Jeff Byers loves children – this I have known for a long time. But I’ve been able to see it in action over the last two years as he has played with my daughter, Sarah. When it comes right down to it, Jeff is just a great, big teddy bear (both outside and inside), and kids love him, too. A couple of months ago (Sarah was just shy of turning two) Jeff and some other friends were over at my house enjoying a beer after work. Jeff and Sarah disappeared into the room next door. A few minutes later Sarah returned with great excitement and fanfare – Jeff had taught her how to paint her toenails with crayons, a skill she still practices. Jeff has not yet met my youngest daughter, Anna. She was born on the day of Jeff’s car accident. I look forward to that day.

Jeff seems to be improving. All of the normal trauma one would expect from a serious car crash – cuts, bruises, swelling, broken bones – are healing very well, faster than expected. He has moved his arms and legs some, and his friend and family take encouragement from these small signs.