August 18, 2008

From Michael Kowalson

Best Wishes to you to heal on your surgery. My 4 daughters and I met you last year when you visited Transcona Alliance and our Family's prayers are with you. May God help you find the direction, focus and purpose he has for you in this time away from the daily rigors of football but also dealing with the difficulties of injury. We are confident he has a purpose for you that you he will make clear and you will use to glorify Him.

Thanks Michael for your support, in good times and times of trials, God deserves all the Glory. He has always been good to me, and I'm recovering very fast. I'm not going to rush to get back; I thank God it wasn't a knee.

- B51

From Matthias

sup barrin?! hoping for a speedy recovery and i know you've probably been asked this question a ton of times, but will you be back this year? nice seeing you at practices and hope your back soon!

It's a possibility I could, but I don't want to risk hurting it again by coming back to early. But I'm way ahead of recovery time in just 3 weeks.

- B51

From Corey Lea

hey barrin, just wanted to say thanks for what you did in bc when you were here, my qustion is do you ever wish you could come back? not because of the way the season in winnipeg is going but just in general, thanks

Well Corey, you never know what might happen. I always haved considered BC as being home. But right now, I'm true blue and gold.

- B51

From Josh:

Hey Barrin, im going in to high school football and im working hard to be a middle linebacker. Do you now any workouts to get in shape for this postion

Thanks Josh for your post, I will email you and give you a few pointers on what could help you become a better MLB. It starts with hard work so you are on the right track.

- B51

From Will

Hey Barrin how you doing? hows the rehab on the pec injury? just wondering how soon you expect to be back at playing level and if you intend to come back this season? hope everything goes well. Take care Will

Hi Will, I actually doing great and recovering very fast. I don't officially start rehab for another week or so. Our doctors have called it a season ending injury, but the way It feels I could be back sooner. I don't want to risk injury again.

- B51

From Andy Nord

Hi Barrin: From out west I count myself as one of your extended family. I am friends with Alex Lum and Paul Spiette. Sadly, cancer seems to tie us closer together. I lost my father,aunt,wife and many friends to this horrible and life altering infliction. Personally, I have been fighting cancer since 1979. As I type this e mail to you, I am fighting bout nbr. 3. At any rate, I was sorry to see you go down in the BC game. I am sure that your positive outlook in faith is just as powerful as is my faith in God. Keep thinking positively and the CFL fans will enjoy your return towards the close of the CFL Season or in the CFL Play-Offs. Have a full and speedy recovery from your physical injury and resulting surgery. Blessings, Andy

Andy you are extended family for sure. I enjoyed talking to you over the phone and may God bless you as well in your fight against cancer. I been praying for you Andy. As for my outlook on the injury, well I never been hurt in my professional career, but God will be what he has always been to me, a wonderful blessing. Take care Andy.

- B51

From Glenn

Hey Barrin: We have been praying for you that your surgery went well and by reading your latest blog, it looks that you are well on your way to recovery. The Lord always takes care of his own. We sure do miss you patrolling the middle of the line as it is evident that you are not there, although Joe has done a fairly nice job. Take care and hopefully we can turn the season around.

Thanks Glenn for posting and your support. I just thank God for watching over through it all, and extremely miss being out there playing. "Ain't no average" Joe is playing great in relief for us. His play is helping fill the viod of me being out.

- B51