Jared N. PATTON

HAMPTON - Jared Nicholas Patton, born Oct. 6, 2006, died Dec. 11, 2009.
It is believed by many that a true warrior crossed over to the place that God needed him most on Friday afternoon, Dec. 11, 2009. Jared suffered a severe brain injury at the early age of six weeks. All indications proved that Jared should have been at least institutionalized if indeed he made it at all. After many life threatening medical procedures at such an early age, it was clear that Jared wasn't finished on his journey here. Never able to speak a word, he taught numbers of people vital lessons that they would have never received elsewhere. He seemed to be a professor of unconditional love. You had to leave his presence with a deeper understanding of the principals: Compassion, Wisdom, Tolerance, and Patience. Shortly after a tragic physical event, his smile would light up the heart of whoever was lucky enough to be around. Jared loved family time at night when he would sit in his Nina's lap and wait on the popcorn being prepared by his Grandpa Steve, so that they could watch HGTV, unless the Colts or the Orioles might happen to be playing. The Family feels so blessed to have had so much time to spend with their little gladiator.
Kathy and Steve Stowe would like to thank everyone who prayed so consistently for Jared, especially our friends of Bill W. They are grateful for the unrelenting medical help from Dr. Leila Binder, and her staff, the staff at MCV where Jared was airlifted the day he was injured, and everyone at CHKD for the expertise throughout his fight. His loving and dedicated physical therapist, Maryann McCarthy, the dedicated nurses at Maxim Health Care, the entire staff at Poquoson Pharmacy for doing whatever it took to keep Jared's meds prepared.
Jared's Nina, Kathy Stowe, was his constant care giver and soul mate who portrayed relentless energy by loving and caring for Jared. She will miss his physical presence to a great degree, but will forever hear the echoes of his spirit deep within her. His mama, Nicole Patton loved her youngest son with all her heart and will miss his big open mouthed kisses the most. He was her heart and there he will always stay. His Grandfather, Steve Stowe, will be forever grateful to Jared for showing him it is possible to drop your guard and put fear to the side in order to give and receive unconditional love.
He will be missed very much by his big brother, Jacob Patton, and his brother, Austin Fagan. He also leaves behind with much sadness his Aunt Tee Tee, Erin Palmer and her son, Aiden Palmer, and paternal grandfather Randy Palmer. He very much loved and will be missed by his huge extended family, Patrick, Susie, Elizabeth, Victoria, and Jeremy Piper. He also leaves behind his Aunt Teeny Stowe, and the many other family members.
His Uncle Pete Benoit and wife, Liz, were constant visitors. As Pete and Jared would have discussions about the many missions around the world they shared while everyone else was sleeping. The Benoit children, David, Joey, and Gabrielle will miss Jared as well. Jared is responsible for the non-profit organization, Shaken Baby Syndrome of Virginia, which promotes education and awareness on the consequences of Shaken Baby Syndrome, and What to do when a Baby Cries.
Delegate, Glen Oder is planning to introduce new legislation in January, 2010 to press for mandatory education on SBS. Special thanks to the Daily Press and their talented columnists for the various articles they shared with readers. If possible, go to the web site ShakenBabyVA.com and meet Jared personally, or even make a donation to help keep our vision alive. Please remind young parents and caregivers to NEVER NEVER NEVER SHAKE A BABY.
Jared's life will be celebrated 2 p.m. today, at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr. in Hampton, 757-825-8070. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.