In 1984, Greg was attending Lassiter High School in Marietta Ga. He was also the Captain of the Football team and his jersey number was 44. Attending football games was a Foster family activity after years of watching Greg play. All was well in the Foster house. This past weekend was just about the same, or at least it felt that way for a few golden hours.
Greg has mentioned a couple of times that it would be fun to go to a Lassiter game. A month or so ago we were looking at old pictures and he busted out his letter jacket! Not surprisingly, it still fit. He thought the season was over but as it turned out, Lassiter was playing in the playoffs. Greg’s mom made a trip up to the school, as mom’s do. She spoke to the football coach in person. The coach immediately invited Greg to come to the game. He also invited Greg and his family to eat at the pre-game meal and ride the bus with the players over to the away field. He was going to be an honorary team captain. Once Greg’s sister heard about the goings on, she booked a flight to come watch the game too. It was going to be a family affair for sure.
The kids and I went to the game once it started. It was like looking back in time to see Greg on the field in his element. He had been transported back to his playing days!! He was so amped up that he didn’t even see us as we waved to him. He was busy making sure all the guys made it into the locker room. It was a very special time for him. After the game he gave a mini pep talk to the players and rode the bus back to Lassiter with them after receiving the game ball.
A couple of other interesting facts:
One of the team captains wore Greg’s number… He also played the same position that Greg did, linebacker…and he lost his dad this past summer. Needless to say they had a lot in common.
The best part of this story is that no one let cancer come along. The players knew about Greg’s situation but no one mentioned it. The “Fosters” spent a night being together which represented an earlier time in all of their lives where things were sweet. I couldn’t fully understand it because it was well me time but I truly enjoyed watching the excitement and the happiness on all of their faces!
Thank you Coach Irwin.
Awesome!
Some times we may ask, why Lord? But the Lord has all the answers and we must trust his wisdom. How many is the times did I look at Greg when we were all members at Piedmont and think, oh what a fine young man, he surly will have great good influence over many lives and he has , just as our Kelly did.
Thank you Lord for giving them to us, the memories are so wonderful. I just wish I could say pretty words that would be adequate, but these are from the heart.
That is so Great! Thanks for writing the blog and keeping us updated. It helps me know how to pray for you all. I don’t always know what to say when I see you but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers all the time!
Wow! I am so happy for such a great experience for Greg and the whole family! We love you all!
Wow…..what a great night and memory..I got cold chills reading it over and overr again.
This is so exciting – I am Heather Havice Smith’s mom and have had the pleasure of meeting you both and enjoyed visiting with you at the pool this past summer. May God Bless your family in a special way during this season of Thanksgiving. We will continue to pray for you all!
I not only got chills, tears continued to flow… Not for the sadness but for the awesome times you all are having as a family. What a precious experience! Thank you for sharing and thank you God, we continue to pray for healing and understanding . Rick and Tracy
I am a mom of one of the players. I cannot say how much of an inspiration Greg has been to the team. Greg has made a huge impact on the boys and I am certain he is one of the main reasons they are moving forward in the playoffs. They are playing for Greg as well as themselves. I want to say thank you and my prayers are with your whole family. God Bless.
You all are in our thougths and prayers…..Love you all..Tel Jim and Eileen Hi for us.
Love, Donnie and Connie Robinson
Dear Family… I had lost you address and just found it, so am writting to tell you many have been asking about you and praying for you…. It is amazing how God’s timing is not our timing… Please tell Eileen hi for me and how is she doing…Take care and please know you are in our prayers…..Cheryl and Elroy Mast