HUTCHINSON (Don Michael Field) - A chilly Sunday afternoon, most are snug in their homes watching the NFL or the NASCAR race. However there are a few, proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends out on Don Micheal Field braving the elements all in support of the HRC Flag football. Boys and girls are dressed out with their team shirts and flags blowing around their waists. Excitement grows as the time for the coin toss nears. For most they think that having their child play flag football is just another way to get active and to involve their child in a sport. This is true for most, but for a select few their may be some difficulty lingering that makes this Sunday afternoon sport seem a pure miracle for their child. Have you ever sat and watched any sport and wondered why this child runs so slow? Why does that boy seem to limp a lot? Why does she look like she is in pain? Behind every bright and bold player there is a story. As is true for one player on the 2nd and 3rd grade Black “wildcats” team. Number 16. He is a special child. What makes him special one may ask? Well he is the boy who most have asked the questions and have never heard the answer. |
Number 16, is David. He is now eight years old and has a bright future in front of him. You may notice that David does not run as fast as the other kids, or that he may limp when he runs. Every once in a while you may even see a look of pain on his face. What is this from? Bi- lateral club feet. David was born with this condition where not one but both of his feet were turned inwards. He did not begin walking until the age of 2. Two surgeries and hours of physical therapy later he is not only walking, but he is playing football.
David just received his ankle splints. Some might say “ Okay ankle splints good for him”. To his family and David himself, this is something to be excited about. He is now a transformed player. Watching him for the first time with his splints on was like watching a whole new football player out on the field. He had life, excitement, and was just plain happy to finally be able to run like the other kids! Coach Rogers, his teammates, and the parents of the Black “Wildcats” have always embraced David for who he is. Either with his splints or without him.
My advice to others when you are out cheering on your precious son or daughter and you see a child struggling, be kind. You never know what that child is facing. Whether it be club feet to diabetes. Be kind and support all the kids. That one “Way to go” or “Great Job” may just make that child's day!
Submitted by Sherry Brubaker Treece
David just received his ankle splints. Some might say “ Okay ankle splints good for him”. To his family and David himself, this is something to be excited about. He is now a transformed player. Watching him for the first time with his splints on was like watching a whole new football player out on the field. He had life, excitement, and was just plain happy to finally be able to run like the other kids! Coach Rogers, his teammates, and the parents of the Black “Wildcats” have always embraced David for who he is. Either with his splints or without him.
My advice to others when you are out cheering on your precious son or daughter and you see a child struggling, be kind. You never know what that child is facing. Whether it be club feet to diabetes. Be kind and support all the kids. That one “Way to go” or “Great Job” may just make that child's day!
Submitted by Sherry Brubaker Treece