THE JEFF BLOUNT BLOG

BLOUNT SPRING BREAK 2009

2009-04-15T09:55:00.004-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's been 8 months since we lost Jeff. For me personally, it still feels like yesterday and I still get choked up thinking about it, as if it were yesterday. Tina's strength to continue living hasn't wavered the least bit despite the sadness she feels without Jeff. Last minute changes to Spring Break landed the Blount's in Daytona with Melissa, Cody & Harley Lewis and then off to Tina's dads house.

Cody, Drew, Harley & Megan.

Papa (Tina's dad), Taylor (Tina's niece), Megan and Drew are on an alligator hunt.

Taylor, Drew, Papa & Megan

JEFF BLOUNT MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT POSTPONED

2009-04-12T13:36:00.001-04:00

Family and Friends of Jeff Blount,

As we all know, the economy has affected the way we are all living, spending and thinking today. Unfortunately, it has affected our golf tournament as well. Lack of funds and participation have left us with no other choice. The Jeff Blount Memorial Golf Tournament will need to be postponed to a later date. Thank you, to all the special people that have worked so hard to get this tournament together. Please forward this e mail to everyone in your address book to insure we get the word out.

Thank you,
Steve Robinson

SATURDAY APRIL 25 PROSPECT METHODIST CHURCH CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RIDE TO BENEFIT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

2009-03-26T16:21:00.002-04:00

Jeff and Tina attended my dad’s church (Ronny Brannen, Prospect UMC). We are having a Charity Motorcycle Ride on Saturday, April 25, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. I just wanted to pass along the information for all those riders who might like to join us. Anyone with any questions can e-mail me at cruisin4acure@gmail.com.

Thanks so much!
Nicole Gilland

THE JEFF BLOUNT MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SATURDAY 4/18/09

2009-03-06T15:23:00.004-05:00

The Jeff Blount Memorial Golf Tournament

Saturday April 18, 2009

Highlands Golf Club

2271 Flat Shoals Road

Conyers, GA 30013

This event will benefit the Jeff Blount Memorial Fund. If you are interested in receiving more information about this event, please email Steve Robinson or Brandi Watson.

BOE APPROVES A MEMORIAL AT RCHS

2009-02-20T06:36:00.003-05:00

The Rockdale Board of Education approves a memorial at RCHS similar to the one that was erected at Salem for Officer Dafney. Click here to read the article from the Rockdale Citizen.

SALEM FOOTBALL AWARDS BANQUET FOR 2008

2009-02-03T10:07:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Nick Dennis for being the first recipient of the Coach Blount Award. Nick is pictured above with Coach Estes and Tina Blount.

Blake Hullett receives the Offensive Coaches Award. Blake is pictured above with Tina. Blake was one of Jeff's athletes/ kids!

Drew Blount and Noal Woodard pictured with Salem Football award winners: Blake Hullett, Joseph Sneider, Nick Dennis, Cody Davis and Brandon Hill.

ROCKDALE CITIZEN ARTICLE 1/29/09

2009-01-29T11:00:00.001-05:00

http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=6046

Jeff made the Rockdale Citizen again. Once the Board of Education makes a decision, it will be posted.

JEFF BLOUNT DNF IN WASHINGTON, DC

2009-01-16T15:45:00.002-05:00

You will have to check back next week to see where all Jeff and DNF have been in DC.

FROM DARLENE AT SERENDIPITY NEXT TO MILANO'S

2009-01-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

FROM DARLENE: I have printed off 50 standard letters regarding this at my store so people can just come by and sign one and put their affiliate with Jeff on there. We have already gotten about 10 of them signed. That way, people don’t have to do it themselves and take the time. SO, feel free to send anyone by the store to sign one. All of my employees have been told what to do so I don’t have to be there. I have also told them to ask all customers if they knew Jeff, and if they did, ask them to sign one. I will bring these letters with me to the meeting on the 22nd or give them to Dean ahead of time.

