Appreciation Can Sure Feel Good Sometimes

As I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) I have just returned from broadcasting a ball game.  Now, before I go any farther, I know some people will read this and think I am being negative, but quite the contrary, I am being very positive.  Some will read this and think, "he's talking about me" well, if you think that, then maybe you are feeling guilty about something, I don't know.  But honestly, there are so many stories of how "bad" our youth is these days, I think it's time to hear about something good that some youth have done.

I will admit, that when I leave a gym, more often than not, I will receive a text or email or some sort of communication, it has even been a voicemail left during the game because people know I can't answer my phone.  And also more often than not, the sender goes to great lengths to remain anonymous.  Why?  Because the message is negative.  "Why did you do that game instead of this one?"  "Why didn't you get excited when this team did that?"  "I can tell you don't like this person because of how you said his name."  "You suck" (yes, I got a text telling me that a couple of years ago).  And I am too tired to type all the negative comments I have received.

I realize as a semi public figure I open myself to those type comments.  I openly give out my cell phone number and email address on the air so people can contact me.  I am not complaining.  At all.  I take those comments with a grain of salt and move on.

Today, however, was a bit different.  It wasn't a very good day for me.  I didn't feel well, at all, I didn't sleep well, I had to work today as my Uncle Bill was being laid to rest.  And after an 8 hour work day, I got in the truck and drove to climb up a staircase/ladder to do a ball game.  It was a good game, I felt I did a decent job.  I left the gym and headed home.  Then my phone blew up with texts.  "Well crud!  What did I do now?!" I did verbally say those exact words.  Well, no texting and driving, but my son called and said he needed gas, could I stop and get him some.  Sure!

After pumping gas into his car, I got back in the truck to "face the music" of whatever I had said or didn't say or what ire inflection of my voice has raised this time.  I read the first one and had to rub my eyes a bit to take another look.  It read, "Just wanted to thank you for being at our game tonight.  Nobody else cares enough to put us on the radio.  Your the best!"  (Yes, I know she should have used you're but I knew what she meant).  Well, no matter what the other texts say, I was feeling pretty good.  But text after text gave the same sentiment.  "Thank you"  Players, parents, grandparents, listeners.  Not one negative comment and "thank you" after "thank you"  And many of them from players or students.  Nice, appreciative young people.  Yes, they do exist!  As a matter of fact, there are a great more of them out there than you think.  I converse with them just about every day.

I am pretty sure the truck floated back to Radio Hill.  It was so refreshing to be appreciated.  I know many people people appreciate what we do.  I know there are many more people who appreciate what we do than those who want and do complain.  It just sure was nice to hear from them for a change.

I challenge you to show appreciation to people you don't usually thank.  Find your school or church custodian and thank them for their hard work.  Thank the convenience store worker who will be working on Christmas so you can get gas and a Slim Jim.  Those people you take for granted, tell them how much you appreciate what they do.

Appreciation and encouragement sure does feel good sometimes.  I know I feel pretty good right now.

God bless and have an amazing day!!

Put 6 on the Board

Another football season has come and gone.  I love football.  The chess match between the offense and defense.  The crushing hits.  The athletic plays.  It's a great sport.  I have the unique pleasure of doing both high school and college football.  It is, at times, a challenge, but I love it.

This season was the most challenging ever.  For KCU Football alone, we drove 3900 miles to places like Cookeville, TN, McKenzie,TN, Waleska, GA, Montgomery, AL to name a few.  That is tiring for a young, healthy man.  This season, I am a bit older and Parkinson's Disease took it's toll on me.  But I didn't miss a game.  I am the only human alive to have seen every KCU Varsity Football game.  I have called everyone of them on the radio.  If that sounds like bragging, well, I guess it is, but I am proud to be the Voice of the Knights.

The best part of football season is getting to spend time with my son.  Tucker just finished his second season with me on the road with KCU Football and high school football.  With Tucker now in college, we don't get to spend much time together.  But during football season we get to spend our weekends together, both Friday and Saturday most of the time.  That's what made this season more bearable.  We will have another season or 2 together (I hope).  Then who knows?  Between him growing up and getting a "real" job and my health, everything is pretty uncertain.  This may have been my last season for all I know.  I sure hope not.  I so enjoy my job.

