1
(ALARM BEEPING)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
(ALARM CONTINUES BEEPING)
(SONG CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(DOG WHINING)
Come on. Let's go.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(SIZZLING)
(MUSIC PLAYING ON HEADPHONES)
JOYCE: I made eggs.
So I'm gonna pick you up
after practice at five.
JOHN: Six.
I wanna shoot around.
Is that Chad kid
still giving you trouble?
Nope.
Okay. (SIGHS)
JOHN: (SMACKS LIPS)
Hey, Sammy. Sammy, come on.
JOYCE: So I was thinking,
- How about I call your coach?
- No! Hell no!
Language.
Good morning.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Good morning.
JOHN: Hey, Dad.
(SLURPING)
So, the Warriors are playing
the Thunder tomorrow
in Oklahoma City.
What do you think
is gonna happen?
Well, Steph Curry just scored
thirty-two points last night.
So what I think is that,
Chef Curry is gonna
whomp on 'em.
I don't know.
Durant's pretty good.
He is the reigning MVP.
John.
Is somebody gonna bless
our food?
Okay. Well, I guess I will.
(JOYCE CLEARS THROAT)
Lord, though he exasperates me
to no end,
I am grateful for my son.
For I know that you've
created him for a purpose,
thus far only known to you.
(BRIAN CHUCKLES)
Bless this food
to our bodies. Amen.
- BRIAN: Amen.
- JOHN: Amen.
(MUSIC PLAYING ON EARPHONES)
I'm thinking about
raising your allowance
to 100 bucks a week.
(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING
ON HEADPHONES)
(HUMMING)
(CONTINUES HUMMING)
What are you doing?
Your mom is just trying to get
her son's attention.
(JOHN SIGHS)
EMMA: Hey, John.
- JOHN: Wassup, guys?
- Hug.
Please go.
(SIGHS)
(GASPS) Oh.
CHAYLA: Hey, Mrs. J.
JOYCE: Hey, Chayla. Hey, Emma.
How are you girls?
Living the dream, Mrs. J.
Oh, I tried to friend you
on the Instagram,
but I must be doing
something wrong.
Oh, my God!
- Please, just go, Ma.
- (CHAYLA LAUGHS)
(LAUGHS) I'm kidding!
JOYCE: Have a good day!
EMMA: Bye!
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
- JOHN: Hey, Abby.
- Hey.
Good morning, students.
Today is Thursday, January 15th.
Yearbook committee
meets after school today.
And there's a basketball game
at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
GIRL: Go Eagles!
JOHN: Yeah! Go Eagles!
VP NANCY: Lastly,
a reminder that Monday
is a national holiday
in remembrance of
Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.
Emma and I got tickets
to see the musical Hairspray
at the Fox Saturday night.
Wow! Yeah, that sounds like fun.
Mmm, dudes in tights.
It's not a ballet.
Look, I'm pretty sure
they'll be wearing pants.
So what are you guys doing?
We're crashing at Rieger's
after the game.
- So jealous.
- DOREEN: Good morning.
Please stand
for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Place your right hand
over your heart.
Ready? Begin.
ALL: I pledge allegiance
to the Flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic
for which it stands
one Nation under God
indivisible
with liberty and justice
for all.
We might have
some girls over, too.
- Who?
- Can't say until it happens.
- But they're hot.
- Totally.
Hey, whoa. You're joking, right?
(CHUCKLES) No.
MRS. ABBOTT: Josh Rieger,
Josh Sanders, quiet please.
Okay, gang. Family oral history
reports continue.
Yesterday we heard
from Chad Green,
whose family came over
on the Mayflower.
My husband's family did as well.
His great-great-grandfather
was a knight of some kind.
And then we heard from Chayla,
whose family lineage includes
the birth of the blues
in Memphis, Tennessee.
- (STUDENTS EXCLAIMING)
- (CHUCKLES)
John, would you do the honors
and kick us off, please?
Didn't do it.
Why not?
I didn't have time.
(SCOFFS)
If you don't do the assignment,
you'll get a failing grade.
"Yesterday is not ours
to recover,
"but tomorrow is ours
to win or lose."
Doreen, you're up.
(STUDENTS EXCLAIM)
MRS. ABBOTT: Oh, wow!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
MELISSA: "My child,
you believe me for so little.
"Don't be so safe
in the things you pray."
- Oh. I'm so sorry.
- Hey, lady.
- WOMAN 1: Hey, morning.
- WOMAN 2: Morning, Joyce.
(SIGHS) The morning
got away from me.
Does anyone need
any more coffee?
- No, thank you.
- No, thanks.
- Hey.
- WOMAN: What passage?
Is everything all right?
Not exactly.
John's birthday
is coming up,
Mmm-hmm.
Oh, I remember those always
been hard for him.
Yeah. It's like he's building
this wall between us.
And I hate myself for it.
I know he's hurting
and I just wanna fix it.
They're always so much harder
to deal with
once they start shaving.
(CHUCKLES)
MELISSA: And then
they leave for college.
Come on.
(SIGHS)
JOYCE: Sorry, ladies.
I did read the book twice.
Uh, so where were we?
Um, we were just talking about
how Beth Moore is asking us
to pray boldly.
So, what does it mean
to you all, "to pray boldly"?
I don't know. It just seems,
- Oh! Hey, ladies.
- MELISSA: Pastor.
Uh, we need to use this room
for a staff meeting.
You guys wrapping things up?
Uh, no.
Not for another 22 minutes.
And I have a women's ministry
meeting here, back-to-back.
Oh, um,
I'm sorry, but I don't think
that's gonna work.
JOYCE: I'm sorry?
I reserved both times
on the sign-up sheet.
Okay. All I have on
my calendar is staff meeting.
Where's this elusive
sign-up sheet?
Taped to the door
that you walked in.
Been going on ten years now.
(CHUCKLES) Oh.
Well, it's official.
We're going digital, ladies.
See Maddy for details.
Listen, I don't know
what you do in California,
but I have been leading
this women's ministry meeting
for over five years.
We don't cancel meetings...
JASON: I don't know
who's counting, Joyce,
but I've been in ministry
for over ten years,
including California.
Hey, maybe you guys could use
that Starbucks
around the corner?
That'd be fun, right?
Oh, are you paying?
(CHUCKLES)
Well, I hadn't thought
about it, but, uh,
Great.
Okay, ladies,
let's get out of here
because our new pastor,
has more important business
to tend to.
No, that's not true.
I'm sorry, ladies. I promise,
this will not happen next week.
Thank you, Pastor.
And please, I've been asking
for six months.
Call me Jason.
We know, Pastor.
Why are you so hard on him?
That haircut, for one.
(CHUCKLES)
JOHN: Right here, right here.
COACH PAUL: Good rebound.
Let's run, Eagle.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Set up that offense.
Spread out the floor.
Spread it out.
Come on, John. Set it up.
RIEGER: I'm open.
COACH PAUL: Nice, nice.
JOHN: Yes! Good job, guys.
COACH PAUL: Come on now,
spread it out. Defense.
Hands up.
JOHN: Defense, defense.
COACH PAUL:
Hands up! Hands up.
There you go.
- Nice.
- BOY: Nice shot!
COACH PAUL: Spread that floor.
There you go.
Spread it out. Move it out.
- BOY: Go, go, go.
- There they go.
BOY: Watch him.
COACH PAUL: Yes!
That's what I'm talking about.
(BOYS CHATTERING)
COACH PAUL: Hands up on D now.
Very nice, John! Nice steal.
There you go.
Good job, John.
(GRUNTS)
Can't catch me,
so you gotta foul me?
Whatever, ese.
What'd you just call me?
COACH PAUL: (BLOWS WHISTLE)
Knock it off!
Next guy who swings is benched.
(BLOWS WHISTLE)
Practice is over. Wash up.
John, Chad, bring it here.
What's up with you guys?
John beat you out for starting guard, Chad.
Deal with it.
- CHAD: Temporary.
- (JOHN SCOFFS)
Whatever. You wanna start,
better change schools.
Enough!
News flash. (SNAPS FINGERS)
You're not in the NBA yet.
And acting like that,
you aren't ever gonna get there.
Understood?
(SIGHS)
All right, wash up.
