Coach's preemie story

Bravo, Ty. Well done.

 

Damn good read, Ty.

It got pretty dusty in here, too.

 

I finally read the whole story, Ty.

I can't comment on it critically as an editor or a journalist.

It's getting pretty damn dusty in here. Phenomenal job.

 

I'll echo everyone else, Ty.

I admire the sensitivity you took in telling this story. I'm sure you've heard from countless preemie parents. You touched on every issue they face and did so with a very delicate touch. Well done.

 

Thanks for all the kind words everyone. They really do mean a lot and have been very encouraging to this young writer.

I talked to the Kirks last week and they were very pleased with the result. I don't think they realized just how big we were going to play it in the paper. They were really happy to have something to remember Zach and spread his influence.

I was talking with my executive editor, who has been amazing by giving Tricia and I so much time and space on this story, and we were actually surprised that we didn't receive a single bit of negative emails. I guess we are just so used to it from parents, we didn't know how to react to overwhelmingly positive responses.

 

Just want to echo that it is really dusty here too....the photo of the older sister saying goodnight to her brother is terrific

 

I just looked at all the pictures again. I was playing Fleetwood Mac's "Beautiful Child" in my head.

I lost it. I had some serious waterworks in here.

That story hasn't lost an iota of power. In fact, the photos with the story (and admittedly, a song about lost love -- and one I play whenever someone young has been taken from this world too soon) all conspired to make it dusty as hell.

That's a testament to how great this piece is. It's still hard to take.

 

The parents wrote a nice letter to the editor: http://onlineathens.com/stories/051308/letters_20080513004.shtml

 

I pointed a few people to the story, and they were unanimous: "This is going to win some big awards."

Reading the letter, it already has.

 

If there's any justice in the bullshit factory that is newspaper awards, this will win some major awards.

Just a tremendous job all around by Ty and the photog.

 

Anyone who has a negative response to that is a moron.

Ty, this was a VERY nice piece and shouldn't garner any type of negative criticism.