Whatever God has in store for me, I am OK with it.  He has blessed me tremendously to this point and I do not deserve those blessings.  But He keeps on blessing and I will keep on praising Him regardless of what happens.  

Days of Struggle

Today is one of the roughest days I have had since I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Many days it is hard to get out of bed, but today it has almost become impossible. Not that I didn't want to get out of bed, I physically was challenged to the point of exhaustion. I wanted to put on a particular shirt, but my fingers would not allow me button it up. My arms ache so bad it was a struggle to pull a button-less shirt over my head.

Please don't read this as a complaint nor a cry for pity. It is certainly not. It is simply a transparent look into the life of a person with Parkinson's. One of the goals I set when I was diagnosed was to educate. Sometimes when you see me and I seem not to be my cheerful self, it is probably because I am in pain or I am just struggling as I attempt to deal with life at that moment.

Today I want to educate others on a very strange, yet real aspect of my disease. It is called Bradykinesia. Strictly speaking this is a slowness in movement which often starts with a "freezing" event. Often this occurs with me trying to go through a doorway or up a set of steps. I simply freeze. I cannot walk. I tremor and try but my feet just will not allow me to go. Many who have Parkinson's find this a very frustrating and embarrassing event. I must admit it can be very frustrating, but I don't embarrass easily. I generally try to just joke about it and finally when I move on everything is fine. It is not easy for this to happen in a public place. It has a couple of times and I have heard snickers (not the candy bar) and people talking. I have thought about getting a t-shirt explaining what is happening so I can just pull up my outer shirt and give people something to read while they wait on me to "unfreeze."

When faced with adversity, I have always turned to scripture for strength and comfort. God is awesome in giving us insight when we need it. The day I was diagnosed with Parkinson's I was studying the book of Romans and came across this gem:

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Yes, there are days I suffer. Yes, there are days I would love to just stay in bed and feel sorry for myself. Yes, I sometimes ask "Why me?" But on those days, I still get out of bed, somehow get dressed and thank God that I have the ability to do so. For I know that while we suffer here, someday in heaven there will be no more Parkinson's and my body will be perfect, immortal, powerful, made to live forever with my Lord and Savior and my Creator.

Have a blessed day!

I'm a Grandfather....WHAT?!?!

This weekend might have been one of the craziest I've experienced in quite some time.  

Friday morning, Tucker and I headed out on our 420 mile journey to beautiful Waleska, GA to broadcast KCU vs Reinhardt.  A rather normal ride Nothing eventful at all.  We checked into our hotel, went to eat a steak at Longhorn's, the usual trip to WalMart for snacks, back to the hotel for some HIMYM.  

Saturday, breakfast, pre-game prep and off to the stadium.  Nothing unusual, I 've experienced this routine many, many times.  But when we got to the stadium things changed.  The pressbox was full and Tucker and I basically had to build our own shelter on top of the pressbox.  Putting up a make shift tent, securing a table and chairs, running a 100 ft phone line and a 50 ft extension cord.  On top of that, we were 3 feet away from the only speaker for the PA guy.  It was a rather interesting day to say the least.  We made it through the broadcast, a KCU 31-21 win over Reinhardt and packed everything up, headed down the ladder (did I mention we had to climb a ladder to get to the top of the pressbox?)  Got in the GoMobile and headed toward Grayson.

We stopped for gas about an hour north of Waleska, and I got a text that my 9 month pregnant daughter was having extremely high blood pressure and was headed to the hospital.  I don't care how old your kids are, when you hear something like that, they are 3 again and need their daddy, which my Pudd did.  In a show of transparency and confession, I broke several traffic laws to get to my Pudd.  I arrived a bit earlier than I should have, but I was there for my little girl.

With the news that Tori would be induced Sunday morning, I made the trip home to complete a near 900 mile, 2 day adventure.  I got a couple of hours sleep, went to church, preached and then headed back to the hospital.  It was a very slow and tiring process for everyone, especially my Pudd.  After getting to 9cm and holding, Mason decided he didn't want to turn the way he should and labor stopped.  After 16 hours of labor, it was decided a C section was needed.  Nobody was happy, but it was the right decision.  It was a very tense 30 minutes that followed, but it was well worth it when those double doors opened and James Mason Levi Marsh came through.  He was a big ol baby, that was easy to see.  