John, hold up. I wanna
talk to you for a minute.
What's this I hear about
you getting a failing grade
in your family history
assignment?
Why does it matter?
Well, unless
you figure it out,
I'm gonna have to bench you
for Sunday's game.
- What? That's bull...
- Hey.
Whatever.
You're a good player, John.
But right now you're blowing it.
What's going on with you lately?
I'm cool.
I'll see ya, Coach.
(SLAMS DOOR OPEN)
JOYCE: Hey! How was practice?
Fine.
(SIGHS)
How was school?
Oh, let me guess. Fine.
What are you working on?
Oral report.
Maybe I could help.
(JOYCE SIGHS)
What are you saving 'em for?
Your Jordans?
When it's the right time.
Okay. (SIGHS)
(SNIFFLING)
(SNIFFLES)
Baby, come back downstairs.
All your friends are waiting
to sing "Happy Birthday" to you.
(JOYCE SIGHS)
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
What's wrong?
Everybody's waiting.
Why didn't she wanna
have a party for me?
Why didn't she want me?
For what it's worth,
you have a purpose
and you are loved.
(DOOR OPENING)
Mr. Smith.
Nice of you to join us
this morning.
I'm ready to do my oral report.
(SIGHS)
Okay, so, I'm John Smith.
Uh,
Most of you know I'm adopted.
I come from a small town
in Guatemala called Sansare.
Um...
I don't know
who my biological mother is,
but just that
she didn't want me.
Uh,
Joyce and Brian Smith adopted me
when I was nine months old.
They went down there
on a missions trip
and they ended up
coming home with me.
Probably because I'm so cute.
But yeah,
BRIAN: Okay, okay.
JOYCE: Brian,
that space right there.
BRIAN: Okay, I'm on it.
I'm on it.
- (LIVELY CHATTER)
- (MUSIC PLAYING ON SPEAKERS)
BRIAN: Okay.
MAN: Hey, guys.
JOYCE: And, John,
you're sitting with us in church today.
MAN: (SINGING)
Who shakes the whole earth
With holy thunder
And leaves us breathless
in awe and wonder
The King of Glory,
the King above all kings
- This is amazing grace
- Whoo!
ROB: Yeah, yeah
MAN: This is unfailing love
ROB: Yeah, yeah
MAN: That You would
take my place
ROB: Oh, yeah
Take my place, take my place
MAN: That You would
bear my cross
ROB: Bear my cross
Bear my cross
- MAN: You lay down Your life
- ROB: Yeah
You lay it down
That I would be set free
Set free, set free, set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me
This grace so amazing, whoo
That's why I praise Him
They don't know
where we done came from
Oh, my momma
They can't harm us
Got my arms up
While we covered
in their armor
And we done made it
Y'all didn't hear me,
but we made it
I ain't earn it
but I'll take it
Got that light
inside side of me
That you don't need
no one to see
You can feel it,
you can hear it when I say Hey, hey!
- This is amazing grace
- (CROWD CHEERING)
- CROWD: Whoa!
- ROB: Yeah, yeah
This is unfailing love
Yeah, yeah
That You would take my place
ROB: Take my place
Take my place
MAN: That You would
bear my cross
ROB: Bear my cross
Bear my cross
- MAN: You lay down Your life
- ROB: Yeah
You lay it down
That I would be set free
Set free, set free, set free
MAN: Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me
(ALL CHEERING AND APPLAUDING)
JASON: Amazing!
Thank you.
You were amazing.
Hey, let's give it up
for our guest.
- Rob, thank you so much.
- (CHEERING)
So dope, and thank you.
Show of hands. Who here,
including me and my wife,
by the way,
are addicted to The Bachelor?
(SCATTERED LAUGHTER)
Okay.
Liars.
Liars! I know there's way more
of you out there than that.
It's a sin to lie, people.
It's even a worse sin
to lie in church, so...
Okay.
Cathy?
I'mma pick on you for a second.
Cathy, I happen to know,
because I overheard it in
a supermarket checkout line,
that you watch
Bachelor in Paradise.
Now nobody watches just
Bachelor in Paradise.
I'm sorry, that's like saying
I go to Arby's...
you know, just for the salads.
(LAUGHTER)
Yes, I do watch it.
Okay, that's what I thought.
And I bet that means that your
husband, Bob, watches it too.
Bob, I get it. I get it.
At first, it was 'cause she
forced you to do it, right?
You got hooked.
You got a problem now, right?
You're like, "How is Andy ever
gonna find true love?" Right?
(LAUGHTER)
Remember this guy last season,
Juan Pablo?
This guy.
You know what really
ticked me off about this guy?
He kept asking these women
to make a commitment,
week after week.
But when it came time for him
to make a commitment,
he chickened out, right?
He kept saying,
"Will you accept my rose?
"Will you accept my rose?
Will you...?"
But when someone asked him
to get up to the plate...
he couldn't find the courage
to do it.
I'm pretty sure you guys all
know where I'm going with this,
but it's true.
Week after week
He's there for us.
And, yeah, God is asking
for a lifetime commitment too.
But here's the good news,
and I do mean the good news.
He didn't just give us
a rose, right?
He gave us
the most valuable thing
that He had to give.
His son.
And I think that means
that we probably
shouldn't be commitment-phobes
either, right?
(LAUGHTER)
All right,
let's open our Bibles.
The Gospel of Luke.
(CHATTERING)
JOYCE: You coming
to the game tonight?
MELISSA: No. I'm not gonna
be able to make it, Joyce.
PAULA: Hey, Joyce!
- Paula, how are you?
- Hi. So good to see you.
JOYCE: You too. Thank you.
- Hi.
- Hi, how are you?
Hi, Joyce.
Oh, what do you guys have on
for the rest of the day?
Uh, well, John's got
a basketball game.
Oh, yeah? I've seen John hoop
it up a little bit around here.
This guy's a beast!
What do you say, J-Money?
Coming to Youth Group this week?
Weak sauce! Come on!
All right, I'll come.
JASON: Boom! There we go.
This kid is so...
lit!
I've no idea
what you're going on about,
but we have got to go.
- Nice sermon today, Pastor.
- Thanks, Brian.
Hey, uh, call me Jason.
Jason.
COACH PAUL:
Take it, John, take it!
(ALL CHEERING)
Good job.
CHEERLEADERS:
Let's go, Eagles! Let's go!
They gotta hold 'em.
Come on, defense!
(ALL APPLAUDING AND CHEERING)
COACH PAUL: Let's go, defense!
You need to spread it out!
- Here we go, yeah, John!
- COACH PAUL: Good job.
COACH PAUL: Okay, now,
look at the clock.
John, set up Eagle!
Come on, John! Set it up!
- JOHN: Get back!
- MAN: Eagle!
COACH PAUL: John, he's open!
Pass it to him!
- Eagle!
- CROWD: Three!
COACH PAUL: John!
CROWD: Two!
One!
(BUZZING)
Yeah! Oh, yeah, John.
COACH PAUL: John Smith!
(ALL CHEERING)
That was a good game,
but next time I call a play
you better listen to me,
you hear me?
All right, go wash up.
Good game!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JOYCE: You got 'em from here?
We do.
We're gonna grab pizza
on the way home.
Great. Thank you, Cindy.
- CINDY: Any time.
- Good game.
You too.
Text your mom tomorrow,
and tell her
when and where
to pick you up, okay?
Please, don't forget.
I won't.
It was a good game, son.
JOYCE: Yeah.
BRIAN: Have a great time.
And, uh, don't do
anything stupid.
Okay, Brian.
Love you, guys.
(BRIAN CHUCKLES)
I'm sorry,
you're okay with that?
It's just a phase.
He's just trying
to get a reaction.
By calling you Brian? Or not
hugging his mother goodbye?
A little bit of both.
He just needs some space,
and maybe we should
loosen up a bit.
Listen, you can't be his father
and his best friend, Brian.
Why not?
Because it doesn't work
that way.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- I'm coming! I'm coming!
- You want to see this drift?
- Ready?
- Yeah.
- (VOCALIZING TIRES SCREECHING)
- (LAUGHTER)
Abby just liked my post.
She's cool.
I mean, she's no Molly, but,
Molly? (SCOFFS)
She moved to Texas.
