Chris said he is really worn out. He is more tired than he has been up to this point. They are trying to schedule medication so that Chris will be able to sleep for solid blocks of time.I guess there was some type of “Fat Tuesday” celebration today. I don’t know what King Cake is but Pat G. brought some today, among other treats. I have never been to Mardi Gras or even thought about celebrating it. Is there typically a group prayer time involved in the “Fat Tuesday” celebration? Well it was done today!
Try to remember back to your childhood. Hopefully you had a father around. Do you remember faking like you were asleep on the couch or in the car just so that your Dad would have to carry you to bed? Well I did it all the time. I felt such security when my Dad was home, I just slept better. Whether we were in a tent, hotel, relatives house or car, I always felt comfortable enough to fall asleep without worry. Even when I was in college I happened to stay at my Dad’s house once or twice. I have never slept more soundly. It can only be experienced and words can’t fully describe this connection and security. Tonight I pray that Chris has it. His Dad Darell will be on a mattress on the floor beside him. Dad will wake up every time Chris stirs. Dad and Chris’ heavenly father will see him through the night.
God Bless You All,
Dave (on behalf of Chris and Family)
The Baty Blog 
Hi Chris,
Wish I could be with you there tonight too. Miss you lots.
Dave
Bemidji is right there with you too Chris! Beautiful post Dave, thanks.
Chris,
Just wanted to let you know that I have been following your progress through this blog and of course through your mom, ever since it began. I have admired the way you and Karen have coped with this, and only wish that everyone could be as serene as you when faced with such a challenge.
I have many, many good memories of visits between our families way back in the 70’s and 80’s……whether on the Range at our house or Grandma & Grandpa Koskela’s, or in the many places you lived (let’s see….Pequot Lakes, Bemidji, Baxter(?) to name a few). You were always a bright spot!
Kim
My friend, may the Lord continue to hold you tighter & bring you & your percious family a true Peace that passth all understanding!
You and your family are continuously in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for you daily. I admire your courage and strength.
I hope and pray that you were able to rest well last night especially with your dad by your side.
Praying for you and your family
Thinking of you!
I am convinced God is not only beside Chris, but he is also holding him tight in the palm of his hand. There is no fear where Christ is near! We continue to keep all of you in our prayers. With our love, Kent and Joy
Hi Chris, Jen Morrell & I would like to come visit you tomorrow (Thursday) between 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., not sure if we need to make an appointment . . . we will just plan to show up!
See you tomorrow
Irene & Jen
Hosanna friends
Dear Chris, family & fans,
Okay, I would call myself a ‘fan’ but if you knew how often I checked the blog I think it would border on ‘stalker’. Each time I check it I hold my breath anxious to hear news only to leave the site uplifted again. You and your family are so amazing. To share with us what little time they may have left with you. When we were losing a member of our family it only brought us further apart. I am ashamed at some of the behaviors which still affect us 5 years later. Sadly, I have heard this is not uncommon. You and your family have shown such grace. I only wish it was more common and hopefully we are all learning from them. Last Monday I sped 70 mph to get to your house in time for the afternoon meeting, only to find out I read the blog wrong and you had already been moved to the Lodge earlier that day. Karen graciously welcomed me and offered me directions to go visit. I was so in awe and humbled by her strength. She was on her way to pick the boys up at school to visit you. I have not been able to stop thinking of her as well and the strength she must have to not only hold up herself, but the boys. You have asked that we continue to look out for them and I would consider it an honor to do so and look forward to getting to know them better. I must admit that I feel cheated to be losing you again. I feel silly for saying that when I know your family, and most certainly Karen, Jaxson & Brendon, need you more than I.
I want to add what an honor it was to visit with you last week. One of Karen’s sisters said it so perfectly; cancer can take the body but not the spirit. To see you so small in body but so huge in faith as you sat on your bed and stated “I know God has a plan for me” was unreal. I was tempted to grab my camera and “you tube” you- what a testament of faith you are! I wish all the non- believers could have heard you. You make me want to be a better person.
We had a chance to share some things, specifically about choices we made in our youth. No one on this earth is perfect. We choose to surround ourselves with those that can keep us on the straight and narrow. I’m still laughing at the vision you painted of you and Randy getting up faithfully each Sunday in college over the empty beer cans from the night before to head to church. I once read that the only ‘drug problem’ we had was being ‘drug’ to church each Sunday. We were lucky to have friends and family to keep us there. As adults we need them as well. I envy the relationship you have with your siblings and think it’s so cool to see Randy, Steve and Todd still in your life and. I just wish I could have you in mine a little longer.
Upon leaving you that night, this song came into my head: “All is well with my soul”
I hope it will give you peace.
As always, you, Karen, the guys, both your families are in our prayers.
opps- the link didn’t show up for som reason- please youtube the Chris Rice version It is well with my soul