I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Austin although I feel as if I knew him. Reading his memoirs, it is evident that Austin touched the hearts of everyone who met him and although his life was tragically short he made a lasting impression to all those who knew him.
My sister Jo Batten was Austin’s nanny from a baby. An incredible bond was formed instantly not only with Austin but with his parents Gregg and Laurie and later with his sister Aiden. Jo herself was young and living abroad for the first time and was welcomed into the family as if she were their own. It was this unconditional trust and love that built the foundation of what was to become a precious long term friendship with the whole family.
Jo adored caring for Austin and seeing him grow and develop and will always treasure those memories. It soon became apparent that Austin had a remarkable gifted and intriguing mind coupled with rare qualities of unquestionable thoughtfulness and kindness, which clearly grew with him. His passion of science was a natural progression for a person of such intelligence.
As everyone, my heart is saddened by the tragedy that put Austin to rest so early, there isn’t an hour that passes that I don’t think of Austin’s family and his loved ones. May they take comfort in the memories of his outstanding achievements throughout each stage of his life and cherish them forever.
Janine Morgan
My sister Jo Batten was Austin’s nanny from a baby. An incredible bond was formed instantly not only with Austin but with his parents Gregg and Laurie and later with his sister Aiden. Jo herself was young and living abroad for the first time and was welcomed into the family as if she were their own. It was this unconditional trust and love that built the foundation of what was to become a precious long term friendship with the whole family.
Jo adored caring for Austin and seeing him grow and develop and will always treasure those memories. It soon became apparent that Austin had a remarkable gifted and intriguing mind coupled with rare qualities of unquestionable thoughtfulness and kindness, which clearly grew with him. His passion of science was a natural progression for a person of such intelligence.
As everyone, my heart is saddened by the tragedy that put Austin to rest so early, there isn’t an hour that passes that I don’t think of Austin’s family and his loved ones. May they take comfort in the memories of his outstanding achievements throughout each stage of his life and cherish them forever.
Janine Morgan