So? She texts me,
like, all the time.
JOSH: Almost there.
(LAUGHING)
- (SIGHS)
- Big dub!
- Come play, John.
- (LAUGHS) In a minute.
All right.
JOSH: Oh! You were an ugly baby.
That's not me, fool.
That's my dad.
I'm the other one.
My mom thinks it's funny
'cause we look exactly alike.
JOSH: You do,
and you're both ugly.
- CINDY: Hey, guys?
- RIEGER: Yeah, Mom?
Let's not stay up
all night, okay?
Night, Mrs. Rieger.
CINDY: Good night, boys.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
JOSH: Cool! Let's go!
(JOHN LAUGHS)
Whoo!
(JOHN LAUGHS)
(BOYS EXCLAIMING)
JOHN: Right here.
Right here. Right here.
JOSH: Go! Go! Go! Hold up!
- JOHN: Pass it.
- RIEGER: Yeah.
That's for little kids!
JOHN: Pass.
Hey, get on this thing.
Get on this thing.
- JOHN: Wait for me.
- JOSH: Push me.
- Go! Go! Go!
- Spin him! Spin him!
(LAUGHTER)
Keep going! Go faster!
Okay! Okay! Stop it!
I'm dizzy! I'm dizzy!
I'm dizzy!
JOHN: Hey, guys.
Let's check out the lake!
JOSH: Oh, my God!
Okay, let's go.
Check this out!
(THUD)
- Yeah, we're good.
- Plenty thick.
Let's go.
(JOHN CHUCKLES)
I'm still dizzy!
Come on! Don't be a wuss!
- RIEGER: Yeah, come on!
- JOHN: Let's play tag.
Tag him.
- Come on!
- RIEGER: Hurry up!
Tag! You're it!
JOHN: Let's go!
(BOYS WHOOPING)
Come on!
RIEGER: Go, go, go!
(CHATTERING)
(LAUGHING)
JOHN: The puck is loose!
RIEGER: Come here!
John's got it!
Goal!
Okay, say, "Eagles."
Three!
ALL: Two! One!
Eagles!
(BOYS CHATTERING)
JOSH: Tag him! Tag him!
- JOHN: I'm on it.
- RIEGER: No!
JOHN: Oh, he's slipping!
Get him!
- RIEGER: No!
- JOSH: Yeah!
- RIEGER: Yo! No way! No way!
- JOHN: Stay down. Yeah!
RIEGER: Whoa! It's slippery,
guys. Watch out.
We got you.
MANAGER: Hey, boys!
Get off the ice!
Not safe!
We're training
for the Olympics, sir.
Please don't be a dream killer.
Maybe he's right.
Have you heard a single crack?
Guys? Now,
or I'm calling the cops.
RIEGER: Yes, sir.
We just need
to catch our friend first.
JOSH: What? No, hey!
- JOHN: Get him!
- RIEGER: Get back here.
- JOSH: Not it. Stop!
- RIEGER: Oh, my God!
JOHN: Pin him down.
Pin him down.
(TYPING)
- (CELL PHONE CHIMES)
- JOSH: Yo, easy! Come on!
Hey! Hey!
You got me, okay? (LAUGHS)
- You're not going anywhere.
- JOSH: Yo, stop!
(CRACKING)
(BUBBLING)
(CRACKING)
(MUFFLED SCREAMING)
(GURGLING)
(MUFFLED SHOUTING)
(GASPING, COUGHING)
(GASPING, COUGHING)
(COUGHING AND SPLASHING)
(COUGHING AND GASPING)
Josh, hold on!
I can't! I can't hold on.
My hands are too cold.
- I'm slipping. I'm slipping.
- Hold on, Rieger, hold on!
- I can't get up!
- JOHN: Just breathe!
Here. I'll push you out!
- (COUGHING)
- Here. I got you. Hold on!
(MUFFLED SHOUTING)
JOSH (MUFFLED): John!
Hey, John!
(MUFFLED) John!
Grab my hand, John!
- John!
- RIEGER: John!
- JOSH: Swim, come on!
- RIEGER: John! John!
He went under.
I can't see his face!
- Help!
- Where'd he go?
(MUFFLED SHOUTING)
JOSH (MUFFLED): Swim!
You can do it.
(MUFFLED SHOUTING)
JOSH (MUFFLED): John!
(MURMURING)
(MUFFLED SCREAMING)
JOSH (MUFFLED):
Please, someone help!
John!
(HEARTBEAT POUNDING)
(HEARTBEAT SLOWING DOWN)
(MUFFLED SCREAMING)
RIEGER (MUFFLED):
Please, someone!
(MUFFLED CHATTER)
(PHONE DIALING)
RIEGER: Help!
OPERATOR: 9-1-1,
what's your emergency?
Three boys,
they fell through the ice.
You gotta send help right now!
DISPATCHER (ON PA):
All available trucks,
we have a drowning event
at Lake Saint Louis.
Call out locations please. Over.
- TOMMY: Move!
- JOE: Let's go!
(ALARM RINGING)
(ALARM CONTINUES RINGING)
Truck 11, we're at the station
seven minutes out.
We're inbound with
water rescue gear. Over.
- (SIREN BLARING)
- (HORN HONKING)
(SIREN CHIRPS)
(BRAKES SQUEAL)
COP 1: Where are they?
Just down there. Right over there!
Thirty yards out.
COP 2: All right.
- (SIREN BLARING)
- (HORN HONKING)
DISPATCHER: East entrance.
Thirty yards off shore.
Local police have arrived
on scene.
One out, one in the water,
one under the ice.
How long?
Approximately five
to seven minutes,
according to witnesses.
Copy. Tell Chief
we're two minutes out.
(ICE CRACKING)
- Help us!
- Whoa!
- She's breaking under me.
- Stay back! I'll go!
(SHUDDERS)
Stay there!
We're coming to get you!
- (SIREN BLARING)
- (HORN HONKING)
JOSH: Please help us. Hurry!
(PRAYING INDISTINCTLY)
RIEGER: Hurry! Please!
Please, help us.
RIEGER: I can't hold on
much longer.
JOSH: He's under the water.
Let me get your friend.
I'll get you next.
Give me your hand!
Give me your hand!
Come on, I got ya.
(SHIVERING) Thank you.
COP 2: Okay. Okay.
Come on!
(SIREN BLARING)
Let's get the pike pole,
so we can drag the bottom.
- EMT 1: We need more!
- EMT 2: How many do we need?
I know this area of the lake.
Ten, maybe 12 feet deep.
- EMT 1: Grab three!
- EMT 2: Got it.
- Still got one under, Chief?
- Yeah.
But dive and retrieval
with tanks are inbound.
COP: The crack's widening.
We've gotta get the other kid
away from the edge.
- How's yours?
- COP: Hypothermic, but still breathing.
COP 2: The ice is giving way.
Be careful!
How long's mine been under?
COP: At least ten minutes
by our count!
JOSH: Please save him.
He's under the water.
He went under the water.
Please! His name is John.
- JOE: It's okay. It's okay.
- Please! Please save him.
I want you to crawl over
and grab this officer's hand.
We're going to do everything
we can to find John.
- Come on.
- JOSH: Please find him.
Easy getting in, Joe.
We don't wanna push him
farther under.
Let's work from back to front.
(GENTLE SPLASHING)
JOE: Is the area widening,
or is it just me?
TOMMY: It's getting bigger.
Bottom contact's about ten feet.
We gotta find this kid.
Ready.
What's the count?
Fifteen minutes.
It's gonna be a recovery,
not a rescue.
CHIEF MARLO: Hey, EMT?
Get your backpack.
I need another backpack.
- VOICE: Go back.
- CHIEF MARLO: Go back.
Sounds like Chief just said,
"Go back."
I missed it.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
What's he talking about?
(GENTLE SPLASHING)
JOE: I can't see past
three feet. It's way too murky.
I don't wanna cut him.
Tommy, if he went
under the ice back there,
he's a goner.
The outmost edge drops off
to 25 feet or more.
(BREATHING DEEPLY)
TOMMY: Come on, John. Be here.
(BREATHING DEEPLY)
(WHISPERING) I got something.
What is it?
Is it him?
Tommy?
