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By Bob Weaver
Ryan "Goob" Fitzwater came home to the Village of Hur Wednesday evening,
several days earlier than planned. It must be overwhelming for the Fitzwater
family to recall the past ten days since the fifteen-year-old was critically
injured in a tractor accident. It was a touch-and-go situation with this
wonderful ending. In many ways with life-changing events, it is a new
beginning.
Grandpa Fitzwater helps Goob to the house
"Goob is a fighter and he will make a comeback," said grandfather Shirley
Fitzwater, waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Calhoun High Football coach
Buck Stewart said "That kid has got what it takes."
The doctor said he might as well go home than be in a hospital bed and get
some of his momma's good cooking.
Dad Rick Fitzwater said the hundreds of cards, telephone calls and visits to
the hospital gave great support to the family. The Hur Herald readers, not
just locally, but around America sent e-mails and called asking "How is that
Fitzwater boy?" Thousands undoubtedly joined in the prayer chain asking for
God's help. Shirley Fitzwater said they called the hospital and to their
homes, from across the land.
This tragic and difficult experience speaks loudly to what life in a rural
community is all about. When the chips go down, friends and neighbors rally
to the cause. Goob Fitzwater's life is really important.
Facing Goob is a recovery period which does not allow him to put weight on
his legs for two to three months. "Going to be hard on him," said Rick. He
was already lifting his upper body by a hospital bed device yesterday.
Here in our tiny village on the hill, it will be an awesome experience to
glance out the window in a few months and see Goob jogging down our
country road, with that wonderful grin.
Welcome home, Goob!
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