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Px[Q:wCo635d^A{~5>u1֛h 3Aڎ79==뫿sfl?d}9\>,8+u>dEcrNDL$xbI<)ؿOS֍QY[X@49蚃#>[hB+3> JdE;$dRZ RZz\xO&9eM:F: pG ?_jIcd)*& mcֱO;.+#$^>|7{BL:l᧿[zq Ps}y,Q7Q5V;(l%֊Wlxs'BȰcz~oiMaR {ǡHanOEҦU,F\u:Jف4ʩܷ'83sӥ<Œ;cFnrS9di$XKgv z]zc*P>#DT|O8B8$8 OcHq(h'E :1ϒ,zf8K8.rO}i$(qHBT$?* $=ʓ`I&FAe]*y 0@A09敆pv)1hSM2FP!G),sP~=hRKAǡ B Ry03ƓrAdpNX(+Hǧ'vU$\rs*@AVPO>jU1sO@|S?,vWveÜQP@'=f$(Κ$USq#_lPz u85@rT`goPRWGAqJN8a]W#ߌ(G18ݎHH_J#V 1V5mI߂Ǔצw.GoZ@*vs4F*|s@y9]=t*:tR!XX'ی ,7Ͻ78A `TeP̓M,wi\avIELTnp1ڊNis he backfield coach for Parview High School, which has one of the winnings football programs in the country. When I contacted Steve recently to set up this article, he asked me if I remembered him. Here is what I wrote to him:<br> Coach Brooks, I have always held you in high esteem as a coach and as a man. But it is your example as a father that I cherish most about our acquaintance. I will always remember looking down at your son Craig in his crib when I stayed in your home. I was overcome and lifted by the Holy Spirit. <br>You see, at this same time I also had a son who was just a baby in a crib. My son, Mark, was healthy. Steve s son was born without eyes or an esophagus. In addition, Craig s brain was not fully functional nor would it ever be normal. It was suggested that Craig be placed under institutional care where he wasn t expected to live very long. Some even hinted at just letting little Craig pass on. However, to Steve and his wife Carol, their son was special and God s gift to them. Craig would be raised at home and be greatly loved. I was filled with emotion and gratitude for two things: First, for my son being healthy and second, for Steve s wonderful example. <br>On the recommendations of Dr. Charley Howell, Craig went through several operations and survived. Recently, Coach Brooks gave me an update and sent me a photo of his son. Craig will be 17 this June; my son Mark will turn 17 in July. Craig can hold hands with his dad and walk around the track. He smiles and can even say a few words. Steve credits his wife Carol as the one who has made Craig s life what it is today.  She has done all of the hard work, he said.  Craig s special ed teacher April has also been a true miracle worker. <br>As I looked at the photo and pondered over life s bigger picture, I reflected upon the importance of gratitude and families.<br>I finished my letter to Steve:  I know that in the afterlife Craig s body and mind will be restored. I know he will thank you for being the father that you are. Families are a forever thing. Later, Steve called me and told me he has the same feelings. <br>It s a good time now to remember our families and treasure them. 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