Bakersfield.com

Baseball, football, basketball, soccer. These are some of the things that boys love to play, especially with their dads.

These special times shared between father and son should be cherished, since youth passes by all too fast. Son's will eventually grow up to be fathers themselves someday and along the way, memories are made that will last a lifetime.

When fathers and sons play together, we teach them to play sports and have fun and we bond as men. Most of us take this experience for granted.

But what if your child could not run, or play with other kids or stand up for that matter?

That is the case for one of my two sons. You see, my youngest son Raymond is 8 years old and he has Cerebral Palsy. He is quadriplegic and is confined to a wheelchair.

He may never walk, he may never speak, but he sure knows how to smile. And that tells me that he knows how to have fun.

Wouldn't it be great if Raymond could play baseball or football or basketball or soccer? Wouldn't it be great if he had his own adaptive playground, designed specifically for kids like him that would allow them and their families to play sports and run and have fun together in a safe, clean, comfortable environment?

That, my friends, would be our miracle.

What I have just described to you actually exists — though not in our community — as what is called a 'Field of Miracles'. These sportsparks have been specially engineered with state-of-the-art materials and equipment that enables disabled families to enjoy some of the activities that are so commonly played by normal children.

As a family, we do everything together. Usually, if our son Raymond can't participate, we don't do it.

When I coach my oldest son Roman's ball games, Raymond watches, but unfortunately cannot participate. Roman has expressed a sincere interest in the possibility of helping his younger brother Raymond play baseball.

The mere thought of seeing both of my boys playing a sport on the same field warms my heart. That, to me, would truly be a miracle of Biblical proportions.

I am certain that I am not alone in my wish for something that would bring a little more joy into the lives of special people in our community. If you or someone you know would like more information or would like to help make this dream a reality, email: fieldofmiracles@yahoo.com.