Joan recently discovered that the
hormone therapy has not been as effective against the
cancer as hoped.
When her lungs started filling
up with liquid 2 weeks ago (due to cancer surrounding
her lungs), the doctors were alerted, and she immediately
began another round of chemo.
In spite of what the doctors say, she is
cheerful and hopeful. She says, " I am grateful for
all your prayers and for God's gift of each precious day,
as he holds me in his hands!"
Ostrand
Grandparent Videos:
-
Backyard
time (15 sec)
-
Reading with Grandma (13 sec)
- 4th
of July (15 sec)
In
addition to coaching his former U18 team, Karl is also
thrilled about coaching another team of U16 boys.
1)
It's about the relationship with the players and their
parents.
I have been blown away over and over again
by those relationships. Just a few examples include...
• I remember when Emme was born.
Parents brought us meals and helped take care of Jensen
while our family spent time in the NICU
• Emme's heart doctor, whose son I coached, came
off the golf course the minute he heard she was born
to give us a hug and tell us it would be ok.
• Even now...these parents have offered to watch
our 3 kids, stay in their homes and have us over for
dinner. These amazing people are like family to us!
2) If it was just about the wins and losses,
I wouldn't care about the character development of the
young men I coach.
I would only care about winning, championships, getting
the next best player and cutting those who struggle.
Instead, I choose to invest in the process of excellence
and character.
The game is just a tool to mentor these young men in
those areas.
I have gone home from many games that we have won,
but played without excellence and character...suffice
to say, my end of the game speech reflected by disappointment.
I have also lost games where I couldn't have been prouder
and let the boys know it.
3) I had a parent tell me this month that she was praying
I would be her son's coach this season.
His previous coach had belittled him to the point that
she felt he was not the same boy as a year ago. He lacked
confidence and had put up walls at home. Another player
after I had told him good job said..."coach, I
haven't heard that in a year." Some of these kids
are hurting on the inside and I am honored and blessed
for the opportunity to pray for them, listen to them
and guide them on the path that they would discover
God's love for them and his amazing plan for their lives.
