Friday, March 29, 2013

My Hero

When I think of the word hero, I think of a brave, strong, admired, courageous individual. A hero is someone who puts others first and does not need any recognition for it. On March 27, 2013, I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Katelyn Norman, a 14 year old beautiful young girl who has battled osteosarcoma bone cancer for two years. From the moment I met Katelyn as she laid there in her hospital bed, not once did she show any signs of pity or negative attitude. I could not believe how a young girl could remain so strong after all that she has been through. The room was full of good spirits and had a peaceful calm feeling to it. We talked, laughed, prayed and hugged each other. And when I was feeling more down then she was all she could say was how she loved Elvis lol. As a football player you are asked to do many things on a daily basis. Most of them are challenging and requires a lot  of mental toughness to not give up and quit. You can be sucked into your own world easily and forget about those who are less fortunate than we are, and are going through tough times in their lives. You also don't realize the affect you can have on others by simply taking time out to talk them for just a short period of time. Katelyn taught me to never take any day for granted. She stared cancer right in the face and didn't back down from it. Her story has touched many of people across the world and will inspire all of us to go after our dreams and help others. Today, March 29, 2013 katelyn Norman received her angel wings and flew home to heaven. I will never forget those pretty eyes that looked at me with joy and the smile that made my day. I am PROUD and HONORED to call Katelyn Norman my HERO and I will carry her with me everyday as she watches down on all of us. My love and prayers are with the Norman family and all those who knew Katelyn or was touched by Katelyn's story.

41 comments:

  1. Thank you man. It's so good to see an athlete that is not all about themselves. Much love and God bless.

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  2. And you were her hero, never forget that.

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  3. What an outstanding young man you must be. you already realize that it's not about me. You will go far in life because God will bless that wonderful spirit you have.

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    1. Thanks for spending time with her. Your love is an example for all of us. God bless you and your family.

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  4. You are a class act # 3 God bless this lil angel.

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  5. What a wonderful young man you are. Always remember, as much as she touched your life, you and your team mates touched her life and gave her family some happiness in their heart. God will surely bless you all.

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  6. Byron, you sir are an amazing young man. You keep that heart humble, and you will be blessed. Go Vols. R.I.P. Ms. Katelyn, you don't have to suffer another minute.

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  7. May the Lord bless you for kind hear and your love for your fellow man. You are a real Volunteer, my friend.

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  8. Byron, I really do appreciate you taking time out to visit young Katelyn. I know that really made her very happy. You represent the Vols and the community so well. I hope when I have a son someday that he is as much of a man as you when he grows up. Keep up the good work.

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  9. Your words are powerful for sure! It made me cry!... You all did a very wonderful thing going to the hospital to visit her and traveling to Campbell County to support her family! God bless you all!!!

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  10. Byron, you made me cry. I prayed for Katelyn's family. I saw yours and Marlon's pictures when you visited. Thank you for touching that young girl's life & making her smile. I'm proud you're a Vol.

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  11. Thank you, Byron. The sharing of this story and the witness it brings is uplifting. I am proud of Katelyn, of you, and of all that have stood for those in need. May the Lord bless you all the days of your life. Today, Katelyn is in His presence and all is well.

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  12. Byron, thanks for sharing and thanks for sharing of your time to spend with her. Any father would be proud to call you their son. You not only represent our alma mater with class, you represent humanity. Many of us can stand to show a bit more kindness. Facing an almost certain death with grace and must be an example of courage few witness. May God bless you for making a difference when you know she near a lowest point. She is in a better place. Happy Easter.

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  13. Thoughts and prayers to Katelyn and her family, heaven received another angel. As always, prayers to Byron, Marlon and all of Volnation. Byron Moore is a man, plain and simple. The wisdom he demonstrated in this post assured me of his success in life and makes me even more proud to be a Tennessee Volunteer.

