July 24, 2004

I've sat down several times the last few days to write a new journal entry, but nothing came to mind. I hate mindless blather and pointless prose, so if I'm not "inspired" (in the original sense of the word), I don't want to churn out drivel.

So, I gave up last night and turned on the TV just in time to see Jane Mitchell interview former Chargers' placekicker Rolf Benirschke on Ch. 4. I'm a person who believes nothing in my life happens by chance, luck or coincidence, and what I saw in the half-hour interview only confirms that.

As many of you know, Rolf spent 10 wonderful years as one of the most proficient scorers and popular players in the NFL -- going to the Pro-Bowl and being named "Man of the Year." But his career -- and life -- almost ended before they'd begun, when he came down with ulcerative colitis in his second year with the team. He played with the disease -- and played brilliantly -- but the following season required surgery to remove most of his large intestine. He lost nearly 70 pounds, and could barely walk, when in November of 1979 his teammates named him honorary captain, and big defenseive lineman Louie Kelcher escorted him to midfield for the pregame coin toss before a standing ovation from 60,000 fans.

During the interview with Jane, Rolf said what kept him going was the incredible support from fans across the country, who wrote and called with encouragement. It was also one of the first times anyone had spoken of bowel disease so openly, and it raised awareness. When he spoke of these things, I was deeply touched, and vividly reminded of how wonderful your support and encouragement and prayers have been to me. Frankly, there have been many days when I would have quit the chemo and crawled into a hole, but for the incredible e-mails and cards and calls. I only wish that everyone who goes through this terrible ordeal could get the same depth and breadth of support you've given me.

And I guess that's what things like the American Cancer Society's "Relays for Life" and the Susan G. Komen "3-Day Walk" and "Race for the Cure." are supposed to accomplish. There's a 24-hour Relay at Santana High School this weekend, and many more are planned.

The other thing which Rolf made a point to mention is how important to him and his fabulous wife Mary is their deep and abiding faith in Christ. You can read more about that in his book, "Alive and Kicking." I've known Rolf professionally for years, but hearing him talk about how the Lord has helped him triumph through his personal, professional and family trials showed me a side I've only now come to appreciate. It's no wonder he was chosen to Chair the recent Billy Graham Mission in San Diego.

I hope I'm not being immodest when I say that I realize many of you look at me in the same light. You should know that I'm no hero. I'm just "a sinner saved by grace." (Ephesians 2:8,9) But I am so blessed by the love you show to Jenny and me as we're going through this. There is great strength in that. And when the Bible says "Let us love one another, for love comes from God," (I John 4:7) I can really see that coming from you. Thank you, and God bless you for it.

I want to take a second to let you know that last night the grandchildren (Christine and William) spent the whole night while Adam and Pamella celebrated her birthday out of town. (Happy birthday, daughter-in-law!). So here's a new picture of "Papa's pride-and-joy's".

And if I don't include a shot of the puppies and their parents, I know some of you will shoot me! So here they are. Because the pups look like cows (and eat like them, too!), we've temporarily named them Ben & Jerry (Jerry's the black-and-white one). Mom and dad (Dixie and Diego) are shown atop their favorite perch -- my favorite chair!

That's it for this time. Tuesday is my fourth and final chemo -- do you know how wonderful that sounds?! Please continue to pray for me - this should be the worst yet. And thank you, thank you, thank you!

-Bill