When I learned of your passing today, I felt very sad.  I never even met you, but I remember that day in 1978 when all of us in Boston anxiously sat in front of our TV sets, praying you'd walk out of that hospital.  You never did. 

I can't imagine being one of the best NFL receivers one day and waking up the next paralyzed.  I think I'd be depressed, bitter and lose all faith in God.  But you used your faith to heal your spirit and help others.

When I see strong young men like you and Christopher Reeves sustain injuries that take away their hopes and dreams rise up and refuse to be defeated by such a cruel twist of fate, I wonder why life for the rest of us often seems so hopeless. We have legs that walk and arms that lift, yet we are stuck in the same place for years.

So it's time to bid you farewell and say a prayer for your family & friends.  I admit I was never much of a football fan, but if I get to Heaven, I'm buying a ticket for a Pats game.