Special Day

One of the best days of my life!

Started at 6:00 am, did my daily routine with some push ups and planks, then started rocking my day.

Coach Russ and staff (Morgan, Keishon, Jalen, Stef, Nermina, and Tony) set up for a special day for our Recreation Basketball League all star day.  We had players ranging from K-10th grade participate in this special event, where they competed in a 30 second shootout, around the world competition and Skills competition, along with an all star game.  Your probably thinking, "What's so special about an all star event?"

Well, many of these players won't play in the NBA, or college ball, and maybe not high school ball, but they absolutely, positively love basketball.  They play recreation basketball because of their love of the game, not for money, not for fame, not for their friends, but purely for the love of the game.

We took the advice of a player, who at the time, was in the 5th grade and wrote an inspiring email to me about how we should celebrate our players with an all star event.  This particular player, Ignacio Ros, has been in our program since he was in 3rd grade and now is a 9th grader thriving at the high school level, on and off the court.  Thus, we gave all praise and thanks to Ignacio for igniting this idea and turning it into reality.

Then, came our game at Oglethorpe University.  I had such pre game jitters, but it wasn't because of our opponent, it was because my Angels (Dr. McCords staffers)were going to be recognized today prior to the game, and I wanted everything to be perfect.  Much of it, actually, all of it, was out of my control, but I just wanted it to be special for these incredible women.

Well, all of my angels arrived in their awesome "Built to Beat Cancer" Blue shirts ready to rock.  The hugs and loved each of these awesome ladies gave me was heartfelt and calmed my nerves.  As they were seated by the team bench, I begin to see more friends come into the arena and of course, then my gorgeous wife, Elisa.  Now it's time to rock!

So, after the national anthem, Alex took the microphone, he and I walked to center court and he begin to speak from his heart, as it relates to our cancer journey, battles and our victory.  His words had so much passion, and conviction - it made me tear up a little bit.  Then, the Dr. McCords Angels walked out to center court and stood beside me, like they have done for the past 6 months.  Once Alex completed his tearful speech, our OU players came onto the court, and the best Group Hug ever was created. 

We want to thank
Dr. McCord
Dr. Banks
Cara Clouse
Gail Feinberg
Wendy Morris
Carolyn Murphey
Cindy Robb
Angela Strom
Tiffany Hanson
Amy Bowman and many others who helped me through this journey.  You are appreciated and loved.

​BTW:  Our OU team won 72-37.

Today's Prayer
Praise be to the LORD, to God, our Savior, who daily bears our burdens
                                             PSALM 68:19

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