Final Project - I Dig Doug

"What makes the desert beautiful," said the little prince, "is that somewhere it hides a well..."*

A well hidden in this desert is my friend, Doug Kotter.  He is a quiet man, a loving husband, a caring father.  He is a son, a brother, and a friend.  Inside of this person is a glowing, merciful, and loving heart which can melt all the winters and worries away. I have been honored to watch moments of Doug's life.  He is my hero.  God has let Doug experiance a very difficult trial.  About a month ago, he was dignosed with stage IV Ewing's sarcoma; a rare bone cancer.  Life suddenly changed for many people.  In moments, it seems we have all aged ten years.  Like with Pandora's box, all the plans, dreams, and expectations of Doug's young family flew away.  Only love, hope, and faith remained.  Sometimes I wonder how I signed up for this journey knowing that life on earth reveals itself in pain, sadness, and departure from loved ones.  Then I look at Doug and like whispers in the wind, I hear the words:  love, hope, and faith. "This desert is beautiful," the little prince added.*

*The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Doug as he is; happy, optimistic, a well in the desert.

Every evening Doug spends time with his kids; playing, praying, and reading.  Doug does his homework later, when the kids are all asleep.

Another ritual:  tucking his wife, Angela, into bed by reading scriptures and praying together.

Conversing with friends at the fundraiser.  The yellow "staff" jersey identifies him as THE "Doug".  The family raised well over their goal of $10,000 in the 4 hour fundraiser.

Checking in for his second round of chemotherapy.  He will be in hospital for a week this time. 

Saying goodbye as Angela heads home.

Even alone, his thoughts are with his family.

Two of his reasons to win this fight.

Never too old to be goofy with his kids.  Doug is a "tissue pirate".

  All that remains is love, hope, and faith.