(GRUNTING)
Don't lose him, Tommy.
- Pull him up. Pull him up.
- We got him.
We got him!
I'm losing my grip.
We got him!
(BOTH GRUNTING)
(PANTING)
Crew, throw the line!
PARAMEDIC: Rope is out.
Prepare for retrieval.
TOMMY: I got him.
- TOMMY: Pull!
- (BOTH GRUNTING)
JOE: Here we go!
TOMMY: Pull!
Come on! Keep going!
PARAMEDIC: He has no pulse.
TOMMY: Start compressions.
JOE: Go! Go! Go!
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Two! Three! Four! Five!
Stop!
Pull! Pull!
One! Two! Three! Four! Five...
Nine! Ten! Eleven! Twelve...
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Ventilation tube.
PARAMEDIC: One! Two!
(SIRENS BLARING)
PARAMEDIC: Come on, John.
(RINGING)
Cindy!
I've been expecting your call.
CINDY: Joyce,
so there's been an accident.
Uh, the boys were out
playing on the ice
and they fell through.
So you need to get
to the hospital right now.
(SOBBING) They have John there.
All the boys are there.
(INAUDIBLE)
(SNIFFLING)
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
Hey!
I'm just picking up that
dimmer switch that you wanted.
Brian!
- John was in an accident.
- Joyce.
The boys fell through the ice!
- Joyce, Joyce. Slow down.
- I'm going to St. Joseph West Hospital.
Can you please meet me there?
(STAMMERS) Okay, okay.
I'll meet you there.
(PANTING)
(HORN BLARING)
(TIRES SCREECHING)
(HYPERVENTILATING)
Joyce, calm down.
Calm down.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER ON PA)
DR. KENT: What do we know?
Fourteen-year-old male,
unresponsive and pulseless.
He was playing on the ice
and fell through.
Five hundred cc bolus given.
He's very cold to touch.
Keith, take over
CPR compressions.
Let's bolus him,
normal saline.
Run the IV wide open.
We use a weight of 80 pounds.
Prepare to give epinephrine.
Epinephrine is in.
Hold compressions.
No pulse. Still cold.
Pupils are fixed and dilated.
No response.
Resume compressions.
Prepare to give epinephrine.
Epinephrine 0.38 milligrams.
The temp is 88 degrees.
How much long till
the next pulse check?
Thirty seconds.
(WHISPERING) Please, Lord.
Please, Lord Jesus.
Please.
Check pulse
at the next pulse check.
If there is no pulse,
we're gonna shock him.
Gotta try something.
Shock at a 150 joules.
- Preparing to shock.
- NURSE: Two minutes.
(EKG FLATLINING)
No pulse.
Everyone, clear.
Shocking.
(BEEP)
No pulse.
DR. KENT: What's
the outside temperature?
Low 50s.
Lake water can't
be cold enough
to have done his heart any good,
or his brain for that matter.
NURSE: Temp is up
to 90 degrees.
- DR. KENT: Prepare to give epinephrine.
- Epinephrine is in.
NURSE: Epinephrine,
0.38 milligrams.
Think, Kent. Think.
How much epi have we given?
Eight doses, Doctor.
Prepare to shock.
(BEEPING)
(HIGH-PITCHED WHIRRING)
NURSE: Two minutes.
NURSE: No pulse.
(SIGHS) All right.
Everybody, clear.
Shocking.
(BEEP)
No pulse.
Temp is up to 95 degrees.
He's warm.
Total time
is 45 minutes, Doctor.
(POUNDING)
Doctor Sutterer.
(CONTINUES POUNDING)
There's...
There's, uh...
There's nothing more we can do.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA)
(PANTING)
(PANTING)
We'll wait on his mother.
Keith, keep going.
I'm not going anywhere, boss.
JOYCE: Please, Lord.
Please, Lord Jesus.
(HYPERVENTILATING)
(WHIMPERING)
(PANTING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA)
I'm here for John Smith.
Okay.
You can have a seat
right over there.
We're just waiting
for his parents to arrive.
I am his mother.
I'm sorry.
Just a moment.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA,
PHONES RINGING)
She's here.
Should I bring her down?
I'll go.
(KEITH PANTING)
(PANTING)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
- Joyce, I'm here.
- They won't let me see him!
My John is in there and they
will not let me see him!
Isn't that illegal?
CINDY: We just need
to be patient.
- DR. KENT: Joyce Smith?
- Yes? I'm Joyce.
Hi. I'm Doctor Kent Sutterer.
We're doing everything we can
for your son,
but John isn't responding.
(GASPING)
What does that mean?
Let me take you to him.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
DR. KENT: Okay, team.
(KEITH PANTING)
DR. KENT: Keith.
Joyce, we'll be right outside.
Please, uh, take as long
as you need to say goodbye.
What?
(BABY COOING)
(SNIFFLING)
(SOFTLY) I don't understand.
I don't understand.
(SNIFFLES) Um...
(WHIMPERING)
I don't understand.
(SNIFFLING)
I don't understand. I don't,
No.
No, no, no.
(SNIFFLES) No!
No!
(JOYCE SOBBING)
(SIGHS)
No, no, no. God.
(SNIFFLES)
Please, Jesus, please.
Please, Jesus.
My John. My John...
(BREATHING DEEPLY)
(SNIFFLING)
Holy Spirit, I need you now.
I need you now.
Please, please,
don't take my son.
Please! Please!
Please bring life
back into John.
Please!
Please, God!
Please, please, please.
Come, breathe life into John.
Please, God...
Please, God.
(SNIFFLES) Please, God.
(SCREAMING) Send your Holy
Spirit to save my son!
(SOBBING)
(BEEPING)
- (GASPS) We've got a pulse!
- DR. KENT: What?
What?
We've got a pulse!
We've got a pulse! Trauma two.
NURSE: Page Respiratory and let
them know we need a ventilator.
- You got a pulse?
- NURSE 2: Yes.
Prepare intubation.
NURSE 3: I'll get the NG
and be ready
to insert it post-intubation.
(BEEPING CONTINUES)
BRIAN: Joyce?
Where's John?
Joyce.
(SIGHING)
Oh, Brian.
- How's John?
- Well...
John's got a pulse,
but it's weak.
Now, we're doing everything
we can to stabilize him,
and we're airlifting him
to Cardinal Glennon
downtown right now.
They've got the foremost expert
in drowning, Doctor Garrett.
Now, in my opinion,
he's John's only chance.
PILOT: ATC, this is Cardinal
Glennon 3-3-4 airlift wing.
BRIAN: I'll follow you there,
honey!
AIR DISPATCHER: Go for CGCH.
PILOT: We're requesting
a flight program now.
AIR DISPATCHER: I have you
coming in at pad two
with escort and trauma support
staff to assist.
(PANTING)
Ma'am, are you able to fly?
Yeah, I'm fine. I'm fine.
You're hyperventilating.
I'm scared to death of heights.
I think it might be better
if you traveled by car.
No, I'm not gonna leave my son!
Okay!
(ROTORS WHIRRING)
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
Hey, babe!
You'll be proud of me.
I'm jogging off that...
John Smith fell through
a frozen lake!
Wait, what?
They're airlifting him
to Cardinal Glennon.
JASON: Okay. Um...
I'm on my way.
(STRETCHER RATTLING)
- You're John's mother, right?
- Yes.
I need you
to come with me, ma'am.
Doctor Garrett will be
the physician attending to John.
- Okay.
- Okay.
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS)
We'll come find you as soon
as we get him situated.
- JOYCE: Okay.
- You can have a seat right over there.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JASON: Smith family.
He was helicoptered in from St. Joseph.
(PHONES RINGING)
JASON: Uh, she's here now, so...
WOMAN: We'll let you know
as soon as we hear something.
JASON: Thank you.
(BREATHING DEEPLY)
(SIGHS) It's really not
a good time right now.
Yeah, I know, Joyce.
That's why I'm here.
Well, thanks for coming.
Well, I'm not leaving.
Not now, anyway.
Excuse me?
Look, Joyce.
I know you might not be
the biggest fan
of how I preach,
or my haircut.
But I'm John's pastor.
And I'm your pastor.
I think that means
that right now,
we gotta set aside
our differences.
