STRONG - I have many people I could write about here. Strength of character is not lacking in members of my family nor friends who surround me. but, when I think of strong I think of our dear friend Will Barker.
Will was paralyzed on the Davis Senior High Football field in 2009 and the Davis Community worked together to help out Will and his family
Will broke his neck and the immediate prognosis was that he would never walk again. It was heartbreaking. Yet, as two communities grieved together and worked together for Will, he was the one that led the drive of strength and determination. and Will lives his name. He has the will to succeed and nothing is going to stop him.
That Christmas just 4 years ago, Will was flat on his stomach, ridden with bedsores. Nurses had to turn his head from one side to the other --he could move a tiny bit of his one hand. But when I bent over to look him in the eye, it was evident the paralyzation was of body only and that his spirit was running full bore and ready to hit the forward trail. His eyes smiled and sparkled and he was grateful to be alive and loved.
That Christmas the Davis football team provided Will with the gift of his choice. A PS3. He wanted to play Madden Football. Keep in mind that he could not use his hands yet. But he was determined to play football once again, so the unit was donated by a football family who wished to be kept anonymous and donations came in to provide him with games and gifts for his family.
Will was soon playing the game. Not only did he start playing PS3, but he continued intensive therapy and went on to school. He honored us with his presence at the graduation of the seniors who played against him that fateful homecoming game. He stood to receive his diploma from high school the next year.
He's continued to progress with help from the Christopher Reeves Foundation and some forward thinking studies at Sac State.
The last image I received from Will was video of him taking steps during his classes/therapy. The photo above is Will standing for my 60th birthday.
I love this kid -- err, I mean man! He had the guts of a man way before he could be called one. Will has a purpose here on earth. His story is one that will go before him as an example of fortitude, faith, strength and perseverance.
Strong - Will.
Will was paralyzed on the Davis Senior High Football field in 2009 and the Davis Community worked together to help out Will and his family
Will broke his neck and the immediate prognosis was that he would never walk again. It was heartbreaking. Yet, as two communities grieved together and worked together for Will, he was the one that led the drive of strength and determination. and Will lives his name. He has the will to succeed and nothing is going to stop him.
That Christmas just 4 years ago, Will was flat on his stomach, ridden with bedsores. Nurses had to turn his head from one side to the other --he could move a tiny bit of his one hand. But when I bent over to look him in the eye, it was evident the paralyzation was of body only and that his spirit was running full bore and ready to hit the forward trail. His eyes smiled and sparkled and he was grateful to be alive and loved.
That Christmas the Davis football team provided Will with the gift of his choice. A PS3. He wanted to play Madden Football. Keep in mind that he could not use his hands yet. But he was determined to play football once again, so the unit was donated by a football family who wished to be kept anonymous and donations came in to provide him with games and gifts for his family.
Will was soon playing the game. Not only did he start playing PS3, but he continued intensive therapy and went on to school. He honored us with his presence at the graduation of the seniors who played against him that fateful homecoming game. He stood to receive his diploma from high school the next year.
He's continued to progress with help from the Christopher Reeves Foundation and some forward thinking studies at Sac State.
The last image I received from Will was video of him taking steps during his classes/therapy. The photo above is Will standing for my 60th birthday.
I love this kid -- err, I mean man! He had the guts of a man way before he could be called one. Will has a purpose here on earth. His story is one that will go before him as an example of fortitude, faith, strength and perseverance.
Strong - Will.
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