In between innings.....

In the game of baseball there are short warm up/practice sessions in between each inning. The point is to provide a chance for players to focus, stay loose and active, avoid distractions with other teammates, and to build player confidence for the next inning. 

This is where we are. And where we have been since coach returned home.

Since being home, Coach has continued to amaze us. He has stayed focused on his goals for healing, stayed loose and active by taking walks/going to work/driving to visit his (almost 99 year old dad)/ and taking a weekend get-away trip to the mountains. He has stayed focused on God’s promises and cleared the external distractions that come his way. This has allowed him time to build strength and confidence necessary to tackle the next inning.....one that will be tough. 

Today he met with his oncologist for the first visit. It was helpful to discuss his diagnosis, ask pertinent questions, and establish a game plan. 

Here is the play book:

1. Chemo starts April 3.
2. It will last for 24 weeks.
3. He will come in to the hospital for 6 hours of chemo and go home with a pump that keeps administering chemo for 2 more days. 
4. The chemo will be every other week
5. This means 12 doses for 24 weeks.

They discussed all the possible and likely side effects—talk about getting hit by a pitch.

The doctor was also were very candid and did not sugar coat this diagnosis. There aren’t many pretty ways to paint pancreatic cancer.  The doctor mentioned the high chances of “recurrence with a vengeance.” And the very very poor prognosis if this were to occur. 

But we are choosing to focus on the good, the miracles God has already performed, and we are believing for full healing in Jesus name.

Lets get a report from the coaches mouth:

“We will not become bitter or angry.  That would be to challenge God’s authority over us and his love for us.  All of us have days which are numbered, and He has already won our victory if we just choose to follow Him.  In doing so, we never die even when He calls us home. That is to be celebrated as the greatest gift the world has ever known! May God be glorified in all suffering and grieving we may encounter along the way, and may we grow ever closer to Him throughout it all!” -Coach

I have included a picture collage of the past few weeks.
. Homemade BEAR cupcakes from Tripp and Davis

. The surprise luncheon and Bear Strong shirts when he returned to work 

. Briggs and Sims at their season opening baseball games (Briggs hit 2 home runs for Bear)

. A throw back picture when Coach was catcher

With every breath that we are able, we will sing of the Goodness of God.

Let’s keep playing ball and praising the Lord

#BEARSTRONG 🐻⚾️