How Big is Basketball?
I got an e-mail from the mother of a young friend of mine who lives out in Northern California. His name is Garrett. I met Garrett through a friend in Phoenix who was putting together a program to help Garrett out. You see, Garrett faces a very difficult battle every day of his life. My friend, John McLelland, wanted to get people from all over the country to do or send something to Garrett to take his mind off his chronic pain and daily struggles. One of my gifts was to have Garrett as our guest at our game with the Kings; we have been in contact ever since.
Garrett has a disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa (or EB) that has made his skin similar to that of a serious burn victim. He lives with these burn-like symptoms every day of his life — and that is just the start of the issues, as this disease has other serious and dreadful effects. Among other things, he spends hours having his bandages changed. You can imagine not only the pain that comes with this but also the frustration of not being able to do the normal things that kids like to do.
Please read the e-mail I got last night from 12-year-old Garrett’s mom. It puts goose bumps on my arms every time I read it. And believe me, I have read it many times already. 
………
(from Garrett’s mom)
Hey guys,
I just wanted to tell you a little “true story” that happened today. As you know, Garrett has not been doing all too well, mostly because of pretty significant pain issues. He doesn’t seem to get out much except to doctors appointments lately, so it was good quality time for just the two of us.
So along the drive as he was quietly sitting beside me, I finally asked him (troubled by his silence), “So Garrett, is there anything that is still making you happy these days?” And he said, “Well, I was very happy last night, when Ray Allen hit that three-pointer and tied up the game once again!!” And from there, he went on to talk about his dear and beloved Celtics team for the next half hour or more all the way to the dealership!
I tell you this because so little has been distracting him from his discomfort these days, but basketball, and especially the Celtics, are his Oasis in life…the motivator that keeps him looking forward to another day, and another game! I honestly do not know what we would be doing if we did not have this comfort for him right now. If you don’t mind, maybe you could mention how much these guys mean to him when he watches them and what heroes they are to him. Win or lose, he is behind them 100%, each and every one. Ray Allen is a HUGE hero and he constantly talks about all the records he has broken or is about to break, as is Paul Pierce who he is currently writing a biography about for school. And of course, the big ticket K.G. will always be his #1, and he can hardly wait for his return. He goes hog wild over Rajon and how great he is becoming and Perkins and Big Baby are two other favorites too… plus the rest, House with his 3-pointers, and your new guys, he is really excited over them as well.
I really just want you to know, it brought tears to my eyes to see him go from quietly sitting feeling sorry for himself, to chatterbox kid about all of you. I was so relieved to see the spark reignite once he focused on thinking about the Celtics.
It may seem small to all of you, but I really think you and all “the guys” are saving his life!
……
So how much impact can our jobs have? I think this e-mail says it all! What Garrett doesn’t realize is that we have frustrations and get down as well, though we face very different problems. Garrett also doesn’t realize that we are every bit as lucky to have him to think about. He has made an impact on our lives, and we look up to him as much as he looks up to us. He is our hero and our inspiration!
Categorized as coaching philosophy and career enhancement, corporate locker room, free
I am a high school basketball coach and I am always trying to find different ways to impact my players. To help them understand what a wonderful and blessed opportunity they have to play the game of basketball. I challenge them to live out the Bible passage: Luke 12:48, To whom much is given, much is expected. One of those many ways is by posting different articles or quotes in their lockers and then at a later date asking them to share their thoughts and/or opinions with the team.
Without a doubt, this article will be placed in their lockers.
Garrett, you are truly an inspiration! Thank you for allowing your story to be told and more importantly, thank you of exhibiting the courage and heart of a TRUE CHAMPION! I pray that God continues to use you in a mighty way!
Stay Blessed!
Coach Kevin Sutton
Montverde Academy
Coach E,
I love this story. I too have a similar story. In the 2000-2001 season I was coaching at Eastern Washington. Portland State was in town to play us and the night before they had practice. I poked my head in the gym after their practice to chat with their coaching staff and see if they needed anything else. As I was talking with one of their assistants, I was introduced to a young man in a wheelchair with cerebral palsy that was a huge PSU fan and had traveled to Cheney to see the game.
Coincidentally, his name was Matt too. I spent about 15 minutes talking with Matt that night. The next day, he was at PSU’s shootaround and found me in the hallway of our arena. Again, we spent another 15 or so minutes chatting. Before the game, Matt and I chatted again and exchanged email addresses. We met again at our shootaround at PSU and the ensuing game.
Since then, Matt and I have become great friends. We exchange regular emails and he is a HUGE fan of my teams over the years. I got a similar email from Matt’s mom and I too got chills; still get chills to this day that I have brought even a little bit of joy to someone less fortunate than myself.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us, Coach. I will keep Garrett in my thoughts and prayers!
Matt Grahn
Assistant Basketball Coach
Concordia University Texas