We watched through the glass as they weighed him, 9lb 12 oz.  He measured 21 3/4 inches.  Relief and amazement was what I felt, but I wanted to see my Pudd.  I was told I had to wait 2 hours.  I wasn't a happy pappy at this point.  But finally, I heard the bed being rolled down the hall.  I was able to see the world's newest mommy and hold my Pudd.  Then I was given the chance to hold my new grandson.

He was perfect.  That's all I can say.  I prayed over my new grandson and just asked God to bless this little fella and our family. I gave Him thanks for a healthy baby and watching over my Pudd. Finally I prayed that I be the Christian example in my grandson's life that will show him who God is and how amazing trusting in Him can be.

This picture was taken at 3am after a very long weekend. But I wouldn't trade the experiences for the world. God is awesome. I knew that before but He continues to affirm that in my life with how He orchestrates events in His will. I vow to be the best "Poppy" I can be. I will do what I can, without interfering with his parents.




One aspect that amazed me this weekend was the strength of my wife. She never left Tori's side and was just there doing whatever she could. She was the last one to hold Mason, waiting patiently for her turn even though she deserved to be the first for all her efforts. I can't wait to see the awesomeness of her grandmotherhood. She will be called Nene (knee knee) and I am sure Mason will have her by the heart.

I am a grandpa.  I can hardly believe it.  It seems like just yesterday I was holding my Pudd in the very same hospital she gave birth to my grandson.  Time does indeed fly, the journey has had many ups and many downs, but one thing is for sure, God has blessed the Carper Family in a might way though it all.  My only wish today is that Titus could hold his nephew.  But someday, if we all do our "jobs" they will play together forever in heaven.

Team Fig Needs Your Help

Hello Friends,

As many of you know on August 8th I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. While my initial reaction was normal, "why?" I quickly shed that thought to "Why not?" I know God is in control and I also feel He is going to do something really awesome with this situation. I just want to make sure I am here to see what it is. 

I also made a quick decision to try and show others how Christians handle adversity while at the same time helping others with this disease. Research, education and financial help for those who can't afford medicines are the main needs. The disease is incurable and most people just think about an old person shaking real bad when they think of Parkinson's. My gut reaction says you had a mental image of Muhammed Ali or maybe Michael J Fox. Well, Michael J Fox has a rather successful foundation (Michael J Fox Foundation) that is working in the needed areas I mentioned. So I decided rather than try to go through the process of starting some type of charity myself, I would join the grassroots movement sponsored by the MJFF called Team Fox. 100% of the money raised by Team Fox members goes to the MJFF. My team is...surprise! Team Fig. 

There are several ways you can help Team Fig. The link below will take you to my personal Team Fox web page. We are just now in the beginning stages so there are no events listed as of yet. But many of my friends in the world of radio both Sports and Bluegrass have already come up with a Hoops for Parkinson's Fund Raiser and A Pickin For Parkinson's Fund raiser later this year or early next. I am open to any type of event that will help raise awareness. 
 
I am not one to ask for money for anything. Never preached a sermon on giving in my life. But I've also never had Parkinson's. Team Fox allows me to have people join Team Fig in many ways, but by far the easiest right now is through my web page. For a $50 donation you are a part of Team Fig and helping me help others. I know that is a lot of money for some people, with my medical expenses for medicine alone its a lot for me, but I got the ball rolling with the first donation. If you can't do it alone, join forces with people at work or just pray and perhaps help at function down the road. Again, I am somewhat uncomfortable at this asking fo money thing so please know that I will not at all be offended if you decline for whatever reason.

My life verse through the days that I struggle with Parkinson's has and will be Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." 

Whatever I have to go through with this disease I am confident it will be nothing compared to the joy and splendor of heaven that awaits me. Of that I have no doubt whatsoever. In all things, I give God praise and honor. He made a promise to never leave me nor forsake me and I know He is carrying me some days and I so thankful for that. I plan to keep on doing what I do. Tomorrow night I will be in the booth as East Carter opens their season verses Raceland. Next Thursday I will be driving to Cookeville, TN as the KCU Knights open their season vs Tennessee Tech and then drive back so I can be in the booth Friday night as the West Comets face Bath Co. My doctor says those are lofty goals, but my doctor is just a doctor, I have the Great Physician on my side.

