I was at the game, my son plays on the same team. It was heart breaking to see Garrett laying there. He is a wonderful kid from a wonderful family. As Jeff was leaving he asked the kids to play hard for Garrett, and to their credit they played extremely hard. Even though they lost the game, I've never been prouder of a group of young men. As Garrett was laying on the field you could see the tears in their eyes. Even though he missed the game he was there in his teammates spirits. Speedy recovering to Garrett and our prayers are with the Lehkamp family.

May he have angels around him.

I just got back from the hospital. Garret is doing okay, but still pretty sleepy. He was awake a little bit, but I don't expect him to remember my being there. And that's okay.

 

While we were there, he had to get another X-ray of his leg to make sure it was still in good position. I saw his admission x-rays. They nearly made me get sick to my stomach. The bones are completely severed and compressed against one another. They were able to re-align one bone, but the other needed a couple of rods in it. They said these will come out in six months or so. He probably will come home from the hospital on Tuesday and get a walking cast in about ten days.

 

One thing that was a little worrisome was that he complained of his neck being stiff and hurting. The spinal x-rays had been clear, but they decided to have a trauma consult done. Not sure what that is; but they said it was just a precaution.

 

I got to talk to him briefly. It tore at my heart like nothing else could. I so badly wanted to take his place. And those aren't just words; I really would have felt better in his position. I've been through so much of that sort of thing. It's not fair that an innocent little 9-year-old has to deal with it. I was doing okay until someone asked me if it was tougher being the visitor than the patient. It is SO much tougher.

 

I want you all to know that I told Garret that he had people all over the state of Kentucky asking about him and praying for him. His eyes got real big and he sort of worked up a little smile. I read some of the posts to his parents. They said to thank each and every one of you. I'm going to print out all of your messages and take it to him tomorrow.

 

Don't ever let anyone tell you BGP is "just" a sports web site.

Prayers go out, I know he's in good hands with the BF family.

Birdsfan I just now saw this thread and I apologize for not checking this forum sooner. Just be assured that prayers from the Ramblers in Raceland are going up for your nephew right now! May God be with the little guy and your family. From what you have already told us then I can tell that he is a tough one :thumb:.

 

Again. prayers for your Nephew and you. May God Bless

Glad to hear Garret got through the surgery OK. Tell him RTS and the rest of BGP land are hoping for a very speedy recovery! As oldrambler has already said, he's a tough one, we all know he won't let this keep him down.

Also, tell him to soak it all in if all the babes in school start swarming around him, more than usual that is.

 

Get well soon, Garret!

BF-Glad to hear Garrett came through the surgery well! He's in my prayers, as well as you and your family. The important thing isn't whether he plays again, but that he's able to recover and continue on in a healthy fashion. I know it's hard to believe, but there is life after football! Just ask the RockSon! :lol:

Great news this morning BF, I'm so thankful Garrett came through the surgery in good shape. That sounded like a bad break and I was worried for him, but I know there is power in prayer. God is good.

 

Continued thoughts and prayers for Garrett, his parents and your family.

 

Being the good uncle you are, I'm sure you will school him on the proper way to get sympathy from the nurses and then milk it for all its worth when he returns home. I mean, what good is being hurt or sick if you can't at least gain something out of the deal? Right?

BF just saw this thread this morning. So sorry to hear about your nephew. Glad the surgery went great. Prayers and angels are with you my friend, your nephew and family.

Get him physically and mentally healthy. Perhaps even a football, for him to hold and not develop a dislike or fear for the game.

 

Plenty of time down the road, to decide on sports again.

Glad to know that the surgery went well, BF. I will continue my prayers for him!

Get him physically and mentally healthy. Perhaps even a football, for him to hold and not develop a dislike or fear for the game.

 

 

Great idea, Strike3!

 

Prayers from Raceland for your family, BF. Kids handle things so much better than adults do. I predict you'll be even more proud of your nephew and how much stronger this makes him! He is very blessed to have an uncle that cares so much!

Adding our prayers and wishes for Garrett, his family and friends. Lots of people rooting for them while he recovers.

Get him physically and mentally healthy. Perhaps even a football, for him to hold and not develop a dislike or fear for the game.

 

Plenty of time down the road, to decide on sports again.

That's what's really got me mixed up right now. I just don't know whether to even mention football. He was pretty out of it last night, but today he's up and about. Let me tell you a quick story.

 

When I was in the hospital one time, there was a particular video game that I really, really wanted, and couldn't wait to play. Well, the hospital staff set it up so that I could actually play the game on a hospital TV. It was great. But when I got home, I couldn't even stand the sound of the game. It brought back the whole hospital experience. It was about a year before I could actually play it again.

 

Yesterday, he was saying he never wanted to play football again. And his folks and his grandma, and one of his aunts were dead set that he was done with football. I'd like him to continue; but what's most important of course, is what he wants. I agree that your idea is the best way to get him back on the horse again. But I just don't want to risk upsetting him by bringing up the subject of football. I guess we have time to let all that shake out. It will be next fall before it's an issue again.

 

He really seemed to get hooked on the game. I'd hate to see him become afraid of it. This is a tough one.

 

We'll be going over today. I'll take all your great messages and PMs. Thanks again. :thumb:

These issues tend to take care of themselves. Personally, I would drop it and wait and see how he feels next summer. As I said before, his team will probably give him so much support, he will feel like a hero. If he chooses not to play, then most likely he will find another avenue. Perhaps the next Tiger Woods! The good thing about being so young is that his possibilities are endless!