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After Son's Death, Bucs' Bryant Is There For Other Kids

Tribune photo by JASON BEHNKEN

Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant signs an autograph for 9-month-old Madelyn Housner and her mother, Melissa Houck, during a visit to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital this morning.

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By JOE HENDERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 2, 2008

Updated: 12/02/2008 04:08 pm

TAMPA - Madelyn is 9 months old. She is playful, curious, and her tiny arms were reaching out to touch anything in sight. She will melt your heart to a puddle of goo. If it wasn't for the tube coming from her nose, you'd never know she is sick. She hasn't been growing, though, and doctors don't know why.

She is one reason Bucs kicker Matt Bryant came to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital on Wednesday morning. There were maybe a dozen others, ranging from Madelyn to 21-year-old Matthew Ermish, who is fighting neuroblastoma, a form of cancer.

Bryant was there for him, too. He was there for all of them, signing Bucs visors but mostly taking time to visit with each one individually. His presence spoke louder than any words, and we know why. On Sept. 24, he and his wife, Melissa, lost their 3-month-old son Tryson.

There was an outpouring of sympathy from across the country. When Bryant kicked what amounted to the winning points in that week's game against Green Bay – one day after the funeral – there wasn't a dry eye in Raymond James Stadium.

Anyone could understand why Bryant might not have been able to handle a trip such as the one he made Wednesday. He wouldn't have been the first.

"We've had people in the past say, 'I can't, it's too much,' " hospital administrator Michael Aubin said. "I've had mothers who lost a child say they can't even drive past the hospital any more because it's too painful. You can tell he had to steel himself up for this."

Bryant never considered not coming, though.

"Obviously we're going through a tough time," Brant said. "It will never go away. Just being able to do stuff for others help, though. As much as I'd do anything to bring my son back, I can't. It's a little harder when you see someone who reminds you of your own situation, but maybe this will help them."

He presented a check to the hospital for $7,500 from the Raymond James Kicking For Kids program, which Bryant has done his part to fatten considerably. He is 28-for-32 this season in field goals, including the winning points last Sunday against New Orleans. Ermish was there that day when Bryant played against Green Bay because he wanted to use the game as a stage to honor Tryson.

"It was amazing," he said.

A day like this was amazing, too.

You could see it in Madelyn's eyes as Bryant held her. You could hear it in Ermish's voice.

Someone cared enough to visit. They are not in this fight alone.

Neither are the Bryants.

"Everybody has their own situations and they have to deal with it in their own way," Matt Bryant said. "The universal message, which I don't have to tell anyone, is to appreciate every day and love them every day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed."

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