An unbreakable bond
Created on Friday, 24 August 2012 Written by MATT HAMMOND
College-bound Ridgemont hoops standout vows to remain close with his great-grandmother
|
Recent Ridgemont High School graduate and basketball standout Davante Ratleff, right, has helped care for his great-grandmother Marjorie Bayless since she suffered a stroke four years ago. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MATT HAMMOND) |
Davante Ratleff gained notoriety for the way he put the basketball in the basket as a standout at Ridgemont.
But he is much more than just a talented player on the hardwood.
Forced to grow up at a pace much quicker than his peers, Ratleff sacrificed his own personal enjoyment to aid an ailing loved one.
Ratleff will leave his family’s home in Ridgeway today to embark on a college career at Heidelberg University. Before he leaves, he will have to say an emotional goodbye to his beloved great-grandmother, 97-year-old Marjorie Bayless.
Despite a nearly 80-year age difference, Davante and Marjorie share a bond as tight as one between a parent and child.
He simply refers to her as “grandma.” He says it in a tone of sheer reverence and respect.
Confined to a wheelchair and her hearing nearly gone, her face lights up when her great-grandson speaks.
For the past four years, Ratleff has been one of his great-grandmother’s primary caretakers. As the only other person in the house during the morning hours, he awoke around 6 a.m. every morning to prepare breakfast and give Marjorie her medicine before heading off to school.
Read complete story in Friday's Examiner. CLICK HERE to subscribe today!
Share this post