Again, the link is at the bottom of this message above the Team Fig logo. And please understand while I am reluctant to contact anyone and ask for money, it is not for me directly. But I would love to help find a cure for this disease in my lifetime if not for me, for those who suffer much more than I do. I also know that some just can't give, but you can pray! I covet those on a daily basis. It has taken me about an hour to type this. But I just wanted to do something.

God bless each of you today.


http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?px=1974271&pg=personal&fr_id=1461

A Message from Dean Rob and Dean Fig

I know many of you have seen Dean Fig mention me a few times asking for prayer for both of us. On May 22 I had to go to the ER because the left half of my body went numb. I assumed I was having a stroke, since that’s the only thing I knew that would cause that. After running various tests, scans and blood work, I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic and spent two days there a couple weeks before camp. After more tests and more blood work, they scheduled me for an MRI of my brain and spine, which I did on Thursday morning during camp. The day after camp ended I received the final diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. As of this week, the doctors have started me on some medication to help me not be so tired all the time, although I did love my naps , and are running some more scans in the next week to check a few other things before I start my long-term treatment plan.

For those of you that were at camp 2 years ago when I spoke about my dad’s health problems, this is the verse that I have relied on during those hard times. It has been a continued comfort over the last few months:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. -2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Whether my symptoms stay the same, go away, or I end up progressing further in to the disease; I am confident that God has a plan in all of this. I am already blessed with a great supportive family, which includes my camp family. Thanks for everyone’s prayers. Love you all!

-Rob

I would like to follow up on Dean Rob's post by saying just a few words. I admire Dean Rob and his dedication to you, me and the Lord so much. I am glad he shared his situation with all of you, I've known for some time, but wanted Rob to share his news in his time. I pray everyday for my dear brother. Many of you know that Rob and I are pretty close. We don't get to see each other a great deal, but when we do it's very special. I consider Rob more than just a brother inChrist, he is like family to me, a true little brother. In family, when one hurts we all hurt, when one rejoices we all rejoice. Rob and I share hurt for each other right now, but we also share in little victories like medication that is helping cope with disease.

I have no idea what the future holds for either one of us. But this I can tell you. Satan can do a lot of things to our bodies, but he will never take away our desire to be your deans. And Rob and I have discussed this, if we have to crawl to camp in the summer of 2015 we are going to be there! Heck, with the staff we have, they could prop me and Rob up in the corner and things would go off without a hitch!

I guess in a real sense, here is what Dean Rob and I both want you all to know. Life isn't fair. Nobody ever said it would be. But we play the hand we are dealt. As Dean Rob pointed out, Paul said that the grace of God is enough. And in our weaknesses Christ's power is seen that much more! So don't let life's set back take you out of the game! We want you to see that in times like this we don't sit back and whine and complain and "Woe is me!" We look at our situations and think about what cool stuff God is gonna do with our lives now!

Rob shared his "life" verse with you and here is mine, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Whatever junk I have to go through here on earth is nothing compared to how awesome heaven in going to be!!

Dean Rob and I love you guys so much! And we are going to be at HMCA next summer and you better find your way there as well! Continue your prayers for us as we keep you in our prayers daily.

Always remember and don't ever forget that Dean Fig AND Dean Rob loves you!!!

Yes, You Heard Right, I Have Parkinson's Disease....But...

I want to share something with those of you who wish to read this post. I am sorry if you feel this "impersonal" but I have so many friends and calling or telling each one individually is just overwhelming at this point.

I have not felt real well for several months. About a month ago I finally went to see a doctor (those who know me know if I went on my own to see a doctor I wasn't feeling well) and we discussed a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. That diagnosis was confirmed yesterday by my neurologists. I began immediate treatment to slow the progression of this disease and treat the symptoms. When I was first was told "you have Parkinson's Disease" I was a taken aback briefly. But then decided there was really nothing I can do about it except follow the doctors' directions and do my best to keep a positive attitude. I know God has something really cool planned for this situation and I am actually excited to see what He will do in this so that He will be glorified.

I am confident that God is in control and He will do something with this that will bring Him glory. My prayer through this whole situation has been and continues to be that His will be done and I be able to accept His will. I am determined that this will NOT, in any way, keep me from doing what I love to do. I fully intend on being in the pulpit at every opportunity.

