Stef Tarapchak

It's been a while since I've posted but I feel like this deserves it. During Jake's heart issues in mid-late 2007 I ran across the blog of a guy named Stef Tarapchak from Ohio. Life was tracking along as normal until on July 23, 2007 he was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic colon cancer. He made a committment to keep track of his journey with cancer and even started a campaign called "Refuse To Lose" that gained attention of many friends, family, and even got him a call from one of his heros, Jim Tressel of the Ohio State Buckeyes. I have made a habit of checking his blog every so often and found out this morning that he passed away early this morning leaving behind a wife, 2 young sons and a daughter.

Even though I've only known of him through his blog his words helped me to stay positive during Jakes ordeal. He describes his blog as "random thoughts of a Christian man doing the best he can!" but he put together some of the best stuff I have ever seen on perserverance during difficult situations: See http://tarapchak.wordpress.com/page/4/ to see what I'm talking about. If his words encourage you please pass around and use them to help you remember what's important in life. We'll have to count on meeting this friend in heaven but by passing on his words I know he will have some everlasting effects.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

My amazing Dad

I just wanted to brag on my amazing father today. Yesterday he graduated with his Masters in Adult Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. He's been working on this degree for the past few years by taking classes at night and on weekends. He not only graduated yesterday, but graduated with a 4.0--only one of three people in his department with that distinction. I'm so proud of the hard work he's put into this and the many creative ideas he has. He's an elder at my parent's church in Oklahoma and has been a Bible school teacher for many years. His classes are always thought provoking and interesting, and Ty and I love listening to him teach when we go home. He's not sure what he'll do with his degree yet, but it gives him different options when he starts to retire from his main sales job. I also think he'd be a great Education minister at any church (just my opinion). Anyway, just wanted to let him know how proud of him I am!

By the way, Mom, I'm also really proud of you!!! :)

Mom and Dad after the ceremony

Aunt Cindi, Dad, and Ryan (above)

Dad and Uncle David (below)