JANUARY 22, 2009 ROCKDALE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

2009-01-15T08:59:00.003-05:00

The proposal to name the field at Robert Reid Statium to the Jeff Blount Memorial Field is a week from today- Thursday, January 22. Please send your letters of support to hayesholly@bellsouth.net.

JEFF MAKES THE ROCKDALE CITIZEN- AGAIN!

2009-01-04T10:20:00.001-05:00

http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=5740

SAMPLE LETTER & SAM WATTS

2008-12-22T11:09:00.004-05:00

Sam Watts was one of Jeff's athletes and to date, he is the only person to send their letter in. Thank you Sam! To the rest of you, please take a couple of minutes and send your support to Dean Hayes at hayesholly@bellsouth.net.

Sample Letter:

Rockdale County Board of Education,

I support the initiative to have the field at Robert Ried Stadium named in honor of Jeff Blount.

John Doe

The letter can be this simple. If you have a couple of extra minutes and want to add to it, that would be great too.

JEFF BOUNT MEMORIAL FIELD AT ROBERT J RIED STADIUM PROPOSAL

2008-12-11T13:42:00.007-05:00

Call all Jeff Blount Fans! We need your help. There is an initiative, spearheaded by one Mr. Dean Hayes, to have the field at Robert Ried Stadium named after Jeff Blount. A formal proposal will be presented to the Rockdale County Board of Education in January by Coach Cleveland Stroud. As many of you know, Jeff was not only a student and athlete at RCHS, but this is where he started his teaching and coaching careers.

The board will be asked to allow the press box to be lettered with the statement 'Welcome to Jeff Blount Memorial Field'.

This sign and brick facade is dated and as part of the request, the board will be asked to allow the sign to read 'Jeff Blount Memorial Field at Robert J. Reid Memorial Stadium' and the brick to be covered in a more modern facade.]

WHAT WE NEED: We need evidence of support from the community in the form of a letter of support or your presence at the January Board Meeting. The Board meeting will be on Thursday January 15th at 7pm. Obviously, writing a letter will be the least painful, but just as effective.

The letters should address the Rockdale County Board of Education. They should include a statement that you are in support of the field at Robert Reid Stadium being named after Jeff Blount. Please also include your affiliation with Rockdale County - i.e parent of student, former student, resident etc... I will post a sample letter (soon) for those who would rather cut, paste, sign and send.

The letters can be mailed or emailed to Dean Hayes at 1573 Hwy 213, Covington, GA 30014/ hayesholly@bellsouth.net.

NOT THE GAME THE BLOUNT'S WANTED TO SEE

2008-12-01T10:29:00.006-05:00

Saturday November 29 2008 UGA vs Tech. Not pictured, but definitely at the game- Jeff Blount. Not pictured and probably working- Matt.
Dean Hayes & Tina tailgating in the rain before the big game.

Jeff & Tracey... I mean Drew and Megan before the game.

UGA VS GA TECH SATURDAY 11/29/08 TAILGATE

2008-11-16T09:24:00.002-05:00

Tina, Matt, Drew and Megan will be tailgating at UGA with Dean Hayes and his family on Saturday 11/29/08 starting approximately 4 hours before game time (unless it is a 12pm game). They will be at the corner of Clover Hurst and Baxter Street behind Mell Hall. If any of you are going to be out there and would like to stop by and visit, please feel free to do so.

More details coming when game time is announced.

HHS CHEERLEADING PRACTICE DNF

2008-11-14T10:19:00.001-05:00

Just want to share that DO NOT FEAR T-SHIRT was spotted at Heritage High School Cheerleading practice last week as they were preparing to go to the GHSA STATE Cheerleading Championship. Jori Young is wearing the t-shirt and is a big fan of Coach Blount.

Thank you-
Janna Young

(Thanks Jori!)

HALLOWEEN 2008

2008-11-03T09:48:00.006-05:00

Drew was an army guy or a hunter!

