[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE RICHARDSON FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. LEE TERRY

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. TERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell the story of the 
Richardson family and honor them for the strength they display to 
overcome obstacles and continue to be a loving family. Through adoption 
they have welcomed their children into their home and created a loving 
family unit.
  Patti Richardson is dedicated to serving her nine children, no matter 
their background. When Patti comes across a child in need, she is 
always there with open arms willing to welcome them home. She invests 
significant amounts of time and money in these children, filling her 
home and yard with toys, exercise equipment, and other tools.
  The Richardson family consists of Ragina, 22, who was born with Fetal 
Alcohol Syndrome and ADHD. Also born with congenital heart disease, 
Ragina required surgery to fix it at the age of one. As the eldest 
child in the house, Ragina looks after her younger siblings. Next is 10 
year old Wesley. Wesley has ADHD as a result of being exposed to 
methamphetamine before birth. Aidan, of 7 years old, is the next oldest 
child in the house. Aidan has a congenital heart disease and had open-
heart surgery when he was only two months old. Anahla, 5, and Lasia, 4, 
complete the long list of adopted children in the Richardson household. 
Patti also has three birth children, William, Jeffery, and Mikayla, all 
of whom are now adults.
  Sadly, the family has suffered through the loss of two of their own. 
Corey, a shaken baby who Patti fostered and then adopted, passed 
suddenly at the age of three. Andrew, Patti's youngest birth child, has 
also passed from brain cancer. The family thinks of Andrew frequently 
and Patti believes that he gives her guidance to help her through the 
stress and heartache that she sometimes faces while caring for her 
children.
  The Richardson family illustrates the hope and love we know exists in 
our communities. It is my privilege and honor to represent the 
Richardsons and others like them in my community.

                          ____________________