Faith, hope, love strengthen hurt ‘Steelhound’

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Steelhound #39, Jason Baird

AKRON— She carries herself with grace and strength.

Looking into her eyes, you might not be able to tell that her family has experienced more trying times in the past three weeks than many do in a lifetime.

She is Bethany Baird — wife, mother, protector.

Her husband, former Youngstown SteelHounds forward, Jason, has been in the Burn Unit of Akron’s Children’s Hospital since mid-July after a lawn mower he was driving exploded, burning 60 percent to 65 percent of his body.

Bethany, who sleeps in her own bed in his room, has kept a vigil at his side.

“We’re doing wonderfully,” she said. “He’s doing wonderfully.”

Because of the nature of Jason’s injuries, each day brings something different, and Bethany’s daily routine is based on what doctors have planned for her husband.

For her, the most difficult part is not the surgeries, the hospital or the indefinite stay in Akron.

“The hardest part is our family not being together,” she said. “We’re getting everything else we need right now through support and prayers because that’s what he’s going to need.”

The couple’s three children, Isaiah, 11; Markus, 8; and Addison, who just celebrated her first birthday, are staying with Jason’s parents and come to visit mom and dad every weekend. Jason’s brother, Joey Baird, 26, of Ontario, Canada, also visits every week.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.