Please pray, think good thoughts, whatever you do, please do it..

[Emaris]

Update: I just got back from the hospital, and was not able to see him. Because they don't want too much stimulation in the room, they are only allowing his parents in and they have occasionally allowed the youth pastor in as well. They are saying that medically they have done all that they can for him, and that while the swelling is decreasing rather rapidly, he still only has a slim chance. They are giving it 72 hours or so before they suspect they will be able to say the extent of his injuries. This kid is in need of a miracle right now. Medically, there is nothing else that can be done. That is his only chance at the moment. I am not going to class tonight because we are having a prayer service for him at church, and since I work so closely with the youth, I'm going to go be with the kids.

As for the other player, he was taken to the emergency room, but was released quickly, so praise God it's not both of them that are so critically injured.

Shellie, I'm not sure what the name of the surgery they did is, but all they did was put a tube in to drain the fluid and help reduce the swelling and pressure in his brain. He is in some of the best human hands he can be in, as definitley in the best spiritual ones as well.

Hope he gets better! I will be sending good vibes!

[Calift]

Oh no! How scary, I hope he recovers well...the family and this young person are in my thoughts all the way from Canada!

[ShortStack]

Thank you!

The latest update is that the swelling is still decreasing, but for the most part his condition is staying the same. The say that's good even though he's still considered to be in critical condition, because staying the same is better than him getting worse or going back and forth.

[dragonboy4578]

He will be in my thoughts, and I am wishing for the best.

[serenewaves]

Sending prayers to that young man & his family for strength & healing. Please let us know how he's doing if you can.

[Chocolate Muffin's]

Oh Nicki, I am so sorry to hear this. God is amazing and miraculous, but he tends to follow his own plan - its tough. (In my belief) We are all here with our arms wrapped around you as you traverse this very difficult situation. You are very strong, and your strength will be desperately needed in the hours and days ahead. The family and the youth really appreciate all that you are doing (even if they are not in a position to tell you). This young man sounds like a wonderful, compassionate and courageous human being, and he will have many prayers in his name.

My prayers go out to the entire community, who this young man's life and light, has brightened. Keep us updated as you can Nicki...

[BPelizabeth]

Oh my goodness ...this is just so terrible. You definetly have prayers coming from me and my family. I just cannot believe something like this happened on a soccer field. How incredibly scared the parents must be. I am so sorry that this child and his family are going through this. Please send them all of our well wishes and keep us updated on his condition.

Stay positive...he is young and strong and that will work in his favor!!

[ShortStack]

Oh my goodness ...this is just so terrible. You definetly have prayers coming from me and my family. I just cannot believe something like this happened on a soccer field. How incredibly scared the parents must be. I am so sorry that this child and his family are going through this. Please send them all of our well wishes and keep us updated on his condition.

Stay positive...he is young and strong and that will work in his favor!!

I know, everyone is still in shock. First he wanted to play football, but his mom said, no way.. too dangerous. Then he wanted to try boxing or mma, and she said, no way.. too dangerous. So he finally asked to play soccer, and she told him sure, that wasn't as dangerous. Now, the poor lady is blaming herself because she let him play. It was truly a freak accident. He was the goalie and the player on the opposing team was coming at him, he ducked, and got kicked in the back of the neck, and it cut the circulation off to his brain. He is very physically fit and strong for his age, so we are praying that really, really works in his favor and helps his body to heal itself quickly. He is one of those kids that never says anything bad about anyone, and is good friends with all the kids in the youth group. Not to mention he can cross reference scripture and knows the Bible better than most adults. Thank you again for the prayers and good wishes, yall.. It's so nice to know that there are prayers being lifted up for him not only in our church, city, state, but also all over the country.

[shelliebear]

Generally the "golden hour" following the injury to the brain is the most important in terms of medical operations. If he got in within about an hour, which it sounds like he did if he was air lifted, then that is good.
A coma is a strong predictor of a poor outcome, but semi accurate outcome prediction depends on other factors as well, which right now we don't know. I think it's best that we don't know--it would only depress most of us. Typically with severe TBI a person either dies, or recovers enough to live on their own--very few cases are in between those outcomes.
I am not religious, as I said before, but I know the doctors will do, and are doing, everything they can.
I'm sorry this happened. Tell the boy's mother it is not her fault...life is dangerous. She could no more have prevented this than she could have stopped his school bus crashing, him getting hit by a drunk driver, etc.
It was not her fault, it wasn't her choice. The circle of life isn't always kind, or fair--but it keeps going.
My best wishes go out to everyone who knew the boy, no matter little they knew him, and the boy himself.
I'm really, really sorry. Stories like this tug at my heart strings--everybody's heart strings...but we have to keep going, even when we don't want to.
Stay strong. Provide support when you can, and take care of yourself and your emotions when you need to.

Shellie

[ShortStack]

For those on FB, we now have an "event" made for him.. You don't actually "attend" anything, but it's just a place to get prayers going, the word passed along, and some updates if we hear them.. Please join if you can, and keep inviting others.. Here's the link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/e...68796913167434

If for some reason you can't get that to work, add me and I will get you an invite in.. Here's my FB:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/p...?id=1462576730