Site
Sponsor

Grant Milton turns 20; how he inspires us all

By: Kim Kyle Morgan, Woodlands Online
| Published 09/06/2018

Linkedin

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – As The Woodlands Highlanders begin another football season, thoughts of Grant Milton join them on the field.

'You never give up hope.' - Miles Milton


"Grant was out there doing what he loved, which was playing sports for his school," said Grant's father, Miles Milton. "He was outgoing, incredibly smart, this all-American kid, friendly, handsome, vivacious, energetic, all of these things. But his life came to a tragic turn."

Grant, #21, suffered a traumatic brain injury Nov. 26, 2016 in Waco as the Woodlands Highlanders faced Austin Bowie during regional playoffs.

Grant, who turned 20 on Aug. 3, 2018, is currently at an assisted living facility in Oak Ridge. He is not able to speak and is a quadriplegic.

"What we can surmise is, his long-term memory seems to be in place," Miles said. "He knows all of us, but short-term memory can be problematic. His eyes are open. We don't know what's going on inside his head, but there's definitely a sense of familiarity."

Miles said Grant responds to music, as he's always used music to inspire himself before games or working out.

"There's not a day that goes by that what happened doesn't haunt me. Not one, single, day," Miles said. "But I'm also thankful I get to see my son, talk to him, say prayers with him, read to him. Other parents in some of these tragic accidents don't get to do that."

The game plan

Grant's mother Patty Milton said Grant requires repetition and consistency, which he's currently receiving through assisted-living homecare and outpatient therapy sessions at TIRR Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center.

A teacher from Conroe ISD also regularly visits Grant, and he's learning to communicate "yes or no" through an eye-gazing system.

"He has a long road ahead, but I see him accomplishing a lot," Patty said. "We know a lot of this is in God's time, too."

To hear Grant speak again is one of Patty's greatest wishes.

"With all of my boys, Grant would be the one to continually say 'mom mom mom mom,' so much so we would laugh about it," she said. "I incredibly miss hearing him say 'mom'."

Grant's story has affected a lot of people in a lot of different ways.

"I'm really proud of Grant for being an inspiration to so many people," Patty said. "He amazes me every day. Just be the best you can be. Be your own strength through whatever fight you have."

How you can help

If you would like to donate to Grant's ongoing therapy, you may mail a donation to: The Arc of Texas, Attention: Master Pooled Trust, 8001 Centre Park Drive, Suite 100, Austin TX, 78754. Checks should be made payable to: The Arc of Texas, MPT, FBO Grant Milton. His account number is 2740.

The Arc of Texas serves more than half a million Texans with disabilities.

Donations are also being accepted to the 21 Strong Foundation, a nonprofit organization, at: Woodforest National Bank, 1508 Research Forest Drive, Shenandoah, 77381.

If you would like to send a card or letter to Grant, you may send it to: 21 Strong Foundation, PO Box 210, 8000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands TX, 77382.

Comments •
X
Log In to Comment