You may or may not already know all that I'm about to write, but I sensed in my spirit the need to yet again give honor and glory to our most amazing God!
As you notice from the picture, that is B3 on the free throw line getting ready to shoot (and yes, it went in). This is from their most recent game, 01/20/15. That in itself is not worthy of blog attention, but everything that led up to that moment truly is.
On January 9th of this year, B3 went to the ground hard following a layup opportunity in a game for the DCA Lions. It was a pretty severe moment and the pain seemed incredible. As a dad, and one of the assistant coaches, I wasn't sure what my response was supposed to be, but I could tell my son was in agony. Half thinking about the injury he had just suffered and half thinking about how this might impact the game and the rest of the season, it was almost more than he could take. I so appreciate the great attention and care he received from our DCA staff who were there.
We finally made it to the ER several hours later and the pain was still severe. As you can see from the picture below, although we didn't know exactly what we were facing, we knew it was going to be major.
The preliminary report from the ER doctor (pre x-ray) was a broken fibula which meant he would be out of basketball for at least 6-8 weeks. In a season that was to be over in 5 weeks, you're beginning to understand the weight upon B3's heart. Following X-Ray examination, the prognosis was only slightly better - fractured growth plate - out at least 4-6 weeks. As we left that ER room Friday night our hearts were all a little heavy.
On the way home I asked B3 if he really believes what we're reading during our morning family devotional time. We've been spending these moments together dissecting Mark Batterson's "Grave Robber" and discovering more and more about our miracle-working God. We had recently (and are still there) been journeying through the miracle in John 5 where Jesus heals the lame man who hadn't walked in 38 years (probably his entire life). Not to oversimplify the miracle, but the man believed that Jesus could heal him and he walked all the way home (after jumping, hopping, and skipping I'm sure). Barry's response to me was, "Yes, I believe that Jesus can heal me." And so, as a family, we've held that belief from day #1. So let me tell you the rest of the story...
Step #1 - B3 got into the orthopedic doctor (one who works with Virginia Tech athletics even) on that Monday. He was then diagnosed with not a break, nor a fracture, but rather with a high ankle sprain. Prognosis was that he would be out at least 3 weeks.
Step #2 - Instead of the normal 7-10 day wait, B3 was able to be seen the very next day at the Physical Therapist (again, one who works closely with VT athletics). When he shared his goal to be back on the court in 2 weeks (since the doctor said at least 3), they told B3 that it would definitely take longer than 2. He was swollen still and it was still very tender.
Step #3 - While at the therapist's office, they took him out of the walking boot and put him in just an ankle brace. This was because with this injury he only needed his ankle stabilized, and not his whole leg. This would also help the blood flow to the ankle to help the injury heal.
Step #4 - It was six days before Barry's next physical therapy appointment (it was all they had and we were out of town for the pastor's conference). When Barry showed up on Monday, the therapist couldn't even believe he was looking at only a 10 day old high ankle sprain injury. Several times he asked us when the injury happened, with shock. The swelling was almost non-existent and the pain was present only during the workout. Barry left the visit being cleared to no longer have to wear the ankle brace (except during school for only this week).
Step #5 - In a limited capacity, we let B3 practice with his team on Monday. Coach took great care and B3 was able to do everything that was asked of him, all without re-aggravation or pain.
Everything I've just written has led to the miracle that is B3 playing in his first game, only 11 days removed from suffering a potentially season-ending ankle injury. If that's not something to shout about, I don't know what is!
Why Jesus chose to heal the lame man in John 5, I'll never fully know. Why he has chosen to heal my boy at this time, I may never know either. But I hope that we fully recognize it for what it is - a miracle. It's so easy to dismiss the mighty hand of God at work in our lives. We do it with the small things all the time. My hope and prayer is that this will become one of those bedrock moments that my boy can look back on down the road in life and that doing so will cause his faith to stand strong. My hope and prayer is that God would use this supernatural and divine moment to grow each of us more into his likeness.
Thanks for the part you played in this miracle; without your love, support and prayers, it may not be what it's truly become!
With love,
Barry
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