It's amazing how things in life can change so suddenly.
Just last Tuesday, I spent part of my day laughing with Tallen Perry as I interviewed him for a story. We talked about how he thought he was a great singer, dancer and how he considered himself a ladies man.
A week later and I was walking into a hospital room to see how he was doing after being shot in an accidental shooting over the weekend. The Memorial center, whose mother hasn't left his side since he arrived at the hospital, was quiet and clearly not feeling well.
The bullet that went into his back lacerated his kidney and on Sunday morning he had surgery. He was in ICU until Monday and now faces an unknown future of what his health is going to be like. All that is known is that his football career at Memorial is over.
While talking to him in the hospital, he cracked a couple of smiles but not nearly as many as when we talked last week. I am not sure of exactly what happened that night and why the gun was in the car. Frankly, that is not of my concern. I just hope he makes a full recovery and is able to live his life to the fullest.
Being around Tallen for the short amount of time that I have, I can tell he is a great kid who brings a lot of joy to many people. I can't wait to see him back on the sidelines watching his team and making people laugh again.
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Very nice article. Get well soon kid!
October 14, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.Excellent post Wes. You've obviously come to know Tallen and delivered his character well. He is an exceptional kid and thank you for being so honest.
I thought about your story that ran last Thursday as well, as a matter of fact, it was the first thing that crossed my mind Sunday morning while driving to the ICU unit at Citizens.
I thought, "OMG- that's crazy, Wes Bloomquist JUST wrote a story about Tallen- on Thursday- and now he's been shot!" I thought, "dancing in the halls, singing, and I thought about laughter"
Looking back, I want you to know, it NEVER crossed my mind Tallen was in danger. Never once did I think "Oh, he might die" or "Is Tallen paralized" or "Is he alive!" Never once, did I think the thoughts I usually think after hearing someone had been SHOT!
Just wanted you to know, I didn't think those negative things about Tallen because of your article. And, because I know Tallen and he is just like you describe:) All the way to the hospital, your story kept playing over-n-over in my head, and I didn't have one negative thought to think...
Just wanted to take a minute to say: thank you for making a difference in my life -and for Tallen: thank you for making a difference in his.
October 14, 2009 at 9:37 a.m.