A Real Life Movie Moment

This weekend was nothing short of fantastic for a number of reasons, but specifically it culminated with what felt to me like a good first season, final episode, to a favorite TV series. I liken it to "Gilmore Girls" (my personal favorite), This is Us (full disclosure - I have never seen this), or Parenthood.

Last fall our family was sadly affected by COVID in ways we never anticipated. In mid october, Darek, Toby, and I all tested positive (Toby was asymptomatic) and our girls tested negative. This all happened the week prior to our fall break, when we had a trip planned to Disney World with my parents. We had to cancel this trip, which was a bummer in and of itself, but what we did not know was that my father-in-law, Jerry Schwarz, was also battling COVID. We received a phone call that he was being taken to the Emergency Department because he had a noticeable change in his breathing, and needed to seek professional medical care.

Jerry was in Atrial Fibrillation at this point, which is what caused him to have such a sudden change in how he was feeling. He was transferred to the University of Minnesota Medical Center ICU, where he fought for his final weeks with us on this side of Heaven. We were all stunned by the abrupt loss of such a wonderful man. If you knew Jerry, you were one very blessed individual. He cared deeply for his family and especially loved being a grandfather, A.K.A. Pa! Jerry would have given you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was selfless in giving his time and assisting, or just completing any project that requested his assistance. He was a skilled carpenter, and has replaced just about every major part of the home that our family lives in.

Jerry LOVED baseball. Darek and Jerry shared this special bond, and it was even more fun watching him extend this to his grandchildren. He came to every single event that he could fit into his schedule, if his grandchildren were involved. Jerry was the "baseball grandpa," as he cheered on every boy on the team. He got to know them by name, and he made friends with their parents and grandparents. We took for granted that he was always there. Always! Until he was not. Now, we celebrate the life he lived, and the legacy he left.

We continued through a very difficult Christmas season, feeling the absence of Pa even more profoundly. In January our entire family (including Mike, Emily, Zeke, Griffin, LuAnn and a dear family friend, Mario, who is bonus family) took a long awaited vacation to Hawaii. It was incredibly healing to spend a week in what felt like paradise. The sun was warm and the scenery always spectacular. From the sunsets to the endless ocean views and fun adventures, we bonded as a family and constantly mentioned all of the things Pa would have done or said during our trip. It was a beautiful vacation that I will never forget, and felt surreal.

We returned to the bitter north and trudged through the very long, long, long winter! did I mention it was long?!?!? As we approached spring I received my second cancer diagnosis, which is where we are currently sitting, and that once again rocked our family. We were in a process of healing and grieving, and continuing the healing process when this hit us. If you have been following this blog you are already aware of where we are in this process, but it still doesn’t feel like it’s real. I have moments where I feel great and then fatigue hits and I am instantly reminded of the battle we are facing.

Well, baseball season is in full swing and we had our first tournament this past weekend. It was the Chaska tournament, in Chaska, MN. Basically in our backyard, so that was great! The weather could not have been more perfect. Darek is coaching Toby’s team this year, carrying on his dad’s legacy. He is working hard to instill a love of baseball into every boy on his team, as well as develop their skills along the way. Their team is the Chanhassen 10A White team, and they played their hearts out this weekend. It started with a win on Friday night. Then came Saturday when they won the first game, but lost the second game to Chaska. Winning the two games allowed us to move to the Sunday round of winner’s brackets. 9:00AM on Sunday morning, the boys played again and won!! This placed them in the position of playing a final game for 1st or 2nd place.

Seriously, at this point we were all so happy that the team was excited and really showcasing their abilities. The final game ended up being against Chaska again, who was currently undefeated in their season. Remember, we just lost to them the night prior, so nerves were up and tension was strong. The game was very close, and hard fought. There was a pop up that came to Toby in the final half inning, and he caught it - for the first time this season!! He later told Darek that as the ball was coming to him he felt like he could hear Pa say, “Toby, squeeze the glove!” This was a HUGE moment in that inning, as we desperately needed that out to keep them from getting on base. (Insert choked up tears here).

The final score ended up 6-3, Chanhassen!!! They did it!!! We did it!!!

This game / tournament was not just about winning, but it sure felt like God’s favor over our family, as a healing moment. Knowing that Jerry would have been there cheering, encouraging, and giving his best advice during the game brought forward so many emotions. Sadness for the hole we felt. Elation that we just took 1st PLACE in the tournament! An ache that Darek couldn’t share that moment with his dad here on Earth. Comfort that LuAnn, Emily and Uncle Mark were there to share in the memory with all of us.

Tears flowed and once again, our hearts healed a little more.

But wait - I’m not finished…

Ezekiel (Mike and Emily’s son) also played in the Chaska tournament this weekend on the Chanhassen 10AA Gold team. After our final game, we headed over to the park where his team was playing and watched the end of their 4th game. They WON! His team was undefeated in that tournament, going into the final game. Chaska vs. Bloomington, another hard fought game. Their coach graciously allowed Toby to be the bat boy for their team (as he knew most of the kids on that team as well). There was a lot of back and forth scoring. He pitched a great final inning, and ultimately Ezekiel’s team WON!!!

They took 1st in their bracket!!

Again, emotions ran high and tears flowed. We were all SO proud of their accomplishments! I later told Darek that I felt like I was in a movie or something. This past 7 months has taken our family on many twists and turns. Ups and downs. Amazing family memories sprinkled with loss, grief, sadness, and uncertainty. When the boys held their 1st place trophies up next to each other, it meant so much more than just winning.

For a few moments this weekend, I forgot that we are battling health issues right now.

God knew our hearts needed this. God is FOR us! Always! Even through the trials of life.

Now, we will continue into the next season of our TV series. I guess The Summer of Healing is more than just a saying. I will continue my chemotherapy treatments and heal from cancer, as we continue through this summer and watch God continue to do amazing things. Stay tuned for a season 2 update in about 6 months. :-)