Going Steady!.....part II

Never would we date again and break up only once for a couple of hours, our junior year in high school. We were as different as could be, but exactly what God knew we would need. Mike was a hardworking, intelligent, honor student/ athlete. I was a fun loving, silly, creative type that loves to talk! We were inseperable. Always talking on the phone, passing notes or writing letters (which we still have).

We graduated from high school in 1973. Mike, an outstanding football player, was offered scholarships to U of Texas, Baylor but accepted a full ride to the U of Houston ( mainly because of Coach Don Todd, who he still loves like family). Mike was excited to be a Houston Cougar and with my greatest ambition being to be by his side, I enrolled and was accepted by the 'hair on my chinny chin chin'. That fall of '73 was fun, eye opening, life changing and difficult especially when Mike's dad, Don Spradlin, died in a tragic plane crash. He was a good man, that we will never stop missing. It was sad time for Mike and his mother Joyce, but he found comfort in his new family, the freshman football team and coaches at UH. We still have a signed football they presented to him after the game he hurried back to play in. I made him laugh, washed his clothes, went to his games and ran downstairs to the snack bar every night to get him and roomate Kevin Rollwage, a bedtime snack. Two cheeseburgers and two chocolate shakes. Each! .....every night.

Mike had a great college career.

Christmas 1975, our engagement became official. Can you imagine my excitement? My sister, Lynnette, also engaged and I excitedly began to dream of a double wedding the following Christmas. Our church would be beautifully decorated. We have all the same family and friends....it would be perfect! Our mother was delighted. Mike, overhearing our conversation, quickly informed me that our wedding would have to be after the 1977 Cotton Bowl Classic, because the Houston Cougars would be playing in it!

Jennifer

Jennifer and Rodney, were newlyweds when I first met them. They were a delightful couple and we were so happy to have them on our coaching staff. Rodney is an excellent coach and we shares several chapters of life with them. We made a lot of treasured memories and are grateful for their friendship. Rodney, now a Head Coach and Jennifer a mother of three, live a full making a difference in the lives around them.

Today, I recieved an email from Jennifer.

Dear Friends,

I am sending out this email to all who are local and are in my contact list. I want to share a story with you about a precious little girl and her family who chose to make every second of everyday for 10 months count! I have had the privilege to be part of an amazing journey and on the planning team for sMiles 4 Sammy.

The story behind sMiles for Sammy started February 28, 2011 with a precious child named Samantha Rose Scott. Her daddy coaches football with Rodney at Vista Ridge. Sammy was born with Trisomy 18 and wasn't expected to make it to term. She reached that milestone! There was a possibility that she could be stillborn. She wasn't and reached the milestone of getting to go home with her family! She fought everyday for 10 months reaching amazing milestones that far surpassed anything the doctors expected! On Christmas morning, her fight ended. Sammy was a bright light for all who met her! She changed more lives in 10 months than many of us do in years! We are using Sammy's story to reach others through the platform of "What can you do in 10 months?" The possibilities are endless...through helping special needs children have a place to play sports without any barriers, to helping people see that each day is a gift~make it count!

I am inviting you to join in on an amazing event to help raise money to build an all abilities baseball field in Williamson County for children with special needs.

There are several ways that you can help:

*Visit our website: www.smiles4sammy.org to read more about Sammy's story.

*"Like" us on facebook!

My heart was touched by her words. I wish I could have told her so while visiting on our porch, but that not being possible I sent her a  email hug! 


Jennifer dear, I've just read your email and my eyes are brimming with tears. I love the way you told Sammy's story and the uplifting action you have taken to celebrate her precious life. I trust God will use it all to heal the hearts of all who love her. I was touched by your sweet spirit and wanted to tell you. Jennifer, you and Rodney have a special place in our hearts, we will always love you and are honored to be your friends. Your lives are reflecting Christ's unconditional love. A much needed light! I am so proud of you,Jennifer! The respectful wife, loving mother and forgiving friend you are. You let His light and truth illuminate your corner of the world. Mike and I are so proud of both you and Rodney, knowing the difference you are make in your comunnity and the precious lives of the children you are raising. We know how busy and crazy life can be with 2 girls and a boy! There is rarely a moment of solitude, quiet or order but we want to assure you that you will never regret giving it your all! Your lives are moving at a non-stop pace now, a bit like bicycling through a tunnel, but keep seeking God, admiring your husband and equipping your children for the future, then one day you will suddenly ride out of that tunnel. Exhausted and victorious! It was during these hectic years we learned the power and the reality of God's words, "we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us"!

We treasure the memories we share and always look forward to hearing what God is doing in your lives. He is so good!:)

Roxanne