Megan & Pastor Ronny.

Megan, Harry & Drew on Halloween 2008.

DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL

2008-10-27T08:51:00.010-04:00

Drew and Megan before a Salem game. Megan was a honorary cheerleader for the Salem squad.
Lacey, Megan, Linda & Tori during a cheerleading competition.
Megan & Mommy.

Megan & Matt before a Salem game.

Nicole Woodward made arrangements for Megan to cheer with the Salem squad on 10/17.

Sorry ladies, but it looks like Megan is stealing the thunder!

BILLIE JOE WITH HANNAH DNF 10/11/08 AT RYBA

2008-10-24T08:52:00.002-04:00

Again, I can spot these shirts a mile away. If I am at RYBA, you are guaranteed that my camera is either in hand or in my vehicle so I will get you! Thanks Billie Joe!

DNF AND FOUNDATION UPDATE

2008-10-21T14:59:00.003-04:00

Dean Hayes is still working feverishly in the background to get this foundation off the ground. In order to do it right, it may take a little longer than expected. He's reaching out to some of his legal friends who have experience in this area for some guidance as we move forward to make this 'dream' a reality.

I did receive an update last week that we are still anticipating organizing a golf tournament at the Oaks in Covington next spring. As more information becomes available, I will post it.

Finally, another DNF was at RYBA this weekend. Her first name initials are B.J. I will post this picture tomorrow of my latest victim. I can spot those shirts a mile away and that is how I found this one!

CODY & HARLEY LEWIS DNF

2008-10-15T09:06:00.002-04:00

As many of you already know, Cody is one of Jeff's former baseball players and Harley and Megan have been friends since they were both wearing diapers. The Lewis' vacationed on board a Disney Cruise over fall break and brought Jeff with them.

BLOUNT'S EXCURSION TO THE BAHAMAS OCT 2008

2008-10-13T08:36:00.021-04:00

Thank God for family! I have no doubt that even Tina is surprising herself right now because we all heard her say several times 'I can't do this without him'. Not only is she, but she's doing it in a way that Jeff would be proud of. Blount's aren't quitters!
Grandree, aka Marie, loves her babies.

Jeff will always be with them.

Megan isn't always 'mommy's girl'. Scroll down and you will see who she's fixated on these days.

Megan loves Matt! Not only has she been sleeping in his room while he is away, but she is all over him when he is home. How come we never see any pictures of Matt holding Drew?

Tina and the kids spent some time before and after the trip with her father in FL.

He spoiled them by taking them to several places including Kennedy Space Center.

KELLIE RAINWATER AND FAMILY BRING JEFF & DNF TO DISNEY

2008-10-12T18:44:00.003-04:00

Kellie could not wait to get home and have these pictures posted.

Thank you Kellie and the rest of the Rainwater's for organizing this picture! Tina is going to love this.

WELCOME HOME TINA, MATT, DREW & MEGAN

2008-10-12T09:40:00.004-04:00

The Blount's will be returning from a bitter sweet vacation, today. As a last minute decision, Tina decided to get out of town for Fall Break. Accompanied by her mother Marie, she took the kids on a cruise to the Bahamas on Sensation Carnival. I was on this cruise last Fall Break with my mother and son and unless you are technology savvy (Tina is not), then you are completely isolated from everything other than cruise happenings, so it wasn't long after departing the cruise that Tina was calling to 'check in'. On the front end and tail end of this vacation, they also spent some time at Tina's dad's house. So, for the last 10 days, she and the kids have been in great hands. I talked to her on Friday and she's finding strength in knowing that Jeff is in a better place and that she will see him again. She and the kids are finding signs from Jeff letting them know that he is with them. Thanks to Ashley for the piece you wrote on Jeff, Tina loved it! Pictures will be posted soon.

