I love my job and I know my job means working on holidays – which I sincerely don’t mind, especially when I get to spend a special day with a special family like the Paddock’s.
Aaron Paddock and his incredible story is what brought me to Warsaw on this beautiful day. The love, prayers, and support from his family, neighbors, and friends went a long way towards making this day possible.
What I saw in the Paddock family is what I’ve seen in other families I meet in this job and it never fails to impress me. It’s an ability to pull together under the most dire circumstances and to be reminded…sometimes in the most painful of ways…what truly matters in life.
The Paddock’s chose to physically touch Aaron nearly every minute he was in his hospital bed in a coma. Minus surgeries or tests, not one but two Paddock family members had their hand resting on Aaron 24-hours a day until he woke up.
Weeks later older brother Ian continues that display of devotion day in and day out, hour after hour. He is never more than a step or two away from his younger brother, able to catch him or grab him if there’s a stumble or slip. Early on, if his brother needed a shower, Ian would be in the bathroom just in case something where to happen. He’s helping Aaron speak, and read, and write, and remember. He’s helping to tutor his brother and get him caught up on all the schoolwork he’s missed thus far in 8th grade.
Ian Paddock set aside his collegiate wrestling career and his studies and all the things that 21 year-olds are typically enjoying so that he can nurse his little brother back to health. He is just one example of why this family – six boys, three girls, and of course Mom and Dad – is one of the more special I’ve met in my travels.
Sean Carroll, Reporter
