Grandpa Marble

(I originally wrote this in honor of my father-in-law Don and during the annual MS bikeathon held each fall.)

Every day there’s a worthy cause that could benefit from some donation. Most times its easy to pull out some dollars from my wallet and donate to whatever need is presented.

But it’s nice to make larger contributions when possible. A long time ago Big Al and I focused our non-church giving to include Crowder College and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

My father-in-law, Don Marble, has battled MS for over 30 years. Even after decades of pounding by this incessant, baffling disease, his body still shows evidence of the Marble stature and strength that I’m beginning to see in the twins.

It’s easy to give money. We’re two people with good jobs who are healthy and sane enough to realize how incredibly blessed we are. It’s something entirely different when the one working for a cure is 12 years old and riding his bicycle 40 miles a day to get in shape for the MS ride.

Sam is one of the twin’s football teammates, and last year he asked if he could ride in the MS event in honor of Big Al’s dad. We couldn’t say yes fast enough.

This year Sam asked again, and I thought it appropriate to say thank you to Sam with this column as well as offer a little insight into what type of man he is honoring with his effort.

Don Marble is strong. He was strong when he was in the National Guard – one of the proud 203rd. He was strong when he worked at Rocketdyne, helping to put Neosho’s name on the map. He was strong when he juggled a family, a small business, and a fledgling church. He was strong when he battled a mysterious illness that finally was diagnosed as MS. He was strong when he worked tirelessly to start a mission to the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico, which now serves the spiritual, educational and medial needs of hundreds of families.

Most importantly he is strong when he prays. Maybe he’s the quintessential “prayer warrior”. “Be specific” is what he always says when I call asking for prayer. He’s learned to cut to the chase. Go for the gut. Pray honestly. Pray strongly.

Sam…you’re riding for the twin’s grandfather who has MS. He’s also their grandfather who proudly served his country, helped build rockets that went to the Moon, owned his own business, started a church, and began an outreach program to some of the poorest people in Mexico.

He has MS, but MS has never had him.

So, ride strongly Sam because a strong man’s prayers, and tons of gratitude, are riding along with you.