We gotta focus on John. Right?
JOYCE: Brian!
(SIGHS)
Thank you for coming.
NURSE: Yes, Doctor.
We've increased the drip rate.
I'm Doctor Garrett.
I'm sorry to be meeting
under these circumstances.
Your son is alive,
but his pulse
is very, very weak.
John's brain, like his organs,
was deprived of oxygen
for at least 20 minutes
before CPR was administered.
His injuries are catastrophic.
Beyond rudimentary
brain function...
I've never seen
a case like John's.
The fact that he's made it
this far...
I'm sorry.
"This far"?
Doctor?
If John ever
regained consciousness...
he'd be severely
neurologically impaired.
I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
But I don't believe
John will survive the night.
If you have family and friends
that you want to call
to come to see John,
now would be the time to do it.
(JOYCE WHIMPERING)
I've been told that you are
the best, Doctor Garrett.
I'm an expert
in my field, ma'am.
No, you're the best.
World renowned, in fact.
Or was I misinformed?
No, you were not.
I know that
you don't know my son,
but my John is a fighter
and he doesn't give up.
So, I need you to go
and be the best for John.
Nothing less.
And you just let God
do the rest.
Okay.
Okay.
JASON: It's been
real touch and go.
MELISSA:
Can't tell us anything more?
JASON: Here they are.
Hey, Melissa.
I'm so sorry, hon.
We headed over
the minute we heard the news.
What are they saying about John?
Well, I'm not gonna say
what the doctor
just tried to tell me,
because I refuse to accept it.
Because John is gonna
get through this.
MELISSA: Joyce,
I think you need
to be honest with yourself
about John's chances.
I am being honest
about his chances.
You know, I'm gonna get back.
They're only allowing two people
in the room at a time.
Brian?
Brian. Let's go.
Oh, you and Jason go.
I'll hang back.
- JASON: Are you sure?
- BRIAN: Yes, thank you.
- (TELEPHONES RINGING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA)
(CAR ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN)
(DR. KENT GRUNTS)
How are the boys?
(SIGHS)
Well, the two Joshes
were released a few hours ago.
They suffered some hypothermia,
but they're gonna be fine.
And John?
John is in
a very tough spot, honey.
But he's got a pulse,
which is a lot more than
anyone thought possible.
Mom said it was
some kinda miracle.
Yeah.
Yeah, yeah...
I still don't know quite how
to put it into words.
His mom, she was so emotional,
she was praying and...
I still can't believe it.
He just...
He just came back to life.
So, John's gonna be okay?
Your dad's had
a long day, honey.
I know, but...
what do I tell the kids
in my class?
Well, honey, the truth is
nobody knows for sure.
Is there a chance John will
be back to school this week?
No, honey.
He's gonna be
at Cardinal Glennon until...
Honey, I don't think John
is gonna live much longer.
But you said
he came back to life.
I know.
For now, honey.
Yeah, for now.
But it's...
You know, it's complicated.
(DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES)
(SIGHS)
(GRUNTS)
I got an update
from the hospital.
They, um...
They don't expect that boy
to make it through the night.
That was something today, bud.
What you did.
Well, if Chief hadn't asked us
to double back,
never would've found him
in the first place.
Say what?
If you hadn't yelled for us
to go back.
I thought you were nuts.
I didn't yell at you guys.
No, I was knee-deep in trying
to help those other boys
not lose their fingers and toes.
I never heard it.
You're the one
who found him, Tommy.
I helped you fish him out,
but...
the rest was all you.
I heard a voice say "Go back."
(CHUCKLES)
So who was it?
It wasn't me.
(LAUGHING)
You're messing with me, Chief.
(LAUGHS)
No.
I'm just sitting here
listening to you
trying to sound humble,
which really doesn't suit you.
(CHUCKLING)
(FOOTSTEPS GOING UPSTAIRS)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOOR OPENS)
(SNIFFLING)
DR. KENT: What I witnessed today
was something quite remarkable.
Some might even call it
a miracle,
which is why I'm writing.
So that no matter what happens,
we will remember
what we witnessed today.
(PHONE NOTIFICATION BEEPS)
(EKG BEEPING)
My John made it
through the night.
Yeah, of course he did.
He's a fighter.
Oh, I did some investigative
research with Brian.
Two creams, one sugar.
Thank you.
And thank you for staying
the night, Jason.
(CHUCKLES)
What?
That's the first time
you've ever called me Jason.
I'm sorry.
I've been awful to you.
No! Come on.
What are you talking about?
Who doesn't love
a typed, two-page,
single-spaced,
anonymous complaint letter
about the worship band?
The rapper was a bit much.
JASON: (LAUGHS) Okay.
I grew up on hymns.
Wait, how'd you know it was me?
I didn't.
- So...
- (BOTH CHUCKLE)
Listen, Joyce. The only reason I
switched up the music at church
is because I will do
absolutely everything
and anything,
to get young people psyched
to go to church.
Kids like John, it's just...
They need a little more cowbell,
you know?
Yeah, I see your point.
Oh, Paula must hate me.
No. No, she thinks
you're very...
spirited.
(EKG BEEPING)
Why don't you go home
and see your family?
Are you sure?
Yes, yes, of course.
DR. GARRETT:
Good morning, everyone.
JOYCE: Morning.
Uh, call me if you need me
for anything.
- I'll be back real soon.
- All right. Thanks.
Uh, I just got the update
from Wendy.
I don't know how John
made it through the night.
But I'm glad I was wrong.
I am worried
about cerebral edema.
Like the rest of John's body,
his brain's going
to wanna swell.
I'm gonna keep John
in an induced coma,
give his body a chance
to reverse course.
And we're gonna run a lot of
tests today. Okay?
It's imperative that we see
some kind of real proof
of brain activity in John.
JOYCE: Yeah.
At best, we have
a long road ahead.
And I'm not gonna lie to you.
We're in uncharted territory.
A fourteen-year-old
St. Charles boy,
who spent 15 minutes
trapped underwater,
after falling through the ice
on Lake Saint Louis,
is continuing to fight
for his life today.
On Monday,
after first responders,
recovered John Smith's
unresponsive and pulseless body,
John was transported
to St. Joseph West Hospital,
where the trauma team continued
life-saving CPR efforts,
for an additional 45 minutes.
It was then, that after an hour
with no signs of life,
John's mother, Joyce, prayed.
And John got a pulse.
John was then
quickly airlifted here
to Cardinal Glennon Hospital,
where we're told that
Doctor Garrett and his team
are working around the clock,
in an effort to save
John Smith's life.
This is Kay Quinn reporting live
from Cardinal Glennon Hospital.
BRIAN: Where's Jason?
MAN ON TV: And in other news,
yesterday, protesters...
I sent him home.
You missed Doctor Garrett
this morning.
No, he came and found me.
Brian, you didn't come back
last night.
(GASPS)
I can't see him like this.
I can't be in this room...
seeing him in this state.
(SNIFFLES) I'm sorry.
(SNIFFLES) Um...
If you need anything,
I'll just be
right down the hall.
I'm not leaving.
Okay.
Melissa thinks that everyone...
is just waiting for John to die.
That it's just...
It's just taking longer
than they expected.
- What do you think?
- I'm sorry but...
I think she's right.
I can see it in their face
and in everyone's face except...
Mine?
I believe God
can heal our son completely.
I know you do.
I know you do.
Why did you have to sleep
at the hospital?
Well...
Remember how I told you
another word for "pastor"
can be "shepherd"?
Well, shepherds look after
their sheep, right?
Is that why you always tell Mom
the people at church
are acting like sheep?
(CHUCKLING)
Um...
Let's try not to repeat that.
No, uh, John's like a sheep
that's been injured.
And this is a real thing,
this really happens sometimes.
Sometimes when a shepherd
finds a sheep
that's been injured
in his pasture,
he'll actually pick him up,
and he'll carry him
around his neck.
Why?
Well, so that the sheep
can hear his heartbeat, right?
And the two can form a bond.
So you're gonna carry John
around your neck?
Well, not literally.
- Um...
- (BOTH LAUGH)
I think I'm butchering
this metaphor.
You guys, your dad
is going to the hospital
to be by John's side.
That way he can hear
your dad's voice
and know
that your dad loves him.
