Blue Gators,

I have learned one important lesson in the last month that I want to share. You truly never know the battles before you, nor the battles of your loved ones or friends. I had no warning or previous symptoms! I was living the happiest life with my family, my daughters, friends, coaching our volleyball team and being a part of Ascension's Blue Gator Nation! I live life for my daughters, most of you know they are my world! I have many plans and dreams ahead that I want to experience and I will experience! So the lesson is, don't just go through the motions of the day. Live each day with grace and appreciation for yourself and those around you, and enjoy it!

My challenge for you, is to make an effort each and every day to:

BE GENEROUS - Give more time to others, listen. Put your phone down and have conversations face to face with people. PRAY for yourself and others. Do the extra, don't do just the minimum.

BE GENTLE - Truly care about those around you. Be easy on people having a bad day. Find grace in the little things. Let others know you are there for them. Do not let small things anger you. Take a deep breath, have faith and move forward

BE TRUTHFUL - Do not hide behind deceit, don't be ashamed, step up and be true to yourself and others. The true You is enough.

BE KIND - Life is too short and too sacred to hold grudges or judgment. Don't choose to be rude to others in any way. Spread goodness, spread God's love for us by being kind. There are so many small acts of kindness that go a long way.

Your kindness may not be recognized by others, but being kind will be good for your soul.

BE BRAVE - I truly did not know how brave I could be until now, as I face the biggest battle of my life. But I'm able to do that because of little lessons l've learned from childhood, through high school, college, and the beginning of adulthood. However, my greatest armor is my Faith. "If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains." Don't let anything stop you from moving pebbles, rocks, mountains or anything in your way!

There is an old song by Garth Brooks called "The River" that I want to reference.

He sings, "there's bound to be rough waters, and I know I'll take some falls. But with the Good Lord as my captain, I can make it through them all.

So have Faith in our God throughout your journey, trust in Him, never give up, and be thankful for each day!

Blue Gator Pride,

Coach Celie