Last Sunday, our daughter Liz, her husband Ron, and 17 1/2 month Ethan were at a small beach below Monterrey. There were many other kids there since there was a playground right on the beach, and many other parents. Ethan was toddling along, exploring with Liz a few steps behind when she heard him cry out. She thought he’d stepped on a stick. Instead, Ethan had stepped on the burning embers of a campfire that some beachgoers had decided to extinguish not with ocean water nearby but rather with sand. This made the surface that Ethan stepped on blazing hot. Liz instantly grabbed him up and ran to the water to put his feet in. She didn’t realize at that moment that Ethan had also touched the embers with his hands.
Three lifeguards came rushing over, but they were only junior guards and were not equipped to handle serious burns. They administered some gel and encouraged Liz and Ron to head to the nearest ER, which they did. There, the ER doctor examined Ethan and let them know that he needed to go to the closest burn center, which was in Fresno. The hospital offered to take Ethan by ambulance, but Liz and Ron elected to take him themselves on the two-hour drive. They finally arrived at the Fresno Burn Center, where Ethan was admitted. The doctors there determined that Ethan had second-degree burns on his hands and feet and performed the grueling procedure of debriding both of Ethan’s feet. Luckily, they were able to sedate Ethan; however, he cried out, “No way!” many times as they first drained the blisters and cut away all the dead skin. He stayed at the Frisno Burn Center for three days.
Liz and Ron drove him to USC Hospital today per the doctor’s recommendation. They expected to be referred to a burn center for aftercare nearer to their home than Fresno. What they didn’t expect was for the doctors at USC to tell them that Ethan needed to be admitted to their burn unit because, while most of his feet had second-degree burns, there were spots on both feet that also had third-degree burns. The doctors at USC also told Liz and Ron to expect to stay for seven days because the wound care is too much for them to do at home, and the hospital can also provide regular physical therapy for Ethan’s walking.
So, a quick stop at the beach for Ethan to get some energy out has evolved into an ER visit, a 3-day stay at Fresno Burn Center, and now a 7-day stay at the USC Burn Unit.
Of course, there are no words to describe my thoughts about those folks who didn’t have the common sense or courtesy to extinguish an open fire on the beach. They probably had no idea that sand doesn’t extinguish a fire but rather creates a perfect medium for a blazing hot surface.
As for Ethan, his spirits are good despite some grueling medical procedures, another of which he will face tomorrow to debride those 3rd-degree burn areas. Luckily, there are narcotics available to reduce what otherwise would be an excruciatingly painful experience.
I am grateful that Ethan is where he needs to be. Thank God for modern medicine. Of course, I am also very sorry that my darling little grandson and his parents must go through all of this.
I am sending white healing light to all of them and am praying for a quick and happy recovery for our little buddy. We love him and his mom and dad very much.
Here are a few photos:
At the Fresno Burn Center
Going Home
Yesterday with Grandma
Tonight waiting for labwork at USC Hospital Burn Unit
20 Minutes a Day 
Dear Len, there are no words for this. Well, there are many about the folks who carelessly caused this ! Praying for Ethan, Liz and Ron and you💕
Thank you, Eileen. I appreciate your prayers.
I am so sorry Len. I am sad to say we also thought sand would put out the fire. Prau for quick healing.
Thanks, Marianne. I’m afraid many people don’t realize that sand just seals the fire and makes the embers hotter. There needs to be more public education on that.
So sorry for Ethan, his parents, and all of you.
Thank you, Judy. Yes, a tough time. I’m just grateful for modern medicine. This injury at another time would have a much different result. Big hugs to you, my dear, as you face your own medical trials. I have you in my heart and mind.
I am so sorry to hear this about your little guy, but I pray that others will read this and remember when they make very careless mistakes. So thankful for great medical care and that that sweet baby boy will heal. I give thanks to our God for His healing power and know that many will be saved in years to come. I love your stories and I know what it is to love a grandchild more than life itself. Len, keep up the wonderful journal!
Thank you so much, Louella. Yes, I trust in God’s healing power. Amen!
Oh, Len. I am so sorry to hear about your grandson. I have had some experience with burn units (a child I was involved with as a social worker years ago) and know there is a lot of pain involved in the treatment.
I also remember being impressed by the high quality of nursing. I hope for the best for Ethan and his parents.
With an extra hug for you!
Thanks, Sarah. Glad to hear about the “high quality of the nursing care.” That makes me feel better.
Oh Len! What a horrible ordeal for Ethan and family. Glad he is safe and healing. And thank you for sharing this.
Thanks, Betty. Yes, one day at a time.
so sorry. Prayers for healing.
Thanks so much. Appreciate your prayers.
Anger doesn’t help, but I feel it anyway. Such unforgivable carelessness. Sending love and healing energy to sweet Ethan and his family.
Thanks, Susan. I’m afraid those folks simply had no idea. Several people have written privately to me and said they didn’t realize sand wouldn’t work to put out a fire. They need signs on beaches that say clearly to use water to extinguish fires and then mark the fire spot with rocks. I’ll pass on your love and healing energy to Liz. She will appreciate it. Hugs to you and yours.
Oh, my heart sinks reading this, imagining the immediate experience and the ongoing trajectory to optimal healing. Sending all forms of lovingkindness to Ethan and all of his caregivers.
Thank you, Kelly. We all appreciate having your lovingkindness coming Ethan’s way!
How horrible for little Ethan and family. Thank God he has gotten such expert care. Big hugs to all.
Thanks, Andrea. Yes, we are grateful for such wonderful help.
So very sorry this awful thing happened, sorry for little Ethan, for his parents and for you and Ray. I’m not surprised that the whole family has come together to support them. Ethan is in my prayer.
Thank you! I appreciate Ethan is in your prayers. Hugs to you.
Oh Len-I am so sorry about this horrible nightmare you and your family are going through. I can’t even imagine how his parents felt.Thank goodness for modern medicine, although I can’t even begin to think of the physical pain the little guy has been through. Keeping all of you in my prayers and hoping for a total and quick recovery once he is out of the hospital. Thank goodness they are at a top burn hospital in the country. Thinking of you, and please keep us posted!!
Thank you! Yes, it was all so unexpected and needless. But we are very grateful for the excellent medical care Ethan is receiving and the love that is surrounding all of us from those who care about our family. Much appreciated! Will keep you posted.
I was so sad to hear about Ethan and his parents and family. Prayers for his recovery and strength and encouragement for family. What a precious grandson. Prayers and Blessings, Pamh