"C" is for Crowder

This week I learned that one of my dear friends, Stevie Crowder Patrick, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Although this is shocking news, Stevie and her family have remained positive and plan to fight this cancer head on...literally.  Surgery is scheduled at MD Anderson on Monday, May 24, and will be followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.  I know her battle will be tough, but Stevie has a very bright future in store!

God is doing amazing things in Stevie's life, and she is a strong witness to those around her.  Stevie's friends and family have rallied around her in prayer, and the family is keeping everyone updated with a blog, http://prayforstevie.blog.com/.  I encourage you to visit the blog to follow Stevie's journey.

I know not everyone who reads my blog knows Stevie personally, so I thought I would share a few stories and pics to give you a glimpse into this amazing woman's life.  "Bubbly" is a fitting word to describe Stevie--all they way from her crazy, curly hair (which she grows out and donates for wigs regularly) to her over-the-top, yet amazingly genuine personality. Stevie is an exuberant person, and she has a drive for success like no one else I know.  Her success is reflected in her business, Texas Boot Camp, LLC.  Her spirit is infectious, and her passion for God is unmatched.  She is strong mentally and physically, as a personal trainer, and is an inspiration to everyone she meets.

1999 CHS Junior Prom: Mindi, Amanda, Stevie, Ashley, Brooke

2001: Shopping for dresses for Rush.  I think the criteria at Baylor was that the dress be knee length or longer and have sleeves.  (I don't think the criteria was sleeves with fur.)

Christmas Break 2001: Ash, Stevie, Mindi

2005: Bridal Shower for Stevie

2005:Stevie getting ready on her big day.  Love the boots!

2007 Clint Martin's wedding: John, Ashley, Stevie (with straight hair!)

In 2008, I asked Stevie if she would take part in my wedding and to read scripture.  I wanted it to be more than just scripture though, and Stevie stepped up to the plate and became an integral part of our wedding day.  During one of our pre-wedding sessions with our pastor, I gave him the outline for our ceremony, and he joked that we didn't need him because we had Stevie.  She did an amazing job speaking to us about God's plans and expectations for our marriage, and I know she touched the lives of all who attended our wedding.

2009: Me and Stevie on my wedding day!

2009: Stevie speaking and reading scripture at my wedding (far right)

I also have fond memories with Stevie from our high school days on the basketball team.  I won't go into details, but we went from starters to bench warmers in four years.  Yes, you read that right...starters freshman year --> bench warmers senior year.  The trials and tribulations of high school basketball only made us closer, and I'm positive we were the best cheerleaders the CHS girls basketball team had ever seen.  All those years in youth center and middle school cheer paid off my senior year of high school, even if we were wearing basketball shorts instead of skirts.

I hope I've given everyone a peek into the incredible world of Stevie.  I have great memories with her, and I know there many, many more to come.  Please join in prayer as we ride with Stevie on this rollercoaster called life.

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