My 15 year-old grandson

Wichita wrestler talks about broken neck, stroke
February 16, 2011|By Megan Strader | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Both are running on very little sleep, but Kaleb Ball and his dad Nick can still remember every detail of what happened Saturday afternoon.

"His head just completely tucked up under him and his chin went into his chest and both of their weight went down on it," recalls Nick Ball.

"I just heard the loudest snap I've ever heard, you could just tell something was wrong," said Kaleb.
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While wrestling at a tournament this past weekend Kaleb broke the fourth vertebrae in his neck - needing three surgeries to repair.

And while the Northwest High School freshman is still in a lot of pain, he knows he's lucky things weren't worse.

"All I'm dealing with is pain, that's better than being paralyzed."

Kaleb did end up suffering a stroke - likely from the damage to the blood supply to his brain. So even though he'll be released from the hospital on Thursday, he'll report straight to a rehab center to help restore of the functions of the left side of his body.

"They told me that how much I progressed in one day is how much they expect to see someone progress in two weeks. So, they said I'm doing really good."

Along with being a wrestler, Kaleb is a straight "A" student and a musician. So while he may never wrestle again, the goal is to return him to doing the other things he loves.

Nick Ball tells Eyewitness News, "If anyone can have a 100% recovery it's this kid right there, for sure."

Kaleb and is family say they're overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they've received. Kaleb hopes to be back in school within a few weeks.

The Last Journey

His family is gathered round the bed: the room quiet save for the sound of labored breathing. He reaches out a feeble hand only to have it immediately grasped by two strong masculine ones.
‘’Is that you boy?’’ he asks in a quavering voice.
‘’Yes Dad, its me. I’m right here. We’re all here. Even your new great grandson is here to see you.
‘’Let me see the child. I want to see him before its time.’’
‘’Now don’t be talking like that Dad. You’ll be out of here in no time.’’
He looks deep into the eyes of his beloved son and sees only an abiding love.
‘’We both know how I’ll be leaving this room Jason.
Jason begins to weep softly’’
‘’Now, now. My pain will soon be over and look at that beautiful grandson that you to help raise. You have to be there for him. You have to take my place. Now hush up and let me see the boy.’’
His granddaughter pushes her way up to the bed.
‘’Isn’t he the most beautiful baby you’ve ever seen Papa? We named him after you. His name is Darrel Alan.’’
Amidst all his pain he manages a sigh of contentment. Life had not been easy but he had been able to pull it off and close his life out with peace and contentment. Yes, and lots of love.
Jason brushes a strand of gray hair from his father’s forehead.
‘’We’re all right here Dad. We’re all here. Dad? Dad? Daddy? Wake up Daddy. Daddy please wake up. Jason cries softly.
He gasps and opens his eyes. There is no sense of feeling. No up or down, nothing but darkness.
‘’Isn’t there supposed to be a bright light to follow or something?
A soft voice whispers, ‘’Wait. Be patient and wait.’’
He heeds the voice and waits quietly.