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  14. God bless you Byron I have been a vol fan my whole life..there have been a lot of proud moments for me and the rest of violation...but this tops them all..God be with the family of this little angel..

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  15. I never would have even heard about her if it wouldn't have been for you and marlon's posts. She was a beautiful light and I lived learning about her. Please do not forget these people who hacked touched you. And do things in honor of them starting with Katlyn. We're lucky to have a VFL with a heart as big as his talent.

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  16. Thx, Byron. I pray for this young lady's family and for you to become the man you wish to be. You deserve it.

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  17. P.S. please come back to the university to lead, mentor, and coach our young men when your career is complete. The more I learn about you, the more impressed I become. Young men need your leadership and influence.

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  18. God has blessed you. Many prayers to the Norman family are being said. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  19. Thank you for being this kind of VOL. A true man you are because you are not afraid to show kindess ,love and respect. Thank you from a father too.

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  20. My prayers to the Norman Family, Ms. Katyln is an inspiration for us all now. Byron, thanks man for being there and sharing your thoughts with everyone. You're a true example for us all. God Bless, Go Vols.

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  21. Byron, you are a remarkable young man. I am so proud that you represent yourself, your team, and your university with such humility and grace. And above all, you have demonstrated the most precious of gifts that God has given us all, love. You are an inspiration.

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  22. Gog bless you son, wish there were more young men like you in this world.I Hope you have set an example for the rest of the team.

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  24. Thank you for sharing your story, Byron. You have a true Volunteer heart!

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  25. Hey Byron, lovely job on this story. I publish a paper here in town called BLANK and I'd love to chat with you about running this piece in the paper if you dig it. Really great work here. I couldn't find a way to email you, but my email is rusty@blanknews.com

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  26. This is our home town hero!!! She has taught us all what living is really about.beautiful young lady inside and out I can only imagine how beautiful she is with her wings now. Rip sweet girl we love you and thank you for showing and teaching us the true meaning of life!!!

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  27. Bless you Brandon!! Love your heart.

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  28. You are a class act. When I saw the pictures of you both with Katelyn, I knew why I loved the VOLS. Katelyn did touch the lives of everyone, including those who never met her. Keep her memory alive this coming football season and live like Kate. We can all learn from this inspiring young woman.

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  29. You are a good man Byron Moore. I am very appreciative that our football team has a man like you on it. It would be nice to see the guys wear pink at least one game this season to honor this little lady!

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  30. Byron Moore....this will be a name that I will never forget. Thank you for all you do.

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  31. May the grace of God and peace that passes all understanding be with be you and everyone that touched and was touched by Katelyn's life.

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  32. Katelyn & The Norman Family thank you for allowing Byron Moore and the rest of us to share in your story. Just like a warrior...she made us all winners this day

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  33. Free from pain and suffering, I'm in awe at such courage and love this little girl has given to us even in her darkest hour. We pray for the Norman family and are so proud of these young men and now we celebrate Katelyn and rejoice at her victory. We love you Katelyn!!!!!!!!

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  34. Byron, your words are so touching! We are so blessed to have you representing our Vols but most of all being there for Katelyn and her family is amazing! God bless the Norman family and you!

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  35. Byron,what amazing depth, and even more is the amazing emphathy revealed in your inspiring share. It is so easy to become a cynic in cynical world. This young ladies story, and your beautiful description of Katelyn should cause all of us to cast aside our cynicism for a life of sharing, caring, and being grateful for each second of life. Coach Jones speaks of your names being your brand. This day the names of Norman, and Moore, just elevated to heights that make we the Volunteer very proud.

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  36. I cheer for you because you play football. I cheer for you because you play for my beloved Tennessee Vols. But, Mr. Moore, I applaud and salute you for the character and integrity that you have displayed. You have shown all of us what it means to be a "Volunteer" off of the field. We should all strive to more like this. May God richly bless you, Byron.

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  37. I followed her story, but your experience truly touched my heart. God Bless you!

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