Danny Ray (Ray Trilogy) by Kelley Brown Page A

accident. “Do you think he will get well enough to play ball again?”
    Art rolled toward her and pulled her close, “That’s what Jeremy and I discussed while you were in the emergency room with him. It’s scary. That was only his eighth game to play professionally.”
    “I guess only time will tell,” she responded. Her heart hurt for him. He had worked ever since he was ten years old to earn a place in the professional football league. So quickly it could be taken from him.
    During rounds Monday evening when Dr. Barnes came by to check on him, Laura asked, “Dr. Barnes, could you answer some questions for us about Danny’s treatment?”
    Dr. Barnes took them out in the hall, “Of course, Mrs. Bailey. What would you like to know?”
    “How long will Danny be in traction?” Laura began.
    “A few months, until his leg can mend back together. He is a strong young man. He should heal quickly.”
    Art frowned and asked, “Danny is used to being very active. Won’t this be extremely difficult for him to lie on his back for a long period of time?”
    Dr. Barnes acknowledged with a shake of his head, “It will be difficult but he should pull through and still be a strong man after some physical therapy.”
    Art reached over and held Laura’s hand to comfort her. He had seen too many men in similar circumstances when he had to fly them home from Korea during the war. “What are the complications?”
    Dr. Barnes knew he needed to be frank with this man before him. He hated to give the bad news but he realized this time he needed to let them know the full facts. “Danny was placed in traction to restore the length and alignment of his leg. The complications can come from prolonged bed rest, which in turn can cause pulmonary complications, deep venous thrombosis, along with generalized muscle atrophy and deconditioning.”
    Laura’s head was spinning. It would take a dictionary for her to understand half of what he said. She was too embarrassed to ask and show her ignorance.
    Art said, “Okay, thank you doctor.”
    After they returned to Danny’s room, she turned to Art since he seemed to understand. “Can you tell me what he said?”
    “I ’m no expert, but I’ve been around some of this,” he said as he walked around Danny’s bed to detect if he seemed to be awake. “I know that pulmonary means the lungs, so Danny is in danger of developing pneumonia. Venous thrombosis has to do with the veins, which means that he could form a blood clot which could cause a lot of organ damage even a heart attack. Of course, muscle atrophy means losing muscle use.”
    “Oh, Art, that doesn’t sound good for Danny,” she said wiping a tear from her left eye.
    During that time almost all of the Dallas Cowboys came by to encourage him and give their support. Flowers and cards came every day from fans and old acquaintances of his from college and high school. Laura noticed an especially large, beautiful bouquet of flowers placed in his room during the time they were out of his room. ‘I love you, Lisa’ was written on the card when she peeked. Between naps from pain pills and visiting with all of his buddies, Laura and Art were sure that the impact of what really had happened to his career had not come home to him.
    They left Danny at the hospital on Thursday afternoon by himself for the first time. Art didn’t feel comfortable leaving his business in Fred’s hands for any longer. He knew there were bills to take care of that only he could handle. Laura had a few odds and ends also which needed her attention. On Saturday, she traveled back to New Orleans to care for Danny. She planned to transfer him back to her home or to Tulsa where he would be closer to home as soon as possible.
    Laura walked into the hospital room on Saturday afternoon to see Danny smiling and holding hands with a beautiful young woman. Her oval face framed by long flowing black hair displayed a creamy perfect complexion. Danny watched Laura as she