He had been given medication to reduce his brain swelling, but the swelling still continued “There will be machines and a lot of tubes,” the nurse explained.

“Terry has been given medication for pain and is not awake. It is possible he might be able to hear you, so it important that you remain calm. We do not want to upset him further in any way.”

As I walked into the room and saw all the tubes and machines, my emotions spilled out. I quickly turned around and stepped

back out. Shaking, crying, and gasping for air, I tried hard to get myself under control so I could go back in.

Taking deep breaths to calm myself, I walked over to Terry’s bedside. Love and fear overwhelmed me as I looked at my son lying unconscious. Yet, seeing him gave me hope.

The only physical sign of the accident was a cut over his eye that required three stitches. Terry’s arms were twisting back forth.

“Isn’t that good?” I asked the nurse when I saw his arms moving. “He can’t be paralyzed if his arms are moving.”

The nurse explained to me that twitching arms were a reaction to his brain swelling and it was not a good sign. I swallowed hard but could not stop my tears from flowing. I touched his hand and struggled to keep my voice steady.

“Terry, hang in there. I love you and I’m going to be here for you,” I whispered.

His wife also touched his hand and talked to him reassuringly. I looked at my boy who had always been so healthy and energetic, lying there with tubes going into him.

This can’t be, I thought. But I could not change reality. I could only pray that Terry would recover. Chubs did not make it.