This document summarizes the story of twin brothers Aidan and Patrick who were born 105 days early and weighed less than 1.5 pounds each. While Aidan sadly passed away after 5 days, Patrick survived 7 surgeries in his first 180 days and eventually went home after 209 days, though he still required further surgery. The document expresses the strength and perseverance shown by Patrick over his first year of life fighting for survival in the NICU.

1. The strongest person I know.

2. March 17 th , 2006

3. My nephews Aidan and Patrick are born.

4. 105 days early.

7. Both are 12 inches tall, weigh less than 1½ pounds.

8. Eric and Tisha have picked 1 name, Aidan. They pick Patrick because it’s St. Patrick’s Day.

10. That was my brother’s wedding ring.

12. Angel’s watch over them. (Did you see the wings above Aidan’s head?)

14. They don’t make diapers small enough.

17. Mom and dad are worried, but proud of their sons.

19. My mom is happy to (finally) have grandbabies.

20. Day 5

21. Aidan dies.

22. It’s not the years days in your life that count, but the life in your years days. ~Abraham Lincoln

23. For Patrick, life has just begun.

24. Day 11

25. Patrick’s first surgery

26. Everyone prays.

27. He lives.

28. Patrick will have 7 more surgeries over the next 180 days.

30. But he is loved.

32. My sister-in-law lives at the hospital for 7 months.

34. My brother takes a 2 month leave of absence, after which he has to return to work. He visits every weekend.

35. Day 209

36. He and his feeding tube go home.

39. But it’s not over.

41. Day 370

42. Patrick’s 9 th surgery.

43. Everyone prays.

44. He lives.

46. And he’s still the strongest person I know.