Why? looking forward to the new year

Grandson, Jon Shaffer, after enduring two breaks in his right arm, a fragmented cartilage in his right knee, and approximately 6 months of no activity was cleared for sports by Dr. Latz in Kansas City yesterday.

So this will be a special Christmas for us. We want to thank all of you for your support over the past many months and wish an extra special Christmas for you and the very best new year. thanks Blue Thunder and Topeka Capitals. Jon has been in rehab for the past six weeks and will play basketball in January and is really looking forward to baseball in the coming months. Jon's grandfather, Kurt Heaton

From my blog

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2010

Why? Can anyone explain why?

A about three and a half years ago, my grandson(age nine at the time)his brother(age 2) and my daughter found their father dead on the bedroom floor. He had been sick at home for a few days and refused to see a doctor. He had an enlarged heart, pneumonia, was very over weight and a heavy smoker. Now, even though he had the hue of death, his neck felt warm and can you imagine the trauma of the scene, the weeping, the sirens, the medics. Could he somehow still be alive? It turns out that the dog had been laying on his neck for several hours. Of course all this has marred the family for life. My wife and I immediately came to help and have been helping to raise the boys.

As a former coach, one of the first things was to get the oldest boy involved in sports. It turns out he is an exceptional athlete. He has all the tools, speed, quickness, hand eye coordination and heart. He has excelled in tackle football, basketball and baseball

And now for the kicker, While playing on an exceptional 11 and under baseball team this summer, he also went to a three week basketball camp. On the last day of the first week, he went in for the winning shot, The first thing Jon told me was "grandpa, I made the shot", but was knocked to the floor and broke his right arm just an inch from his wrist. what follow is a series of tweets I made concerning that event.

well, 11 year old broke his wrist at basketball camp today. Now no basketball camp, no summer sports camp and no baseball. very tough on him

At least my grandson has a waterproof cast. He will be able to go to the Y and swim. Cast to come off in 4 weeks and completely healed in 6

So our baseball coach tells our 11 year old grandson who has a broken arm, "you can still play". This kid has great speed and he can pinch run by rule for pitchers and catchers. He is excited and looks to pinch run several times a game. Perhaps he will play in the World Series after all.(actually a facebook entry)

incredible, but true, 20 days after a complete break of his right arm, my grandson, age 11, started at second base and went 2-3 at the plate.

incredible, but true 27 days after a complete break of his right arm, my grandson, age 11, went 2-3 at the plate against a 12major team brag

Grandson at 11&under baseball World Series at Saint Louis, Mo. They will play 7 games or so in the next few days. 5 yr old at home with us

After 2 great games my grandson broke his right wrist again on an elliptical trainer at the motel everyone in shock. Parents came to rescue

Sept, 2010

While practicing with the Blue Thunder football team, arm in a cast and hoping to play later in the year, Jon began experiencing severe pain in his right knee. He was diagnosed with a fragmented knee cartilage and was put in a full leg cast for six weeks to see if it would heal on its own. Thankfully he was young enough for this to occur and after 6 weeks of rehab we have arrived at the end of a difficult year.

Someone tell me why?

The answer? Life is tough and you have to be tough. I remind you of my philosophy that I have tried to instill in my grandchildren -

you may beat me, but I am not beaten. I cannot be defeated or beaten by anything or anyone. I will never,ever give in or give up. Even in death I am not defeated.