When Steve decided he wanted to play flag football, I bought him a new one. When I brought it home we couldn't wait to practice throwing and catching. What a surprise it was, when Steve suddenly started crying; the ball was hurting him each time he caught it against his chest.

He could have quit then, but once again that spirit of determination that so defined Steve would rule the day: he went inside and got his coat. With his coat on, the ball could hit against his chest without hurting him. We spent many wonderful days throwing, catching, and kicking, with Steve wearing his coat, even though the weather was still warm.

Within a few months, Steve had filled out enough to where the ball didn't hurt him anymore.