On Saturday, June 10, 2006 time stood still. The phone call all parents dread. He had just left the house - he and friends had been to the lake boating and swimming all day. It was getting late and they still needed to take the boat home. He ran in changed clothes, forgot his cell phone and wallet - "I'll be back in a minute" he told his dad.

Fifteen minutes later the phone rang - your son has been in an accident.

My prayer on the way to the hospital was simple. "Lord, just keep him live until we get there."

He did.

My son was unresponsive from the time of the accident for the next 16 hours. A non-survivable brain injury and multiple blunt force trauma injuries which could not be treated through surgery because he would not survive the surgery - a brain injury that surgery could not be performed. For sixteen hours family and friends visited and waited for the end.

On Sunday, June 11, 2006 my son, my friend crossed the bridge of life to eternity at age 22. "Ill be back in a minute" - a crotch rocket motorcycle, no helmet, running late, some friends and a beer at the lake and a tree.

The tree is still standing. I know where it is - I have not heard my son's voice now for a month - the pain doesn't seem to get any better.

While those of you with TBI have incredible challenges that face you more than anyone could imagine - there is still a special gift you have - some of you may still have the ability to speak - a wonderful gift for your family - some of you may write - a remarkable gift - maybe you can only hold their hand - simple enough -

Stay strong - finish the course and others like me can only imagine your rewards.

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