Thursday, January 13, 2011

Speaking Of Hockey...

In my last post I confessed to being a major hockey fan. I introduced my entire family to the sport and some of them became big fans, too. Now I have a story about a hockey player to share with you.
I have a brother Dan. He's always been a sports nut and in high school he played basketball, football and wrestled, but his passion was baseball. He was a catcher, which is tough on the knees, and he was good. He was good enough to consider a career in pro baseball, but then he injured his knee during a game of basketball with a few buddies. He's had several operations on the knee and sometimes has to wear a brace. It ended his dreams of being a professional baseball player, but there must be something in his genes.

One of the best decisions Dan ever made was to marry Michele. She is the best sister-in-law anyone could ever have. I love her. We have something in common, our love for animals. She's also a great Mom to my niece and nephew.

Now I want to introduce someone extremely important to me. This is my  nephew Eddie. In this picture he was six days old and I spent most of the day holding him.

Here Dan is holding Eddie, in white, and my cousin's son Ian who was six weeks old in this photo. Dan has always loved little kids. When he was in college he worked summers teaching sports to little kids. He's very patient.

Now, about those genes. Eddie seemed to be born with an interest in sports. Rob and I lived near Baltimore at the time, so we gave Eddie his first baseball uniform.

Once he was standing on his own, he was swinging a bat.

He also inherited my love of junk food. Here he looks like a chipmunk as he stuffs cheesy poufs into his mouth.
He got his love of animals from both his mom and dad.

Wasn't he a cute little guy?

When Eddie was three, his sister Ann Marie was born. They've always been best friends.

They played together from the start.

Almost as soon as Eddie could stand up on skates, he started playing hockey.

For a while Ann Marie played hockey, too, but she soon became more interested in soccer.

Eddie also played soccer.....

and baseball.

Well, the years have flown by and Dan and Michele have attended more soccer and baseball and hockey games than anyone can count.

Eddie is a senior in highschool now, the same highschool I attended. He still plays baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter. Next fall he'll be going off to college and will undoubtedly play those sports in college.
On December 23 Ed was playing hockey when he suffered an injury and was taken to the hospital.

He broke his left humerus bone. At first it seemed to be healing well, but then the position of the bone shifted, so on Tuesday of this week he had surgery to put a rod in his arm to hold the bone together.
He's pretty uncomfortable right now, but I'm sure he'll soon be swinging that hockey stick again. I love you Ed and I hope you heal quickly.

14 comments:

♥I am Holly♥ said...

We are so very sorry that happened to him. We will have him in our prayers. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

Two French Bulldogs said...

What a great story. No problem Ed, we won't tell a soul about those foreign objects in your arm. There are tons of pros out there still playing with worse injuries. You will heal and get right back in the "swing" of things.
Good luck kiddo
Snuggles,
Benny & Lily

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Eddie is nice looking young man, and a very active one at that! I know your family is very proud of him (who wouldn't be?) and I hope he heals quickly so he can start swinging that hockey stick and everything else very soon--Spring will be here before we all know it!!

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

Paws crossed for a quick recovery. Hopefully, he'll be ready for next season!

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

Stella said...

From a cute little boy to a cute big boy! Eddie, we wish you a fast and complete healing to get you right back out on the fields and rinks again!

Prayers and good wishes,

Stella the Dog, Ali Z the Cat and Jo the Mom

Tracy said...

What a lovely tribute to Eddie...he's a fortunate kid to have such great opportunities and family to support them.
lovely post...

Molly the Airedale said...

We're sending lots of healing vibes Eddie's way! What a great story! We just love the picture of him hugging his kitty.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

What a beautiful story you told of your family with words and photos. We will cross our paws for Ed's arm to heal well so he can right back out on the ice again.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Lapdog Creations said...

Ouchie... sorry to hear about the hockey injury and hope he's on the mend soon!
Go B's! ;)

LizzieJane said...

What a lovely family you have Sue. I will keep Eddie in my prayers that he will quickly heal and be back out there swinging that hockey stick. You must all be proud of him.
x

gMarie said...

I hope he heels quickly and properly. What a lovely nephew you have. :) g

Marjie said...

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful brother and his family. Love to your family as poor Ed goes through the painful healing process! If his doctors need a stern talking to or a vigorous slobbering, Thor will help.

Nicki said...

Hope he feels better soon.

SissySees said...

What a beautiful family you have. Sending comforting, healing thoughts to Eddie. I was an injured teen athlete a time or two, and it's SO HARD to be patient and heal.