"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet." (John: 13, 14)

The Greatest Kovatch Lent ever continues and is now coming to its pinnacle for all of us as we walk with Jesus through the Triduum. Over my 60 short years of life on earth I have come to be blessed with a wonderful family, and community of friends from all walks of life. I have learned through various trials that it is ok to ask for help. About two months ago I was approached to "do a campaign" for Teresa and my family. I was told, people want to help. To be blunt I was not fully in. But, over time I have come to know all too well humility is Jesus' approach. I did agree with an initial, "Sure" As I stated, life experiences to this point and trail, have humbled me to my core. Daily surrender to our Father is truly the path. Looking back, at that moment I pondered, "how did I get here?" My internal reaction, feeling quickly dissipated as I felt the Holy Spirit's comfort and deep compassion for my daughter and family. I remember thinking, "What must Jesus have felt through all of the suffering he endured from me for my sins? I reflected on him carrying his cross and Simon of Cyrene helping him carrying his cross.

The 6-week proton treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital (Proton Center) located in Liberty Twp Ohio, began on Monday March 3. Teresa and I attended Ash Wednesday at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Monroe, Ohio on March 5. One key pillar to the "battle plan" in all of this was daily mass, and/or adoration if we missed a day. I don't recall exactly, but it was sometime during the second week, March 10th, that I saw the email to my TMIY brother's about the campaign. What unfolded over the next month from my seat was beautifully overwhelming and strangely comforting. Each week I would check and glance at prayers and donations that began to pour in. Every single time I looked (which was about once a week) I was flooded with a deep sense of peace, love and gratitude. One night I was completely brought to tears. Through this trail, through this suffering God was allowing me to become a witness to his never ending love and call during Lent. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving from people I knew and didn't know were pouring over me. My wife Jill was also overcome at different points as well. Teresa has mentioned many times throughout this journey that she could "feel the prayers of many" This campaign, we could actually see these prayers and gifts from each of you, through the Father.

Below are just a few highlights of how your gifts were used.

Four churches, St Maximilian Kolbe, St Julie of Billiart, St Susanna and Our Lady of Sorrows became our daily mass spots Monday through Thursday. These churches, their pastors and communities are forever in our minds and hearts and your gift was shared with each of them.

Cincinnati Children's, and in particular the staff and team at the Proton Center, along with those they served, are becoming beneficiaries of your gifts.

The "Bold & Brave" non-profit is where Teresa and I called home for our stay. They built 12 two bedroom apartments at an affordable rate for families just like us.

Teresa had never been to the Cheesecake Factory along with my family. She "eyed" it the first night we arrived and on Wednesday April 10 your gifts blessed Teresa, and my family with a wonderful meal of celebration as we began to wrap up treatment.

Our "Road Rosary" every Monday (early morning when we traveled to Cincy) and Friday (when we came home) was dedicated to each of you and your families. Our stops, forever memories along the 5,000+ mile pilgrimage we covered over this time you blessed us (me) with coffee, fish sandwiches, Teresa's first dinner at Outback Steakhouse and so much more.

Our journey in Cincinnati came to an end on Friday April 11 with her 30th and what we hope to be final treatment. Riley Hospital's neuro-oncology team has now picked up her case and will follow her for what appears to be the next 5 to 10 years. They will do MRI's over a 3 to 4 months, for the next few years, to make sure we stay on top and ahead of anything the cancer may deal us in the future. We are truly blessed to have been and continue to be in the great hands, eyes and ears of many utilizing God's talents.

Finally, I began with a scripture verse from John's Gospel message to the disciples this Holy Thursday. I want to wrap up this note with what Jesus says next, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done for you." (John: 13, 15) My brother's and sister's, through this lent, through this campaign, you all did as Jesus taught us in today's Gospel. Your deep sacrificial love and service to Teresa and my family is unparalleled in anything I have ever experienced in this lifetime.

I am eternally grateful for your abundant and fruitful gifts. Continue to go forth in growing in your holiness and call to becoming saints.

Carpe diem,

Scott

This campaign is unpublished.

GiveSendGo