE to show these creeps what we're really made of. We can't sit & feel sorry for ourselves. We can't point the finger at innocent people, or bicker amongst ourselves. We need to remain calm. We need to come together.

[Zelda]

I add my congratulations. That pic in the fencing mask is just WAAAAAAAAY too cute for words. There is always hope with a new generation.

[DamedEscrime]

Mike, your son is precious beyond words. A ray of hope and sunshine on such a tragic day. It has been said that a baby is God's way of saying that life goes on. Thank you for sharing Talon with us. May he live up to his name and your obvious dreams for him.
The Dame

[Willow]

Thank you....I needed to see something like this. Life goes on in the midst of tragedy. And, I love his little sword! May God bless you and your family.

[sabreuse]

Congratulations!!!! He's a beautiful child.

p.s. Love the name too!

[Fast Eddie]

Congratulations! As a father myself, I know what a precios gift you have...I wish a happy and joyous life for him, and many great memories for you and your family!

[its_me_mango]

maybe he's got a mission, like he's gonna do something cool, but keep him under your hat. Hey that's some mask, either your heads really big, or your kid's really small? hey la?
Can we call him The Claw when he gets big? "Hey, he clawed me" that's the next complaint on the strip.

[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: its_me_mango ]

[edew]

Originally posted by its_me_mango:
<STRONG>maybe he's got a mission, like he's gonna do something cool, but keep him under your hat. Hey that's some mask, either your heads really big, or your kid's really small? hey la?
Can we call him The Claw when he gets big? "Hey, he clawed me" that's the next complaint on the strip.

[ 09-14-2001: Message edited by: its_me_mango ]</STRONG>

You have a real "Talon" for giving nicknames. Keep up the sharp wit.

[Catlady]

Congrats!My he live a long, fruitful, happy life. Too bad his birthday to some extent will be bittersweet because of this tragedy. However, as others have said, it's proof that life goes on not matter what. So must we. Again, congrats.

[Catlady]

Whoa, my spelling/typing really took a turn for the worst in that last post. Sorry. I hadn't checked the website until after that post. He's gorgeous Stryder. BTW,I had no idea you were our (Utah/So. Idaho div.'s) Mike. I never knew you guys were having another baby.
I've seen Stryder's daughter (at divisional championships this year, which were held at SLF--don't ask me how I did, I don't want to talk about it). Believe me, she's adorable too, and well on her way to becoming a killer foilist, despite still being shorter than a full sized foil. Congrats again Mike.

[Foil Girl]

He's the handsomest baby around mike Congrats!! Maybe he'll eventually get used to that smelly mask smell (My nose wrinkles if I haven't fenced for a couple of days ). Thanks for sharing that with us, it was a star in this troubling time.

[neevel]

So you'll be looking for a pair of toddler size Adidas asymetrics for him in a couple of years, eh? Congrats and best wishes.

-Dave

[HilandDoug]

You and the wife do good work! Are you a fan of Farscape? There is/was a character named Talon mentioned on the show. Great picture, too!