MEMORIAL SERVICE PICTURES & A WORD FROM ASHLEY CATHCART

2008-10-08T10:43:00.017-04:00

Pastor Lockett was the first to speak at the memorial for Jeff. He is also the one who married Jeff and Tina.
Uncle Alvis talked about Jeff's childhood and his relationship with Jesus.
Pastor Ronny & KJ.
Kelly Rainwater uses this opportunity to pledge her undying loyalty to the Bulldogs.

Dean Hayes has known Jeff since childhood and shared some great stories.

Jeff Bates spoke on Todd Boh's behalf.

Mike Pheil kept the momentum going.

KJ was able to share his experience as a former athlete of Jeff's, but also his cousin.

Jeff's sister-in-law, Stephanie Foraker sung the Lord's Prayer, beautifully- I might add.

Pastor Ronny grasped his hands around everything he heard and summed Jeff's life up in a way that left everyone inspired.

From Ashley Carthcart: I remember my first day of high school and my first period was Coach Blount, he scared me a little because I didn't know what to expect, and as the year went on I got to know him and we had our discussions during class where we would talk about football games, family, the Dawgs, how his diet was going, just everything. I remember the day he found out he had cancer I was the only one in the class to ask him how he was feeling it was kind of sad really. Through all the sad times that have come this past month there is always those certain memories that make me laugh. One time when I was in his class he asked me to heat up his coffee so I got up and put it in the microwave, while it was heating up I wasn't paying attention and I accidently blew it up, oops! Then there was the day of the first football game WOW he went crazy, he was playing the fight song through the speakers it was definately one of those days where you are just lost for words to say. I loved Coach Blount, he was a very inspirational man and has influenced me a lot. On my letterman jacket I had his saying put on the back. To Mrs. Tina, Drew, Megan, Matt I'm so sorry for your loss I can't imagine how you feel. I hope to still see Drew at the games, carry on the Blount name. Coach Blount will always be a salem seminole. Even though he is gone everyone can say that he didn't leave this world without a fight, and all should be proud of him for that. -Ashley Cathcart.

MORE PICTURES FROM RYBA

2008-10-05T09:50:00.005-04:00

Nolan Woodward is wearing a wrist band that he made himself while Drew is pondering how GA was going to do against Alabama.
Logan Conner.

Drew and Nicholas after the Cardinals were defeated in a 7/8 game.

Nolan Woodward at first.

Brandon Lawrence wears JB.

PICTURES FROM MEMORIAL SERVICE

2008-10-03T09:08:00.006-04:00

Ezell's Studio's (http://www.ezellsstudios.com/) were at Jeff's memorial and gave Tina a disk of over 300 pictures of the service. I picked out a couple to post and will post more throughout next week.

Tina, Matt, Megan and Drew are heading out of town for Fall Break. It was a last minute thing that Tina threw together. She will be accompanied by her mother, but is making stops along the way to visit other family.

I find Megan to be the most adorable little girl in the whole world (Harley & Samantha, I love both of you as well). Saturday night, Megan was at the Whistle Post Tavern with Tina for Jessica Boh's surprise 30th birthday party. The party was going on at the same time as the Georgia/Alabama game. Megan got on stage, with her partner in crime- Hannah, and performed her football cheers during the game. We cheered for them as much as UGA (in the first q). She also let me know that I was not being a good girl because I had a beer. Ooops! I got the 'shame on you' eye from her, but she quickly forgave me when we discussed having a 'girls' night at her house.

RYBA APPROVES - GOOD JOB CHUCK

2008-10-02T09:33:00.002-04:00

RYBA has approved either field 12 being named after Jeff or some other acknowledgement at RYBY in Jeff's name. It seems more likely that field 12 would be named after Jeff, but there are more formal details that need to be ironed out. This is not something that will be finalized this Fall, but Chuck said that he is certain by Opening Day next Spring, the memory of Jeff will be a fixture at RYBA.

Thanks to everyone for supporting this proposal!

