He never got that feeding tube. He doesn’t take medications. His name is Carter, and he is our 8 year old son. Carter was born with a rare neuromuscular disorder called Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood. There are about 340 cases in the World. It is a paralysis disorder, with episodes brought on by a wide array of triggers. Barometric pressure change and severe temperature swings account for many of his episodes. Over-stimulation or surprises from any source also cause paralysis. Through most of his life, Carter has faced these episodes nearly 75% of the time. Today, in the stable Texas climate – Carter deals with dramatically fewer episodes. There isn't a day that goes by that Carter isn’t affected by this disorder.
So here goes the story:
Carter’s younger brother, Spencer, plays flag football with the Lake Travis Youth Association. When the league struggled to put together enough coaches to handle the large number of kids, I reluctantly stepped up to fill a pair of coaching shoes. I had never coached football. As it turns out, teaching 5 and 6 year olds to play football could be better defined as herding ants.
This past Saturday was just another rewarding (um, frustrating) day on the field. My players were not listening or paying attention – and the other team was taking advantage. We were on the receiving end of a pretty good beating, but we managed to keep the game close. We were down by one touchdown with little time left in the game – and we were “lucky enough” to get the ball back. Unfortunately, we went through all four downs with no success. Our kids dropped the ball, ran the wrong direction, and got tackled behind the line on all four downs. We did all the wrong things and turned the ball over on downs.
It felt like five minutes had passed while the opposing team tried to get their offensive players out of the huddle. I was already irritated and could not understand how such a fast-paced game, with running time, all of the sudden felt like we were in a rain delay.
I caught some movement from our sideline – and looked over to find Coach Bill walking on the field with Carter at his side. Carter might be the biggest Lake Travis football fan in history - but he is not supposed to be on the field. He LOVES being at ALL the football games – especially Spencer’s. As they walked closer, Coach Bill said “Put Carter in at running back for this play.” “He can’t,” I said. “We turned the ball over on downs – and besides – he’s not even on the team.” “Just put him in and run the play,” Bill said. Getting more agitated, I said “Look, Bill – It’s not our ball and he doesn’t know what to do.” “Just listen to me and do this,” he said.
I turned to the head referee and said “hey stripes, am I missing something? Did we not just turn the ball over on downs?” He walked over, got eyeball to eyeball with me, and in a stern voice said “yes you did – but number 10 here is ready to get his first touchdown – are you okay with that?” Side note: Carter is a regular at all the games and practices, so he wears a “left-over” #10 jersey to all the LT games.
So with everyone on the field aware of what was developing - except for me and head coach Jen – we were given a “fifth down” and a dream come true. With Spencer at quarterback and Carter set up in I-formation, the sun stood still. For thirty seconds. And Carter ran 40 yards for a touchdown while everyone cheered for him. You would have thought we had just won the Super Bowl. I had never heard cheering like this. It was deafening. Carter had never shown so much emotion. He was so proud – and so were Sara and I. The head coach from the opposing team put Carter up on his shoulders and marched him around the field. Everyone rushed out on the field - and there wasn’t a dry eye to be found.
This is Carter’s story. One that beats adversity. One that overcomes challenges. One that opens hearts and changes lives. Carter is a gift from God and I treasure him with all my heart.
This is a beautiful story and I hope I am giving it justice. I still don’t know who made this happen – but everyone was on board. The opposing team, the parents, players, coaches and even the referees. In a heated moment with the game on the line – the Sun Stood Still – to give God the glory and give Carter a moment he WILL NEVER FORGET. It was a priceless moment. One of those moments you read about or watch on youtube – but never get to experience in the flesh.
I am honored to cast my deepest heart-felt appreciation to everyone at the field on Saturday. To the Bulverde (San Antonio) flag football team for lifting Carter up high – for one moment that will last a lifetime. To the coaches I work with – for making this moment so special and honoring Carter with a medal for his efforts. To the head referee, who with tears in his eyes and a choked-up voice, issued Carter the “official game coin” and suggested that we frame it and remember this day forever. To the parents and fans at the game – your cheering will ring in our heads for decades. To all of you that have helped with Carter - prayed for him - and gave us the hope and courage to fight for his future. Today, we lift all of you up – because you all deserve it.
This is a great story and I will cherish it forever… Whatever battles you may be fighting today – fight them with courage – and give all the glory to God. He has a plan for your life – even when it seems to be spinning out of control. It might require a “Fifth Down,” but He will be there for you – just give Him the reigns… Only He can make the Sun Stand Still.
