Keep calm... it's almost game time. 

A great coach keeps calm when the crowd goes wild. And Coach is doing just that as he is gearing up for his chemotherapy regime to begin this Wednesday April 3rd. 

Last week he had a small procedure to place his port. He handled this like a champion and had minimal pain afterwards. 

All last week he was able to be in the mountains with 3 of his grandkids (Maggie's kids) while they were there on spring break. Then Webb/Georgia and their kids joined for the long Easter weekend. Sadly Will/Carly couldn't make it. But Coach had some great quality time with family in his favorite place we call Goat Farm--the mountain air was the perfect medicine. 
it was so nice to be together and enjoy this special time right before he begins this physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing chemotherapy program.  
A sweet family friend, the Fithians, had a "Bear Strong" logo designed and had t shirts made. We surprised him and we all put on the matching shirts and headed to a special place on their property that we call "The Overlook." 
This spot has the most breathtaking view of the mountains and the lake. Years ago coach made a cross out of wood for my cousin to use at his wedding. After the wedding the cross was placed at the overlook. Soon after we started a tradition of laying rocks (burdens) down at the foot of the cross. The tradition is to place a rock on the pile and then say "lay your burdens at the cross." 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to "lay all of your burdens down at His feet." Over the years the pile has grown. It's been a great way to model for our kids that we can give anything to God and He will sustain us.  
this particular trip to the overlook was one I will never forget. We laid down our burdens in our matching "Bear Strong" shirts and set the camera on self timer to capture a group picture. 

As I hugged my dad goodbye I had that lump in my throat. Just imagining that it was the last "normal" hug I would ever give him. Knowing that the next time we see him (and every time thereafter for a while) he will look different and feel different. He could tell I was emotional and he looked at me and said, "Maggie, give it to God. That's what I've done. He has written this story. He knows the perfect plan. I am not worried because I am confident His plan is perfect."  Well then! If he can "keep calm" then why can't I??  

Please pray for Coach, specifically on Wednesday. We are praying for minimal side effects of chemo. Most importantly no significant long-term side effects of chemo that he will have to endure forever. This is a great possibility that we are praying in Jesus name he doesn't have to encounter. 

Pray for patience and stamina for the team mom who is now going to be a nurse. Part of her job will be to disconnect his chemo line after he comes home with a pump for 2 consecutive days after chemo days. Maybe her old flight attendant skills will come in handy over these next few months.  

We will post an update Wed to let everyone know how he does! It will be a long day. 

Let's be like coach and keep calm.... keep playing ball.... and always keep praising the Lord! 

🐻BEAR STRONG🐻