WEDNESDAY 10/1/08 UPDATE

2008-10-01T08:44:00.003-04:00

RYBA: Keep posting the comments! Chuck will be pitching his proposal to the board this evening and the more support he has from the community, the better. Thank you!

FROM MELANIE MAHONEY: Hi Everyone. I just want to say thank you for all your support thus far in this endeavor I have taken on. So far, we have raised $301 (this only includes donations that have been sent to me and then sent to the benefit fund for Jeff). I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate your continued support for Jeff and his family. I also wanted to let you know that it is my intention to continue running with purpose. My first race is Oct. 19th here in Louisville. Jeff's family needs all the support they can get right now. It may take me ten years to reach my goal, but I will not stop until I do. Thank you again. Please keep Jeff's wife, Tina, and his children, Drew, Meghan, and Matthew in your hearts and prayers through this difficult time of grieving. ** Melanie and Jeff worked together. She organized her own fundraiser and is soliciting donations from family and friends in Louisville as she runs races in Jeff's memory**

FROM DEBBIE STEWART: I wanted to let everyone know that it has been agreed that the 2009 Relay for Life will be dedicated to Coach Jeff Blount. The event will be held 5/1/08 - 5/2/08 at the GA International Horse Park. I will send you more details as we get them.

FROM BRANDI: Check back tomorrow. I have some more pictures from this past weekend at RYBA including a couple of great ones of Drew.

UPDATE: 9/30/08 RYBA FIELD NAMING UPDATE

2008-09-28T14:29:00.004-04:00

Chuck Slate is will be addressing the RYBA board on Wednesday to make a formal request that field 12 be named in Jeff's honor. Field 12 is where Jeff won is championship game and the last game of the season. His team were the ones to tell Jeff not to fear and from that DNF was coined.

For those of you who support what Chuck is trying to do, please place a comment of support on this post. I talked to Chuck on Saturday and told him that a lot of us won't be able to make it Wednesday, but would like for him to be able to have our comments to show the support that is behind this request. Include your name and email address, please. He will be printing the comments out and taking them with him on Wednesday.

UPDATE: This is looking good, but I need more comments from those who support this proposal! Thanks for the comments that have already been posted. I have other news to post this week, but want this at the forefront right now!

DO NOT FEAR POEM BY KENT MILLER

2008-09-26T10:10:00.002-04:00

"Do not fear" for me my wife, because I am not alone.

I've gone to be with the lord, at a place I now call home.

"Do not fear" for me my sister, my pain is gone at last.

God took me up to heaven and put it in the past.

"Do not fear" for me my mother and father, to you both I will always be bound.

Just know that it is God's love that keeps me safe and sound.

"Do not fear" for me my children, because I can't be there to watch you go through life.

Just know that I was there the day you took your husband and wife.

"Do not fear" for me my loved ones, because we are apart.

If you want to have me near you, all just look inside your heart.

by Kent Miller

Tina loves this poem and asked that I post it again for everyone to read.

UPDATE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2008

2008-09-25T10:21:00.002-04:00

Chuck Slate, a RYBA umpire, has been around Legion Field long enough to know what a great asset Jeff was to the youth baseball program. It's kind of funny because even when Jeff wasn't playing or practicing, he was scouting- little league! Chuck is interested in assembling a couple of people who would be interested in helping him pursue having a field at Legion named after Jeff. I would love nothing more than to walk by a field bearing Jeff's name and be reminded of what baseball is about! Chuck needs support from parents & other coaches before moving forward. Please contact him at CCAFAM@AOL.COM 404 641-7855 if you can help him on this.

Memorial Video: I purposely put the video's on motionbox because once all the video's are loaded, those who wanted to order a dvd of the service - can. Please wait until I give the okay - I have to reload the 2nd video to hopefully fix the audio issue and then you can order away.

Salem Football plays at Salem on Friday night at 7:30pm vs. Madison. I am certain Tina and the kids will be there supporting the Seminoles. Look for her in the stands if you are there.