'Cause that is what pastors do.
They love their people.
Why didn't you just say that?
Like, yeah.
(LAUGHS)
I have no idea.
I don't know. (CHUCKLES)
Why don't you go
brush your teeth?
I think your mom should be
the pastor, huh?
Yup.
- Hey, hey, hey! Dishes?
- (OLIVIA SIGHS)
Oh, I know. Ooh, so rough.
(LAUGHS) Thank you!
Hey. What?
(SIGHS)
If John dies...
I mean, it's gonna destroy her.
She believes without a doubt
that he'll survive.
CHIEF MARLO: Tommy.
How you doing?
What's on your mind, Chief?
The guys think that, uh...
maybe you're still
a little shook up
about what happened
to the boy.
I know what I heard.
I believe you.
A few feet over...
That lake is, like, 25 feet deep
or more, right?
Yeah.
To find him like we did,
that fast?
Million to one,
best case.
Anything like that
ever happen to you?
No.
(SIGHS) Well...
The way I figure it,
it's either one of two things.
Either I'm nuts...
Or God's talking to you.
Exactly.
(CHUCKLES)
In which case...
I got a big personal problem.
What's that?
I don't believe in God.
BRIAN: Joyce thinks that John
is gonna walk out
of this hospital.
What do you think?
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
JASON: I have my doubts,
if that's what you're asking.
That being said...
I think it's possible.
BRIAN: I've been researching
drowning cases,
hundreds of them.
No one in John's situation
has ever survived.
I believe in God.
But maybe that only goes so far
with something like this.
I'm gonna be honest with you.
I have no idea what God
will do with John.
I mean, I have no idea.
All that I know is
that I'm supposed to walk
alongside you and Joyce
right now.
Best case scenario... (SNIFFLES)
is that my son leaves here
severely brain-damaged.
JASON: Could you handle that?
(SNIFFLES)
(UNZIPPING)
- (SIGHS)
- DR. LULU: Thank you, Doctor.
NEUROLOGIST: I just think
we should be focused
on the patients we can
actually help. Right?
DR. LULU: That isn't your call or mine.
It's Doctor Garrett's.
NEUROLOGIST: It is
neurologically impossible
for the patient to change course
at this point.
Be that as it may,
our job is to meet
the needs of the patient,
until Doctor Garrett
changes course
or the patient expires.
NEUROLOGIST:
But the cerebral blood flow scan
shows complete absence of...
(TOILET FLUSHES)
The patient's name is John.
John Smith.
Hello, I'm Doctor Lulu.
Yeah.
My colleagues and I were just
discussing your son's case.
Oh, I heard what
you were discussing.
We thought we were alone.
Of course you did.
But I'm here,
and my son is right
in front of you.
And my son can hear you
whether you believe it or not.
So from now on,
I don't want anybody
saying anything negative
about his prognosis
in this room.
We will all speak life
over John.
Do I make myself clear?
Mrs. Smith, we really
didn't mean to upset you.
I said, do I make myself clear?
Yes.
Great.
(JOYCE SIGHS)
JASON: Are you okay?
No.
If I'm honest,
my sugars are sky high,
and I have a pounding headache.
Okay, that's not good.
Yeah.
I need to go home
and get my insulin and I...
Go.
Look, Brian and I got this.
John's in stable condition.
Maybe you can actually
get some rest.
Okay.
(DOG WHINES)
(GASPS) Sammy!
I've missed you.
Oh, you must be starved.
Let's get you something.
(JOYCE SNIFFLES)
(THUD)
(JOYCE BREATHES DEEPLY)
(JOHN CHUCKLING)
(SIREN BLARING)
JASON: Hey.
He's stable.
No real changes.
(EKG BEEPING)
Um...
I, um...
I brought your Jordans
with me. (CHUCKLES)
I know no one's allowed
to touch them.
But I just thought that maybe...
(JOYCE SNIFFLING)
I can't wait to see you
shoot those baskets
and run up and down the court
again.
You are my pride and joy, John.
Do you hear your mother?
(EKG BEEPING)
And I love you to the moon.
(CHUCKLES)
- And don't you forget it.
- (EKG BEEPING)
John?
He just squeezed my hand!
JASON: What?
Seriously?
Yes, absolutely.
John, can you do it again?
Can you squeeze my hand?
Um, ask him something.
Uh, okay. Um...
John, squeeze my hand if...
(SNIFFLES)
Michael Jordan is
the best player of all time.
Show Pastor Jason
a thing or two.
I don't know.
LeBron is pretty amazing.
I don't know, I don't think
he can do it, Mom.
Grab his other hand.
Honey, squeeze my hand
for Jordan
and Jason's for LeBron,
okay, baby?
JASON: Come on, buddy,
you got this.
The best player
of all time, son.
JOYCE: Come on.
- (GASPS) Yeah!
- JASON: I saw it!
- Yeah!
- I saw it!
Um, John, who was it who got
a record six NBA titles?
(LAUGHS) Yeah!
- (EXCLAIMS)
- I feel you, John!
And who was it who hopped down
to Miami for a second,
crushing his fans
to get that ring?
He can hear us! (LAUGHS)
He squeezed my hand. Joyce!
He squeezed my hand.
Oh, my God.
We have to tell the doctors.
Oh, hell yeah!
(STAMMERING) I'm sorry.
I get pumped.
I'm going!
(EKG BEEPING)
It's Doctor Garrett, John.
Your mom tells me
that you can hear us.
Is that true?
(BREATHING)
JOYCE: Tell the doctor, John.
Greatest player of all time.
Squeeze my hand for Jordan,
and the doctor's for LeBron.
Okay, baby?
Doesn't have to be
a hard squeeze.
Just let us know
you're there, John.
Who won those
six NBA titles, buddy?
My hand for Jordan.
The doctor's hand for LeBron.
Okay, baby? You got this.
I just squeezed your hand, John.
You wanna just squeeze mine
right back?
Phantom or, uh,
random muscle tics are normal.
It wasn't random.
No, he was answering us.
DR. LULU:
I know it can seem like that.
(EKG BEEPING)
(SOUNDS OF TRAFFIC)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(JOYCE BREATHES DEEPLY)
JOYCE: Hey, girls.
- CHAYLA: Hi, Mrs. J.
- Thanks for coming.
- Hi.
- Hi. Thanks for coming.
Rieger, Josh,
get your butts over here
and give me a hug.
Listen, I'm so glad
you boys are okay.
I'm so sorry, Mrs. Smith.
It's our fault
that John is in here.
No.
So what matters now is that
you're here to support John.
It means the world
to his dad and me.
So thank you.
We brought cards that, um...
people made for John.
Wow. This is...
It's really wonderful.
Thank you.
Could you hold these a sec?
Excuse me, boys.
Thank you.
There's no words.
Listen.
- I'm so sorry.
- Not another word.
Cindy, it's not your fault.
Sorry.
RIEGER: Why'd we go out there?
CINDY: (SNIFFLING) I'm sorry.
- Hey. Hey, hey.
- Hey, hey.
What I wouldn't give to bench
that boy right now.
Did you see the Facebook page
that we made for John?
- JOYCE: No.
- It's gone viral.
Wow!
Oh, girls...
JOYCE: This is so...
Oh, this is so wonderful! Wow!
Look at...
these prayers and,
GIRL: I already did
my homework!
WOMAN: We came
to be supportive, honey,
and there's nothing left
for us to do here.
So we need to not overstay
our welcome.
- GIRL: I wanna stay longer!
- WOMAN: We need to go. Okay?
WOMAN 2: Girls, look, we need
to be prepared for the fact,
that John is probably
not going to make it. Okay?
I really don't think
you wanna be here for that.
- GIRL 2: Mom!
- WOMAN 2: I know I don't.
(CHATTERING)
EMMA: Mrs. J, are you okay?
Yeah.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Can I have your attention?
(CHATTERING STOPS)
(HUFFS)
Just down that hall,
do you know that John
is fighting for his life?
Okay?
And so in this room,
there is no negative talk
of any kind!
Nothing!
Okay?
Thank you.
Unreal.
- You okay?
- Far from it!
The nerve of these people!
Let's talk.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
What's up?
I'm worried about you.
I know you're angry.
