That's Why I'm Here

by Spielman, Chris; Hooley, Bruce (CON)

• ISBN13: 9780310336143
• ISBN10: 0310336147
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-08
• Publisher: Zondervan

Summary

Chris Spielman was a high school and Ohio State football legend and a four-time Pro Bowl linebacker, but he didn't tackle his toughest opponent until his playing career was almost over. In 1998 his wife Stefanie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and so began an 11-year journey that brought joy and suffering to the Spielmans, as well as hope and inspiration to thousands of others.In That's Why I'm Here, Chris traces his storied career, recalls his courtship of Stefanie Belcher, cherishes the growth of their four children and invokes the deep spiritual faith that gave their family wisdom and comfort in times of struggle. Known for his intense play on the field and his spirited commentary as an ESPN college football analyst, Spielman now brings that same passion to the page---with the help of acclaimed journalist Bruce Hooley, a co-host on their popular Columbus morning radio sports show. Though there are plenty of on-the-field tales in the book, it's not just for football fans. It's for people whose lives have been touched by cancer, for people whose own faith has wavered, for people who want to meet a woman of tremendous beauty, grace and strength. Though Stefanie passed away on Nov. 29, 2009, her memory and inspiration live on. With laughter and tears, joy and heartbreak, this book lets you know her spirit is still here.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 9
Introduction	p. 11
The Question	p. 15
The Answer	p. 26
The Bargain	p. 36
The Comeback	p. 45
Growing Up	p. 52
Who Is That Girl?	p. 61
Tough Times on Campus	p. 71
A Season of Loss	p. 80
The Dream Begins	p. 89
Reaching the Dream	p. 95
Searching for Success	p. 103
Finding a New Purpose	p. 110
Don't Blame Macy	p. 119
The Miracle Baby	p. 125
Making Things Right	p. 130
I Can't Spell "Tennis"	p. 142
You Can Do It	p. 148
No Doom and Gloom	p. 153
The Blessing of Discomfort	p. 161
Celebrating Life	p. 167
Tell Me Like the Doctor Told You	p. 173
Pink Roses and Precious Memories	p. 183
Words of Wisdom	p. 189
An Outpouring of Love	p. 197
That's Why I'm Here	p. 201
The New Normal	p. 207
Epilogue	p. 214
Afterword	p. 219
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