I have NO plans of letting this keep me out of the radio booth either. I plan on being at East Carter on Aug 22, in Cookeville, TN on Aug 28 and at West Carter on Aug 29. Some have said this might be a bit ambitious, but they don't know me. I don't miss games.

I also would like the chance at some point in the future to educate people about Parkinson's. I think many of you, like myself, first thought of a shaking older person when you first read those words (Parkinson's Disease) in this post. And that is a very stereotypical view. But far from an accurate picture of what PD truly is. I am learning more and more about the disease and want others to know more as well in the future.

I have an awesome support system in place that will help me get through this, of that I have no doubt. Parkinson's isn't something you die from, it's just something you die with and I planning on living with it for many years to come if God allows. I don't want your pity or to be treated any differently. I am going to preach every Sunday and go to work every day. I will just have to alter how I do certain things.

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18

Thanks for your time. God bless you and have a great weekend.

A Letter to My Grandson Mason

I have no idea if there will be such a thing as Facebook when you are old enough to read.  It might go the way of MySpace.  You are still a few weeks from being born, but I feel the need to tell you a few things now because we never know what life has in store.  I saw your heart today, I saw your lungs and your feet and your head.  It was amazing.  God is still forming you in Pudd’s (your Mommy’s) body and He is knitting together a masterpiece.  Here are some things I want you to know son:

1.  Always remember to trust God.  Even when difficult times come along (and they will) God promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  Others may stray from their faith, they may try to sway you as well.  But keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

2.  Laugh every day.  In life you have to look for the humor.  Nobody wants to hang out with a sour puss.  Keep a sense of humor.  Find the trivial and mundane things in life something to amuse you.  The Bible says that a merry heart does good, like a medicine.  Laugh!  It’s OK!

3.  Respect others and yourself.  I don’t even know if this word will exist when you are old enough to read it.  If not, “Google” it.  Respect is both a noun and a verb.  It is a thing and an action.  Just treat others the way you want to be treated.  Respect yourself.  You are a creation of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. 

4.  Boxer Briefs are the greatest invention ever.

5.  Try sports.  Pick one or two or five and try them.  Sports teach so many life lessons.   Plus most girls dig a guy in a sports uniform or letterman’s jacket.

6.  Pizza….nuf said

7.  Don’t be a rule breaker.  Life just works better when you follow the rules no matter how insane they might seem to you.  If everyone followed the rules, this world would be a better place for sure.

8.  Your actions bring rewards or consequences.  When you do something awesome (and I suspect you will do that many times) you will be rewarded in some way.  It may not be with money or gifts, it may be a smile or a “thank you” but you will be rewarded.  When you make a mistake, there are consequences.  While forgiveness will be given we still must face the consequences for bad choices and poor decision making.

9.  Learn.  Knowledge is awesome.  Don’t take shortcuts in this area.  The movie is never as good as the book.  Cliff notes might get you by on a test but won’t properly prepare you.  Soak up all the information you can.  Learn.  But don’t just learn from books.   Get out and learn by living.  Don’t be afraid to fail.  Try new stuff.  You gain knowledge from failing too.  Use the knowledge you gain, that is called wisdom. 

10.  Be a friend.  That sounds simple, but being a friend can be very complicated.  A true friend is always there no matter what.  When everyone else is leaving, a true friend is going in to help.  Sometimes being a friend means just being there and listening.  God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason son.  Listen twice as much as you talk. 

11.  Start and end each day with scripture and prayer.  When you are old enough to read this and comprehend it, you will be old enough to have the discipline to read your Bible and pray.  Take time for God each day!  The world is a busy place and will try to eat your time.  Don’t let it take your time away from God.

12.  Family.  It’s so important.  No matter what happens, no matter where you are or what you are doing,  you always have a bond with your family that can never be broken.  You may fight, you may get upset and think your family is the dumbest bunch of people ever, but when push comes to shove, it’s your family that will always be there for you and have your back.

13.  Music is amazing.  I am sure our taste in music will not always be the same.  I will introduce you to bluegrass and southern gospel.  You may like them and you may not.  You will introduce me to something that you will call music and I will call noise.  But if it makes you feel good, listen to it.  Just turn it down if Poppy is taking a nap.

14.  At Howell’s Mill, Poppy becomes a guy known as Dean Fig.  It’s an awesome place with awesome kids and you will love it there.  It’s where you will learn a valuable lesson in serving others and making lasting relationships.  Maybe you can even learn how to be a Dean.