Yeah. Yeah, you're right, I am.
The people in that room
are not your enemy,
even if they don't say
exactly the right thing.
Look, I support
what you said out there.
But the way you've spoken
to some of the staff, I just...
What, Brian? Say it.
I need you to show them some...
kindness
or decency.
I'm fighting for my son's life!
We all are!
Everybody is doing their best
in an impossible situation.
If it wasn't for me, our son
wouldn't be alive right now!
Wow, Joyce.
You're my wife. I love you.
But whatever happens,
I don't want you
to regret how you acted here.
In my heart of hearts,
I know that you don't want
that either.
Grinding people into the ground
isn't gonna save our son.
I am begging you
to remember who you are.
If not for me,
for John.
(FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY)
(EKG BEEPING)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Hey.
Wake up.
Honey, it's time to wake up.
Joyce, wake up!
My wife is diabetic.
I can't wake her!
Okay. Call for a crash cart,
let's go!
Somebody give me a hand!
(MACHINE BEEPS)
(SIGHS)
I'm fine now.
I think I just took too much
of my insulin last night.
You slipped
into a diabetic coma.
Her blood sugar
is up to 70, Doctor.
DR. GARRETT: Thank you, Nurse.
See? I'm fine.
Joyce, you coded!
I need to see John.
You need to rest
for at least eight hours.
I want to be with my son.
DR. GARRETT:
I'm not asking, Joyce.
You have Type 1 diabetes.
You're dehydrated,
emotionally fried,
and you haven't slept for days.
I need you here
for the long haul for John.
Three hours, not eight.
Best and final.
Joyce, I catch you in that room
in less than five hours,
I'll have you
involuntarily committed
and taken across the street.
- You wouldn't.
- He would, with my blessing!
Five hours, Joyce.
Make 'em count.
(FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY)
(BRIAN EXHALES)
(JOYCE EXHALES)
It's really not a good time
right now.
Yeah, I know, Joyce.
That's why I'm here.
What you must think of me.
(WHISPERING) You know what?
I think you are
the fiercest mama bear
that I've ever known.
How is John?
He's stable.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER OVER PA)
So when I was 18,
I gave my first son up
for adoption.
I wasn't ready,
and my life was such a mess.
I've never forgiven myself.
I can't let it go.
I can't go back.
I can't fix it.
So I tell John how
to spend his allowance.
Brian what tie he should wear.
I insisted on naming our dog
"Sammy" for crying out loud.
John and Brian wanted "Yoda."
It's a pretty stupid name.
Thank you.
Oh, and you,
I still wanna fix your hair.
(CHUCKLES)
My whole life,
I have not stopped
trying to control the outcome.
I can't control this, can I?
Joyce, why don't you let God
handle it?
(CELL PHONE CHIMES)
Well, looks like you're
allowed back upstairs again.
JOYCE: Yeah.
Um, if you don't mind,
I'm just gonna...
get a breath
of fresh air outside.
Okay, I'll tell everyone.
JOYCE: Okay.
JOYCE: And I know
that You love John,
just as much as I do.
Maybe more.
(CHIMES RINGING)
I'm sorry.
(CRYING) I am a...
I am a broken,
desperate,
woman full of pride.
(WHIMPERING)
But I get it.
(SNIFFLES)
I have to let him go.
I know You love me.
(SNIFFLES)
Whatever You have,
for John, for Brian, for me,
I surrender. I surrender.
Brian, is everything okay?
I don't think so.
(EKG BEEPING)
John's fever just hit 104.
Now, John's had
two full days of propofol.
And it's only meant to be
taken at most for 24 hours.
I think that's why
his fever's spiking.
BRIAN: You said the propofol
was needed
to keep John
in an induced coma.
DR. GARRETT: That's right.
We had no other choice but
to keep him deeply sedated.
My concern now,
with this raging fever,
is that the propofol
and the heavy-duty antibiotics
we're giving him,
will cause permanent
organ damage.
Then wake him up.
Excuse me?
Wake John up.
Take him off of everything
and let our son
fight for his life.
You just said
these things that he's on
are making him worse.
And even if John wakes up,
we know he'll probably
never live a normal life.
That's right.
Okay.
So we wake him up.
Okay.
Let's start tapering him off
all medication.
Tomorrow morning,
we wake him up.
(FOOTSTEPS WALKING AWAY)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
I think we need to ask for help.
All the help that we can get.
We're hearing tonight
that another miracle
is needed for John.
He is still in a coma,
and he is still fighting
for his life.
Joyce Smith, John's mother,
was unable to leave
her son's side.
But the family's pastor,
Jason Noble,
is joining me here tonight,
with something he'd like to say
on the family's behalf.
Jason.
We've reached
a critical juncture
in John's care.
So the Smith family
simply asks for one thing.
So please pray for John.
His mother, Joyce, believes
that God can do the impossible.
So we're asking Him
to do just that.
Thank you.
KAY: So the Smith family
is in need
of your prayers tonight,
as they face this
incredibly difficult ordeal.
When we first reported
on John's story,
we got such an outpouring
of care and concern
from the community.
His story continues
to touch so many lives.
And we are committed
to keeping you posted
every step of the way.
Our thoughts and prayers
are with you, John.
This is Kay Quinn reporting from
Cardinal Glennon Hospital.
Back to you in the studio.
(EKG BEEPING)
Lord, fill John's lungs tomorrow
with the breath of life.
Restoring him fully
if it be Your will.
(CHIMES RINGING)
(CHAYLA SINGING) You call me
out upon the waters
The great unknown
where feet may fail
And there I find You
in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon
Your name
Brian.
CHAYLA: And keep my eyes
above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul
will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours
And You are mine
CROWD: Spirit lead me where
my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
John.
I think everybody you know
is outside that window.
Take me deeper than my feet
could ever wander
And my faith
will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
Spirit lead me where my trust
is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet
could ever wander
I'm sorry...
(SNIFFLES)
for all the things
that I said to you.
I'm sorry.
I should've always
been right here.
By John's side.
And yours.
CROWD: Right here, right now
Someway, somehow
Right now, we need You
We can't do it without You
Right here, right now
Someway, somehow
Right now, we need You
We can't do it without You
Right here, right now
Someway, somehow
I will call upon Your name
And...
Keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul
will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours
And You are mine
(EKG BEEPING)
(EKG BEEPING)
JOYCE: Tommy?
I just wanna thank you
for saving my son.
I was just doing my job.
I hope he's gonna be okay.
- (EKG BEEPING)
- (INDISTINCT CHATTER ON PA)
I'm gonna give you guys
some privacy.
This feels like a family thing.
So I'm gonna be right down
the hall if you need me.
It is a family thing.
So I think you should stay.
Yeah.
Okay. (SNIFFLES)
Is everybody ready?
Okay.
Let's start with
the breathing treatment.
NURSE WENDY: This is going to
help open his airways and lungs.
And then we can remove
the breathing tube.
DR. GARRETT:
We're gonna extubate John.
John's lungs
have partially collapsed,
so this next part
won't be easy.
Move back a little bit, okay?
Okay.
(BEEPING STEADILY)
(EKG BEEPING STEADILY)
(EKG RAPIDLY BEEPING)
DR. GARRETT: Orderly.
(EKG RAPIDLY BEEPING)
- Is he okay? What is happening?
- BRIAN: Joyce!
DR. GARRETT: Let him hear
your voices.
BRIAN: John, it's Mom and Dad.
We're here for you, son.
- JOYCE: Everything's okay. We're right here.
- BRIAN: John, we're right here.
JOYCE: I love you. John?
DR. GARRETT: Oxygen.
Starting the flow, Doctor.
(HEART BEATING)
(HEAVY BREATHING)
DR. GARRETT:
Hmm. Okay, all right.
All right, he's breathing
on his own.
Okay, let's get him the Narcan.
0.4 milligrams, please.
(EKG BEEPING STEADILY)
GARRETT: This should kick-start
John into consciousness
within the next few minutes,
and then we'll see
what we're dealing with.
Hey, hey.
This went about as well
as humanly possible.
(SOBBING) That was awful.
- This is the process, Joyce.
- Okay.
Now, we wait.
(EKG BEEPING)
John.
