[Paddlewise] Kayak football as PT for wounded vets

   We play kayak football here as I have mentioned. Recently the game  
took on a new importance. Apparently the VA uses kayak pool sessions  
to help some wounded vets get their motor skills sharpened up and  
help transition them back to a better place mentally. The local VA  
heard about our game and asked if some of the traumatic brain injury  
(TBI)  vets could play too.  Of course!!!
   So the cry went out and we showed up in full force to play with  
these guys and gals. The VA kicked in lots and lots of gear and a big  
bus to transport everything needed. We were there as safeties,  
teammates, opposing team members and to show them the rules. Its wild  
playing with these guys. They show up pumped and play as hard as  
their current state of healing will allow. They are fearless and kind  
caring deeply about their fellow vets mental place on the water. Some  
of the guys can get a little bit wrapped up in the intensity of the  
game and start to shake a bit. I asked one if he was cold and he  
looked at me oddly and said no. His buddy took him aside and chatted  
with him and he seemed to find a much better place and played on. It  
was touching. They sometimes exist in a place I cannot understand  
because I am not part of their brotherhood. It makes hitting the  
water Tuesday nights very important. Look into this program in your  
home town if you live in the US. It might be a good experience.

One funny line from Tuesday's game. A long pass was thrown and right  
when a vet caught the ball another vet yelled very loudly, "Boom!"  
The guy dropped the ball, turned and laughed. The guy who yelled boom  
looked at me and said, "That's how you 'eff with a guy who's been  
blown up."  I thought it was great he shared that with me.

Jim et al
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