There is so much more that I want to tell you.  And I pray we have a lot of time so I can teach you a lot more stuff like how to throw a baseball, how to bait a hook, how to pretend you’re asleep when it’s time to clean the house, where the cookies will be hid at our house, how to tie your shoe and tie a tie, oh Mason there is so much you need to learn.  And you will.

The last thing for now that I want you to know is that no matter what, Poppy will always love you.  You are going to make mistakes, Poppy will still love you.  You are going to make bad decisions, Poppy will still love you.  You are going to some stupid stuff, Poppy will still love you.  But even better than that?  God will still love you!  And that’s the greatest lesson I could ever teach you.  God’s grace and mercy and love is unconditional.  Always remember and don’t ever forget, Poppy loves you!!!!

Dean Fig Week 2014

I am a few days removed now from a wonderful week of being "Dean Fig" at Howell's Mill once again for High School Week 2.  The week that I dean was dubbed a few years back by a group of campers as "Dean Fig Week" but I know it's God's Week, not mine.  As I look back at this very emotional and inspiring week, I can't help but know that God showed up and in a mighty way.  As you all know, I am a big ol baby, and I found myself crying a whole bunch this week.  Whether seeing campers open their hearts to each other and confessing their weaknesses, or just arming each other up and praying for each other or just having campers come up to me and giving me a simple hug and thanking me for the time spent given to them.  Those times are all special...as are times when a camper comes to you and says, "I want to give my life to the Lord and be baptized."

Yes, we have our fun times too.  One look at our camp photo will tell you we do things a bit unorthodox as far as the norm is concerned.  

Yes, we are IN the camp pool.  Yes, that is silly and crazy and nuts, but that is what we are all about.  Christians can certainly be all of those things and still be children of God.  Can't we?  We did several things this week that were not the "norm" for church camp.  We watched the World Cup on Tuesday afternoon and ate our supper in the gym so we could finish the game.  We duct taped 2 king size sheets together, strung them together between 2 extension ladders and showed "Frozen"on them in a make shift outdoor "Drive In" theater.  We even played "Glow in the Dark" Soccer!  (Pics didn't turn out very well for that)

 

But more importantly, we worshiped God!!  We sang, we preached, we taught, we learned, we dug deep, we challenged, we studied, we served, we praised!

        

       

Was it a successful week?  Well, you would have to ask our campers that.  Maybe they will reply to this somewhere and let you know.  I am not big on numbers, but here are some.  3 young ladies were baptized into Christ.  15 young people rededicated themselves to God's service.  1 young man accepted God's call to full time vocational ministry.  Over 20 young men and women shared their testimony of what God has done or is doing in their lives along with opening their hearts to their individual weaknesses and asking for prayer.  One scene will never leave my mind.  One lady opened her life to the camp and every camper and staff  member just gathered around her in a huge circle and prayed for her, then everyone of them (at least it seemed) gave her a hug and told her they loved her and was proud of her for sharing.  That is what makes the long nights and many hours of preparation worth it.  

I have an absolutely wonderful staff who makes this week even more special.  Men and women who give of their time and resources to come to HMCA and spend a week with kids they don't know on Sunday, but who become their "kids" by Friday.  What we try to do is simply get out of God's way and let Him do His thing and hope we don't mess it up in the process.  

This group of wonderful people, campers and faculty alike, became a family this week.  There is no doubt in my mind that I could contact anyone of them for any reason and they would be there for me and I know they are certain that I am always there for them.  As I told them many times this week, I am not a dean for a week, I am dean for a lifetime.

Campers, as I ended every day of camp, so I end this message, with prayer and the following, "Always remember and don't ever forget....Dean Fig loves YOU!!!!!"

On Our 26th Wedding Anniversary

It seems like every year on our anniversary I use some corny lyric from an old country song to try and tell my wife how I feel about her and it always falls miserably short. Well, this year I will make an effort with my own words and while I know they too will fall short they will be my words and not from the 1980's Top 40 Country Charts.

