Lane's page

If they passed out medals for attitude, Lane Milliken would be a shoo-in for the Olympic Gold.  You see, the nine year-old fourth grader from Indian Mound has two bum legs.  A lawnmower accident back in 1998, when he was only three, mangled both legs and put him on crutches. A set back, for sure, but young Lane didn’t let that slow him down.  As soon as he assimilated the awkward pieces of wood into his active lifestyle, it was business as usual.  When he became old enough to reach the pedals, he climbed on a four-wheeler and zoomed off toward greener pastures.  And no coddling from his schoolmates at North Stewart Elementary, either.  He can do anything they can do, and with more pizzazz.  He soon learned that the ever present crutches were as effective as a boot camp drill sergeant’s swagger stick when it came to holding his own.

In time, another setback loomed on the horizon.  The right leg, injured far worse than the left, was deteriorating.  The grim news from the orthopedic surgeon: “Son, it’s going to have to come off.”  And so it will.  This Tuesday, June 8th, at Vanderbilt Hospital, Lane’s leg will be amputated above the knee. 

I found out about Lane Milliken by circumstance.  A friend, Scott Rogers (from East Tennessee) is currently attempting a thru-hike of the 2178-mile Appalachian Trail.  Not an earthshaking bit of news in itself, but Scott is hiking with a prosthetic leg—the end result of a hunting accident three years ago that caused his left leg to be amputated high up on the thigh.  (Scott is now in southwest Virginia and is averaging about twelve miles a day.)  Through some kind of “grapevine”, he heard about Lane Milliken.  Shortly before commencing his journey, Scott visited North Stewart Elementary, where he gave an inspirational talk that was mostly directed at Lane.  When I met Scott on the Appalachian Trail recently, he said, “Go see Lane and tell him I’m praying for him.” 

My hiking friend, Jay Swafford, joined me for the visit.  We found the intrepid youngster at Elite Motors in Clarksville, where his mother (Julie) and father (Ed) are employed.  Lane hobbled along on crutches behind a gas-powered vacuum machine, which he slowly maneuvered across a large expanse of asphalt behind the body shop.  Julie pointed at her son.  “He’s always got to be doing something, especially if he can get his hands on anything that runs.”  Fascinated at what I saw, I asked, “Is there anything that he can’t do?”  She flashed a proud smile.  “A few things.  But then he’s only nine.”  Our visit passed quickly.  Lane is a “man” of few words—or maybe he’s a tad bashful around strangers.  He didn’t say much, but his eyes shone with satisfaction as we told him about Scott’s progress and regaled him with some of our hiking exploits.  Then it was time to go.  Handshakes, well wishes with promises to keep in touch and a quick dab at the uninvited moisture that welled up in my eyes.

As we drove away and I replayed the visit in my mind, I realized that something remarkable had happened.  In a few short minutes, souls had joined and forged a bond that goes beyond rational understanding.  We had come to comfort Lane.  But I came away with far more than I brought.  Lane, we too will be praying for you—and looking for a new hiking partner when you get past this hurdle.  Godspeed!

.Last week I wrote about Lane Milliken, the young “trooper” who had his leg removed on Tuesday at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.  Lane is now back home and is making a remarkable recovery.  And the great news!  His surgeon was able to amputate through the knee instead of above, which means that the femur and thigh were spared. When Lane was ready to leave the hospital, he refused to be rolled out in a wheel chair, which is hospital policy.  The nurses finally gave in and allowed Lane to walk out under crutch power. What indomitable spirit!  I spoke with the nine year old by phone this past Sunday morning.  During the conversation I asked, “Have you picked a trail name yet?  You’ll soon be ready to hit the woods at the rate you’re recovering.”  Said Lane, “I’m thinking about it!  By the way, will I need two hiking boots or one?” 

Now that’s what I call the “right stuff”!         

Lane Milliken                    Model T

Lane Milliken                    Model T