Thursday, May 20, 2010

A FATHERS DAY GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

I do not want you to miss THIS POST as it is OUR STORY.
It may seem that I have already written a FATHER'S DAY post here. If you have not read the post about Micah and his Dad, it was the one post I have had the most response to since I began blogging. REMEMBER ALL COMMENTS THIS WEEK GO IN THE DRAWING FOR THIS.
But I need to share this new post in order for you to have time to purchase it for some man in your life. I say man but I don't know any MOM that has ever been able to put it down. It is one of those books that you start and cannot put down and before you know it you have read the entire book in one sitting. This is the story of a MAN and his BOY.
It looks like the book is very close to being made into a movie. I am not selling books and my only interest here is just to give you a GREAT gift for some man in your life. I cannot think of a better gift at Father's Day. Regardless the ages of your dad, father, brother, friend, this book is a WONDERFUL READ!
Now I need to give you a little history. I have known this family for many years. Our kids went to a small private Christian school and it just so happens that Pittman and Powell are close together, so Amanda was normally sitting next to COLE. Anyone that reads my blog knows I LOVE football. Cole Pittman did too and he was GOOD. Real good. I don't want to tell you too much about him, though I could, but it will be much better told by his Dad in the book. Cole was one of those kids that was always polite, always willing to talk football with me and a kid that I could not wait to follow not only his college career, but there was no doubt there was a pro career in his future. After high school Cole headed to Austin to play for the Longhorns. I am going to leave the story here, so you can read the rest in the book. It is NOT just a football book, it is a LIFE BOOK!

On a Monday afternoon, February 26, 2001 I was watching TV and ironing and my phone rang.

It was Amanda and all she said was Mom "Cole is dead"! Some things you just never forget. The next few days were a blur. I remember Coach Mack Brown and the Longhorn football team flying to Shreveport for the funeral. I remember at the burial, them turning to leave and then turning back and facing Cole's family and spontaneously singing "The Eyes of Texas"! The real story I want you to read in his Dad's words. This is so much more than a football story. This is a story of love, love wars to be exact.

Below is Marc Pittman, Cole's Dad! This was a father and son that were BEYOND CLOSE. Marc began to write and those writings became a book. He actually shared the manuscript with me early on and I can still remember reading it on a plane while flying to California on vacation. I knew it was a book EVERY PARENT needed to read.
You can read more about the book and even order it HERE at Raising Cole. There are some excerpts from the book along with some reviews. Marc has spoken all over the country sharing the book. He is as captivating as a speaker as he is as a writer. But MOST OF ALL he is a MAN that loved his SON.

38 comments:

Kimberley said...

This is the kind of book I love reading myself! Thanks for sharing this, I am adding it to my must read list.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh this sounds like a good read for any man or woman. The perfect Father's Day gift. Thank you for bringing it to us.

God bless ya and have a fantastic Friday sweeite!!!

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

You are the sweetest lady on this earth, my friend. Please do not enter me in this give a way, I just wanted to stop by quickly and let you know I received all the books today!!! YOU really did surprise me, I could not believe my eyes when I opened my box. I LOVE the recipe books, I am going to share one with my daughter, Maleah. The picture is so beautiful, having Mr. Man hang it in my kitchen. I will post all the goodies soon on Seeking Grace. As of now I am searching for writing work . . . and my computer has crashed. Again you are too generous my friend. I never expected so much . . . thank you, thank you, thank you.
Bren

Grami's girls said...

Teresa he spoke at our church and we bought the book, it really was awesome....such a testimoney.

Heart2Heart said...

Teresa,

I just love these feel good stories about how one family can rise from a tragedy like this one and inspire and remember their son by the words and work they do. It keeps his memory going forth!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Justabeachkat said...

Awwww...sounds like the perfect gift. Thanks for sharing the idea.

Have a wonderful weekend sweet friend!

Hugs,
Kat

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

Marc is also a great speaker if your church is ever in need of one....

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Wow, this sounds like it is an amazing story for anyone to read.

Many blessings,
Lyn

Grandma Cyndi said...

Thanks for a heads up to what looks to be a gripping story. Hope to get to it very soon.

Bacardi Mama said...

It sounds like a wonderful book. My hubby and I are both avid readers, so I'll be buying this for sure. Have a great weekend.

Karen said...

This truly looks like this book will be an amazing story. Thanks for letting us know about it.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Sunny Sue said...

Sounds like this will be a good one for my family and in-laws. So, don't send them an e-mail about it! :-) The true stories such as this one that end up as movies are always family favorites such as "Remember the Titans", "Glory Road", "We are Marshall", etc. I think it is important for those that have gone through tragedies to share their story. It reminds us all of how God can transform those tragedies into good.