To My Wife, Tina Carper on Our 26th Anniversary:

I have never quite figured out why you chose me to share your life with. I am nothing special in any way, but I can't imagine my life without you in it. Honestly, I can't remember my life without you in it. We have never had the nicest of things, but we've always had each other and that's always been enough for me. You've never complained about not having the best clothes or the newest car or the biggest house. You've always worked hard to help provide for our family and together we've scraped by to make sure we had what we've needed. You have never complained that our family "vacations" for the past several years have been spent at Howell's Mill Christian Assembly with 60 or 70 of our "kids," teaching them of God's love rather than being on a beach or in the mountains. Those campers love you and I get to see why everyday.

God has blessed us with 3 wonderful kids. And while it wasn't within His plan for Titus to stay with us very long, it was during that time that I saw strength and dignity displayed in the most difficult of times that made me proud to be your husband. Tori Lindra Marsh and Tucker Carper are terrific young adults and most (if not all) of that credit goes to their Momma. Soon we will be grandparents and I can't wait to spend that chapter of our lives together. Mason (and any other future grandkids) will be so lucky to have a shining example of a Christian grandmother.

Words often escape me these days. My mind seems to forget even simple words and names of people I've known for years. I guess that's part of getting old. But one certainty I will never forget and one aspect of my life that will ever change, is that I love you with all my heart. Happy Anniversary Wifely!

Until We Meet Again My Son

I wouldn't even try to guess how many ball games I have been privileged to broadcast on the air.  After 15 years and a few pounds lost or gained and a few thousand miles on the road, it's pretty much been a blur. One game I will never forget occurred on March 6, 2006.  It wasn't a particularly super important type game.  But it was a great ball game.  Coach Rick Mays and his Elliott Co Lions knocked off the mighty Ashland Tomcats 61-59 in what I could only describe as a good ol' good one. Jonathan Ferguson had an awesome game en route to winning the MVP of the Tournament despite losing in the finals to Russell that year.

I called the game, ran to my car and began the drive home to see my son Titus.  I wasn't sure I would get to see him alive.  His 32 day old body was weakening from HLHS.  As I approached Olive Hill, my son Tucker called to see when I would be home.  I told him about 20 minutes.  I heard him say, "Daddy will be here in 20 minutes Titus!"  As I walked in the house, my lovely bride was rocking our son as she had for the past 31 days.  I walked over to the chair, she handed Titus to me.  He opened up 1 eye as if to make sure Daddy was home, then he took a deep breath and died in my arms.  I said at time it was a beautiful ending to our journey with Titus.  We were all surrounding him with love and comfort as he went home to be with his Creator.

The wound of losing a child will never fully heal.  But God has used our situation in a mighty way over the years.  I have been able to speak to countless people about our journey with Titus both from the pulpit and individually.  My wife has counseled with woman who have lost children. My son and daughter were able to witness to their friends simply by living a life of trust in God and showing how Christians react to adversity in life. I tend to look for the good in any situation and there have been great opportunities to witness for Christ through our tragedy.  As I speak to young people and not so young people alike whether at church camp, FCA meetings, church services, etc. I am allowed to give God glory and honor and challenge people to lean on God in times of trouble.  To trust His Spirit to guide tough decisions.  And the importance of family. I was so fortunate at that time to have 3 families.  Of course my earthly family, my church family and my sports family.

I didn't miss an assignment during this whole situation.  As a matter of fact, the day before we buried Titus, our family gathered at Ellis T Johnson Arena to watch the East Lady Raiders play in the regional tournament and I was on the call of the game.  During their pre-game announcement of starting line ups, the entire team came over to hug me and presented my family with a ball that had Titus' name on it and signed by everyone.  It still is displayed prominently in our home.

I have been blessed with a great family.  My wife is my hero.  My kids are simply awesome.  And our family will grow by 2 feet when in September our grandchild will be born.  Tonight, I will walk into Ellis T Johnson Arena to do what I do.  Each year on March 6 I am in the same building, sitting in the same spot on press row and doing what I love to do.  But that first step into the arena is a difficult one.  Memories flood back and a sense of sadness takes over momentarily.  But then I always reflect that if I keep doing what I am doing.  Living a life pleasing to God, that I will see Titus again someday.  Then I do what I do and try to do it well.

When Titus passed away I promised him I would see him again someday.  I fully intend on keeping that promise.  So when Titus went home on March 6, 2006, I didn't say "Goodbye"NO!  Instead I simply said, "Until we meet again, son"

God bless you all.

Tim