A Little Something Extra

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

David Pearce

I confess that I haven't seen much of the Olympics this year (barring the men's skating finals and the USA vs. Canada hockey game).  For those who have known me a long time, you know how serious a departure this is from my norm.  Anyway... I was chowing some dinner after a workout last night in the lounge area of the locker room at the gym and happened to catch a great piece about snowboarder, Kevin Pearce (who has beaten Shaun White twice).  Just six weeks ago, Kevin suffered a tramatic head injury while training.  He is in a rehab hospital attempting to regain the ability to walk and talk and see.

The piece featured interviews conducted with him and his family in Vermont back in September and a few days ago.  Kevin is the youngest of four boys.  Their third son, David, has Down syndrome.  Tom Brokaw made the following statement: "We often, I think, from the outside looking in, think that the parents have to do all the work for THAT child, but that child gives back so much more.”  Kevin's mom made a few remarks about how life with David prepared her for the patience required with Kevin's recovery.  She apparently sort of lightheartedly mentioned that it took David three years to learn to buckle his seatbelt.  [side note: I hope that I'm able to have a lighthearted view of how long it takes Micah to learn things. It's a good reminder that in the grand scheme, it just doesn't matter.]

They also talked about how Kevin would certainly receive better care at that hospital now that David has been to visit him (they brought David to visit just last week).  Their mom said, "David went to every therapist and every doctor and told them, 'Take VERY good care of my brother... I love him VERY much."

Please watch the video by clicking here.  But make sure you have a box of tissues handy.

12 comments:

Emily said...

I've watched it a few times... and continue to cry!

Angela said...

I saw this piece on NBC news this a.m. when I was in the waiting room at Children's during Christian's procedure. It brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful family. So much love. And, like you, my favorite part was when they talked about how David went around to all of the Dr.'s and said to give Kevin the best care because he loves him so much. That was so touching.

Tania said...

Thank you for sharing! Such a heart warming story that brings tears to my eyes!

Kris Delaney said...

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Also, I loved the boys new pictures on fb!!!

Kelli said...

I saw this as well as was so moved by it!

Thank you for your comment the other day...suggestions from other families really help me when I'm struggling with different things. I really appreciate it!

Monica Crumley said...

I watched this 3 times and cried harder each time. I think it's the words that the mom quoted David as saying... going to all the docs and therapists and that he loves his brother very much. That was so evident in his interview, too. So touching... thanks for sharing.

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

Oh my gosh, Frank saved this for me to watch the other day. It's the ONLY part of the Olympics I have seen. I cried SO hard! I'm glad it's online!!!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.