Oct 10
13
Today was one of the best and worse days of my life. It had nothing to do with any financial market, stock or business.
A couple of years ago, I met a modern day “Mother Teresa” by the name of Monica. She founded a cancer foundation called The Ashley Foundation ( of which some of you have helped -thank you!). I was honored to join her board and have watched her impact the lives of children and their families battling cancer, many of whom God calls away.
In my other life I deal with professional athletes. I’m always told and/or asked about the ones who had a fall and got in some sort of trouble. The A-typical comment is quite negative about the athletes. Sadly, the public at large doesn’t know of the tremendous work many athletes perform. Today I experience one of the best gestures I’ve seen or known of, and it was the best and worst of times.
A young man name Evan has been battling cancer for four years, much of that time spent in hospitals. He has had transplants but never has had any real time of anything close to what we would consider fair health. Last week, we had horrible news. The cancer had spread and his condition had become inoperable. He has only been given a very short time barring a miracle.
Evan is a die-hard Giants fan and absolutely loves Justin Tuck. About 18 months ago, we learned of this and Justin took the time to make a surprise visit to his home. He then arranged for him to come up to a game and had him visit the locker room. Last week during bible study, I told Justin of Evan’s condition.
Today, Evan, his mom, myself and a very good friend were guests of Justin’s and the NY Giants (a first class operation in every way – and this comes from a man who once hated the Giants) at their Timex training facility. Evan got to meet many players and coaches during lunch and then sat in on our bible study.
Not by coincidence (you learn there’s no such thing as coincidence in God’s world), we were in the Book of John, Chapter 14 and also Revelation 21. Evan had not really known his maker until recently and no two chapters could have been more appropriate for Evan and his circumstances.
The best of times was seeing numerous young men who God gifted with a talent 99.999999% of men can only watch on a Sunday, use that gift in a powerful way at a point in a young man’s life and his family that could not be more trying.
The worse of times is how utterly powerless I feel that no amount of time or money can change things. How horrible I feel knowing what a sinner I am and totally undeserving of my next breath (no offense, but we all are). What possibly could Evan be guilty of that I’m not (I took the Ten Commandments in the past and turned them into the ten suggestions)? Why does a boy who has literally gone through hell on earth not get to reach 54 like me and I’m not allowed to say I lived long enough and trade my years to him?
My only comfort is knowing the day he had (Justin has arranged for him and friends to come to game Sunday, go on the field before the game and visit the locker room afterwards) and what Romans 8:28 says:
“And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
God tells us if we love him no matter how bad things may seem, in the end it will all be for our good because His purpose is always good for us in the end. If only my Catholic guilt would cease long enough for me to take comfort in His word.
Evan and PG in front of the Giants 3 Super Bowls Trophy
Evan and General Manager Jerry Reese
Justin Tuck and Evan
Justin, Eli Manning and Evan
Brandon Jacobs (who was especially gracious to Evan) signing balls for Evan
David Tyree (The Catch) who came to bible study especially for Evan
NY Giants and Evan at Bible study (Many blessings to all the players!)
Special thanks to George McGovern, a truly Godly man!