I look forward to reading it and sharing it before a movie is made! It makes it even more "real" knowing that you knew Cole.
Thanks for sharing~

Summer said...

Thanks for stoppping by my blog and leaving me a such a sweet comment! Your blog to is very cute! Love it!

This story is so touching and shows how God is there to help you through all sorts of trials! I am going to have to get that book!

Thanks for the heads up about it!

I am now your newest follower

xoxo
Summer :0)

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how God weaves our hardships into amazing stories that minister to others. Thank you for sharing this gift idea with us.

myletterstoemily said...

sounds like a great football
player and a loving family.

myletterstoemily said...

sounds like a great football
player and a loving family.

Anonymous said...

Wow ! We are a HUGE football family ! My husband played for Nebraska Cornhuskers and football run in our blood ! My son is a Junior in High School and eat sleeps and breathes football ! I am getting my husband this book:) So excited, I will read it too ! I Love your blog !

Erica Miller said...

Wow... that sounds like such an amazing book! I hope I can get my hands on it sometime! I think it would make me cry... and if it was made into a movie that would be such an emotional movie! Wow. what a tragedy, but the family is clearly seeing the positive side of things. Wow.

Corinne said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog!

I'm putting this book on my "must read" list for this summer. Although I can already tell I will probably be crying throughout the entire thing, I love stories of family and love. Thanks for sharing!

Doreen McGettigan said...

Thank you so much for this post. My husband lost his son and I have just begun to write that book; but I will certainly order this one for all the father's I know. God Bless!

Mandy from Burkett Blessings said...

Oh my goodness... I read the excerpts and wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing about this book. What amazing men of God!
~mandy

Betty W said...

Sounds like a book I need to read and my hubby will love it too. Will be checking out if they deliver internationally.
Thanks for visiting my blog!

Wendy @RunningonMTT said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and secondly...thanks for directing me to yours! This post was so well written and I want this book for me. But I will def. throw it in Hubby's Father's Day bag because it sounds like a great book even though we know what happens and how sad. :O(

You got a new follower and I hope you will return follow me!

Theresa said...

Sounds like a great Father's Day gift! Thanks for the tip! Have a blessed day, HUGS:)

Liz Mays said...

This is a great gift idea, truly!

Just a little something from Judy said...

Thank you so much for sharing these men and their story with us. I am going to buy it for the men in my life for Father's Day. You add so many interesting info on your posts. It is a joy visiting here.

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

Thank you for the review -- this book sounds like one that I must read. A Father's love for his son is priceless. I will be checking out this story.


Your blog is lovely.

Rachel

Taylor said...

Sounds like a wonderful book! Thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful day! :)
Taylor
http://thelumberjackswife.wordpress.com

Tiffany said...

This book sounds like one my husband would truly enjoy reading. Thank you for sharing. I think it would make the perfect Father's Day gift for him. I would also love to read it as well!

carissa said...

what a bittersweet book.. sounds like a beautiful, tearful story! i loved your post on micah and his dad - i won't ever forget it!

Alison @ Welcome Sunshine Home said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping by My Hometown tour and saying hi. I've only been blogging for two weeks and every comment encourages me to keep at it. :)

Thank you for sharing this book recommendation too.

Alison

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Sounds like a wonderful read and with Father's day just around the corner...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Melissa Miller said...

Wonderful sounding book Teresa!

Thank you for all of your insight on my latest post. I definitely enjoyed reading your comments sweet friend. Your blog is wonderful and full of heart. I just love it here!

*Smiles* ~Melissa

Tanya said...

Thank you thank you thank you so much for the Lisa Oz book!! It came in the mail today and I got started reading a few pages!! As soon as my teacher end of the year meetings are done and my daughter's wedding is over (June 12) I plan to sit in the shade outside and do some reading!! Thank you again so very much for the giveaway!! You are so sweet!
Have an awesome trip and we can't wait to read about it! Enjoy and God bless!

Heart2Heart said...

Teresa,

Please help me spread the word of a sister in Christ who so desperately needs help with a limited amount of time left.

http://godsheart-heart2heart.blogspot.com/2010/05/urgent-prayer-request.html

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Anonymous said...

HI Teresa! Oh, this book sounds so good! I love to read a real story and this sound so touching!
Hope you're having a wonderful week.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Deb said...

I saw pain and grief and love on Marc Pittman's face.

How tragic to lose a son.

Thanks for recommending this book.

Sweet dreams.

Diana Ferguson said...

I've already had tears come to my eyes and haven't even started the book yet. I know this will be a read to share with many!

Thanks.......