Oh Liz! When it's your baby (of ANY age), it is excruciating. You'd gladly take the hit for them any day! I'm so sorry. In a situation like this, I just have to remember that God's ways are beyond our ways and He intends to be glorified through this in some way we cannot possibly understand. He will use this for something that will be good for Bennett that we will only be able to fully realize in hindsight one day. So we just move forward one step at a time, trusting Him with the entire situation, knowing His love for Bennett far surpasses our own, as hard as that is to process. I had a dear friend, Jane, who had to wear such a brace throughout high school. She was one of the most popular kids in the school. I admired her so and still remember her first and last names, her smile, and the fun we had together, despite forgetting the names of over 99% of the other kids. I often wonder what she's up to. I will gladly join your team of prayer warriors and cheerleaders for that precious young man of yours. Power through and kick the enemy to the curb. This will not defeat Team Sanders!!!