Thursday, May 20, 2010 - TCU First Pitch

Today was an exciting day as Joe got to throw out the first pitch at the TCU Baseball game. Our friends, Kerry and Shelly Knox, organized this fun event for our family. We got to grill out with them on the patio on the third base line and watch all the action up close. There was lots of room for the boys to stretch and run around near the bullpen which made it easy for Kevin and I to enjoy ourselves, too. Joe got announced before the game and did a great job throwing the pitch to the TCU catcher. If you ask Joe he will say, "It wasn't a strike but the catcher was able to catch it." It was pretty good for not throwing the ball for the last 6 weeks! Today he was all smiles but wouldn't smile and show his teeth very often for the camera because he is about to lose his front tooth. He was a little self conscious about it and wiggled it most of the day. No. 6 ranked TCU beat Cal State Bakersfield 13 - 1 so there was lots of excitement to watch. We all had a wonderful time. Joe and his brothers were exhausted tonight...which is always a sign of a successful outing. Thank you Knox Family and friends for the great time and memories. Once again, we are truly blessed by so many and it is great to have these distractions for Joe. He was feeling really well today and is wanting to play at full speed. I think each day becomes a little more normal for him, which is what we all want.

Last night on the way to his team's baseball game, Joe was feeling a little sad knowing that he is missing out on a lot of activities he would like to participate in. I think he is beginning to sense that having this tumor is a little more serious than having the flu or breaking a leg. He is starting to ask more questions about "what if...". It is hard to know what is going on in his little mind and how much he really understands. I do not want him to worry, especially about things he cannot control and that most likely will never happen. God has a very special plan for him and we know He will provide healing for Joe. A friend encouraged me with an email that I want to share as it was really applicable today.

I have not stopped remembering your sweet Joe. At the beginning I cried out in desperation for Joe's healing and I know the Lord has heard my cry for help and has not rejected my prayer...(Psalm 66:16-20 "Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened; But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!") I stand now, not in desperation, but with thanksgiving and praise for the healing already accomplished and the healing that will come to bring his body to full restoration in Christ Jesus!

We are able to stand in thanksgiving as we know that, most importantly, Joe has a personal relationship with Jesus and has accepted Him as his savior.