John, baby.
(SNIFFLES)
I need you to fight.
John.
(SPLASHING)
JOYCE: You need to come back
to us now, John.
I need you to fight.
You can do it, John.
You need to come back
to us now, John.
You have a purpose
and you are loved.
I need you to fight.
(GASPS)
John?
John? (LAUGHS)
BRIAN: Oh, John!
DR. GARRETT:
You're okay, John.
(JOHN GASPS)
- Hey, John.
- JOYCE: We're right here.
Everything's okay.
Hey, John.
Can you understand
what I'm saying?
- You're okay, John.
- JOYCE: It's Mom and Dad.
And everyone's here.
Everyone's here.
You had an accident.
Do you know who I am?
I love you.
(EKG BEEPING)
Ma.
- (LAUGHS)
- BRIAN: John.
JOYCE: I'm here.
(ALL LAUGHING)
I'm right here.
(LAUGHS)
I'm here, baby. I'm here.
And in 1885, Douglass wrote
Narrative of the Life
of Frederick Douglass.
And it became
the preeminent example
of the literary genre known...
John is awake!
EMMA: His mom says he's talking.
Guys, his mom says he's talking!
Oh, my gosh! (GASPS)
John's awake!
John is awake! John is awake!
John is awake!
(ALL EXCLAIMING)
Oh, my God!
(KNOCKING ON WINDOW)
John is awake!
(ALL EXCLAIMING)
John Smith is awake!
I repeat, John Smith is awake!
(ALL CHEERING)
DR. GARRETT: Breathe.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Again.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
One more time.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
Your lungs are very clear.
Your oxygen levels are up.
- NURSE WENDY: Doctor Garrett?
- Yes?
John's lung cultures came back
negative for bacteria.
Run them again, please.
Uh, I already did.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY)
- (DR. GARRETT GASPS)
- Is that a good thing?
That's a really good thing,
honey. (CHUCKLES)
Wendy, would you
help young John
with his breathing exercises?
NURSE WENDY: Absolutely.
When Wendy's ready,
I want you to breathe in deeply,
so we can test
your lung capacity.
Whatever you need.
"Whatever I need." (CHUCKLES)
Joyce.
(INDISTINCT MURMURING)
(DR. GARRETT EXHALES)
Forty-eight hours ago,
John's lungs were filled
with his own blood.
He needed constant adrenaline
just to keep his heart pumping.
His white blood cells
were being consumed
faster than any patient
I've ever seen.
His brain was experiencing
neurological devastation,
while simultaneously every one
of his major organs...
was failing.
Now, look at him.
I'm a doctor.
I'm supposed to know better.
But there's simply
no other explanation, Joyce.
(SIGHS)
Your son's a miracle.
Thank you.
(DR. GARRETT SNIFFLING)
STUDENTS: Surprise!
(JOYCE LAUGHS)
(SIGHS) Thank you.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(JOYCE SNIFFLES)
Thank you.
JOYCE: Oh, my goodness.
What's that?
Oh, my God!
So cool!
Oh, I can't grip it yet.
(LAUGHING)
Hey, Abby.
Hey, John.
(CHUCKLES)
(STUDENTS LAUGHING)
- Shut it, Chayla. Come on.
- (MEN LAUGHING)
- Two, one.
- (CAMERA CLICKS)
(CAMERA CLICKS)
(ALL LAUGHING, CHATTERING)
(ELEVATOR BELL DINGS)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
(LIVELY CHATTER)
(APPLAUSE, CHEERING)
RIEGER: Hey, John!
(CHEERING AND CLAPPING)
JOSH: Welcome back, man!
(LAUGHS)
Whoo! John!
(CHEERING)
MRS. ABBOTT: Welcome back, John.
Thank you, Mrs. Abbott.
Thank you.
(APPLAUSE)
MRS. ABBOTT: Okay, everyone,
let's turn to Chapter 19
in our history books.
- (SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
- (LIVELY CHATTER)
- Mrs. Abbott?
- Yeah.
I know I have a lot
to catch up on.
Oh, no, John.
Please, don't worry about it.
I'm just glad
to have you back.
Thank you.
Hey, John.
Uh, I was wondering,
Why do you think...
God chooses to save some
and not others?
It's just...
I lost my husband two years ago.
He had an aneurysm...
(SNIFFLING)
and died in his sleep.
And I'm still trying
to figure it all out.
I'm so sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
I don't know
what I was thinking.
Clearly, I wasn't thinking.
(CHUCKLES)
Why don't you go and catch up
with the rest of your friends?
I'll see you tomorrow. Okay?
(LIVELY CHATTER)
(DOOR SQUEAKS OPEN)
What's up, Miracle Boy?
Where you running off to?
Not gonna go try and, uh, walk
on water again, are you, John?
(DOG BARKING)
(PANTING)
(SIGHS)
(BIRDS SQUAWKING)
Tommy?
Tommy Shine?
John?
(JOHN LAUGHS)
It's good to finally meet you.
Yeah.
You too.
(BENCH CREAKS)
(TOMMY LAUGHS)
I was just sitting here
debating on whether...
coincidences happen in life.
Thank you for saving me.
I didn't save you, John.
I mean, I did, but I didn't.
In the water that day,
I was ready to give up
on you, man.
But then I hear this voice
telling me "Go back."
God told me where to find you.
(TOMMY CHUCKLES)
Well, if there's a God...
I don't know what
he's got planned for you,
but it must be something
pretty special.
Maybe that's true
for the both of us.
TOMMY: Way over there?
JOHN: Yeah, right there.
TOMMY: Oh.
JASON: Good morning!
CROWD: Good morning!
We have a little bit of a
surprise for you this Sunday.
I'd like to ask
a good friend of mine,
Joyce Smith, and her family,
to join me up here.
(ALL APPLAUDING, CHEERING)
WOMAN: We love you, John!
(APPLAUDING AND CHEERING
CONTINUES)
In all my years in ministry,
I mean, I've never
even seen anything
or heard of anything like this.
So, John, what do you remember?
- JOHN: This thing on?
- (MICROPHONE FEEDBACK)
(LAUGHTER)
Um...
Well, I do remember waking up.
(SIGHS)
And the first thing I saw...
(VOICE BREAKING)
was my mom, holding my hand.
And letting me know that
everything was gonna be okay.
When I was a baby,
and no one wanted me,
my parents wanted me.
And when no one thought
that I could make it back,
my mom knew that I could.
Mom...
I love you.
I love you.
(TEARFUL) Dad...
(SIGHS) I love you, too.
I love you, John.
And for those of you
who ask why me...
I don't know.
But a great teacher
once told me,
"Yesterday's not ours
to recover,
"but tomorrow is ours
to win or lose."
Lastly, I just wanna
thank the Lord.
(ALL APPLAUDING)
I thought it might be
a good idea for John
to meet some of the people
responsible for saving his life.
If you're part of the
Wentzville Fire Department,
would you please stand?
(ALL APPLAUDING)
If you're
an emergency dispatch officer
or an EMT member,
could you please stand
as well?
Now, if you're a member of the
Lake Saint Louis Police Department,
could you please stand?
If you're part of
the St. Joseph medical team,
could you stand?
(APPLAUSE, CHEERING)
And if you're part of the
Cardinal Glennon medical team,
could you stand?
(APPLAUSE CONTINUES)
Thank you so much
for your tireless service.
For your sacrifice.
If you could remain standing,
I'd like to ask anyone
who prayed for John
at school to stand.
I'd like anyone who prayed
for him at home to stand.
I'd like anyone
who prayed for him
in this very church to stand.
Thank you.
You can please be seated.
(SNIFFLING)
I think it's been said
that love...
is the most powerful force
on this earth.
And my husband and I,
we believe that...
without love,
we cannot flourish,
we cannot grow.
We cannot find our place
in this world.
And the power of love,
and God's love especially,
is truly the one and only thing
that makes all things possible.
(TEARFUL)
Thank you for loving John,
and thank you for loving us.
(SOBBING)
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
(ALL APPLAUDING, CHEERING)
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Whoo!
(APPLAUSE, CHEERING)
COACH PAUL:
John! Eagle, eagle!
Eagle, eagle!
(ALL CHEERING)
(CLAP)