Myles, who turns 14 next February, adores surfing and soccer.
Living at La Jolla Shores affords him the opportunity to surf nearly everyday and he got really good at it. That is until the Monday before Thanksgiving …
Myles usually surfs with the big boys at Scripps Pier, but that Monday he was attracted by good breaks at the Shores. Inside a breaker he came off his board and the ocean sucked him under and he hit his head hard on the sand. Stunned but conscious he walked with his board to the Lifeguard Station some 100 yards away, where as soon as they saw him he was placed on a gurney and fitted with a neck brace.
To cut a long story short he broke his neck (vertebrae C7) underwent surgery 2 days later and is headed for a full, but slow recovery.
Lessons learnt:
- Surf with a friend in case of accidents.
- Life can be tenuous so when good luck favours you, just count your blessings …
- If you are going down, put your arms out above your head - better to break an arm than your neck.
- Treat every day as special and don’t take anything for granted.
Written by his dad, Peter Toner
2 responses so far ↓
1 Carol // Dec 20, 2007 at 10:48 am
As a parent myself, I am so touched by your story, Peter. Thank god your son is okay. You have a great deal to celebrate this holiday. If I may add one other lesson to live by - kiss your children everyday and never let an opportunity to say I love you pass by.
2 Peter Toner // Jan 23, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Update: Myles is now back in school and is relieved not to have to wear the neck brace!
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