A Life That Touched Many

None of us ever knows exactly how the lives we lead are affecting others. But one doesn’t have to be a theologian to believe that life on earth is not the same as sticking your hand in a bucket of water--when the hand is removed, the water returns to the way it was. Rather, there is much to suggest that a single life changes the world forever.

Tadd Blakeborough’s life lasted just nine years. But there will be no end to its impact. When he was 2, Tadd nearly drowned in the backyard swimming pool. After spending 10 minutes face down in the water, it was a miracle that he survived--but no more miraculous than the outpouring of love and support that he would become the focus of.

Tadd’s brain was severely damaged, and he never recovered to live a normal life. But his parents were determined to keep him at home. With the assistance of more than 250 volunteers from in and around Escondido, many of whom the Blakeboroughs did not even know before their son’s accident, they maintained a program of therapy designed to stimulate Tadd’s brain and give him a chance to come back. Working in five-person teams, these volunteers swung Tadd around and rolled and tumbled him on the floor. They exercised his limbs, flashed strobe lights at him and put different flavors of ice cream on his tongue. Though he rarely responded, the slightest smile would give them encouragement.

The dreams Tadd’s parents had for him were simple: That they might one day see him running in the yard, perhaps even that he would reach out for them. He died recently of a respiratory ailment without having fulfilled those dreams.

But his life was not wasted. He touched scores of people he never knew, though he may have felt their love for him. We can only speculate at the lessons he taught them. But among them surely were patience, humility and a love for life in whatever form it takes.