THE UNOFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT... JBMF

2008-09-23T21:23:00.008-04:00

It's not official, yet, but hopefully in the near future, I will be able to announce the formal organization of the Jeff Blount Memorial Foundation. Dean Hayes organized a meeting this evening and pitched this idea to a dozen friends, family and co-workers/coaches. As Tina held Jeff's wedding band that dangles from her necklace, she gave Dean her blessing!

As the details become available, they will be posted. There are three events in 2009 that are close to being finalized. There will be a golf tournament in April, youth baseball camp in June and a motorcycle ride in later summer, early fall.

If you subscribe to the posts on this blog, updates will come up on your home page. (look to the right of this post- subscribe)

Links to the video's of the memorial service in the right hand column. There are 7 video's- all should be completely loaded by tomorrow.

RECAP

2008-09-23T09:22:00.003-04:00

The long overdue picture of DNF at SeaWorld Orland Sept 2008!

Return the Blessing- this is being sponsored by Tina & Jeff's Sunday School Class. Donate $5 and a story to be included in a book that will be published for the kids. http://jeffblount.blogspot.com/2008/09/return-blessing.html

Wachovia wants to know WHO WOULD YOU THANK? The receipt gets $10,000.00. Your entry has to be 250 words or less- easy to do. Maybe if we passed the word around enough people could send in essays that show how Jeff inspired a whole community.

http://www.wachovia.com/misc/0,,1617,00.html

If anyone has anything they would like for me to post, a story about Jeff, pictures, etc... please email me at brandiwatson@yahoo.com.

I do have a small secret- there is some momentum in the background right now and some ideas for how to keep Jeff's spirit alive in this community. The individuals who are driving this are ones that make things happen. I think I was told not to say anything, but who really reads this blog anyway?! Perhaps, I will know more soon!

DNF AND JB AT RYBA SATURDAY 9/20/08

2008-09-22T09:19:00.005-04:00

The 7/8 Diamond Backs honor Jeff with JB on the sleeve of their shirt. Drew was present for the game against the Cardinals. Drew did not have a JB on his shirt, so he borrowed a JB wrist band that was made by Nolan Woodward for this picture.

Cherie, Mike and Timmy before a game. Both Cherie and her sister were wearing their DNF shirts.

Woody, Nolan and a Salem HS student. I plucked him out of the stands for this picture.

Sam Allen's 5/6 Red Soxs are wearing JB. Pictured above is Landon Connor.

A MESSAGE FROM TINA

2008-09-21T10:11:00.000-04:00

Dear friends & family-

Words cannot express how much Jeff, the kids & I appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers, and acts of kindness given to us over the last 5 months. Jeff & I often talked about how incredible this whole community has been & how we could be so fortunate to have such support.

The blogs, the benefits, the suppers, the cards & gifts, the visits and calls, and prayers have been such blessings during this difficult time. Jeff was deeply touched & overwhelmed by the demonstrations of love; those 5 months he truly realized how much he was loved and the positive impact he had on those around him.

Jeff loved life to the fullest. Please use his life as an example to embrace your passions, your friends, and those you love as he did. Know that he was grateful that each of you were part of his life.

Please continue to pray for our family. We can feel the strength of the prayers and need that comfort now more than ever. Our family sincerely believes that Jeff is in a better place & that God is watching over each of us.

Jeff was a great man & loved the people in his life. I wish “thank you” could convey the depth of the sentiments I feel. As Drew would say, here’s an air hug to each of you reading this. Thank you for everything. You have touched our hearts and lives forever.

Love,
Tina, Matt, Drew & Megan

YOUTH BASEBALL TEAMS HONOR JEFF

2008-09-20T08:01:00.003-04:00

Tony Wilson and the 10U Rhino's have a moment of silence for Jeff on Sunday Sept 14.

A 5/6 RYBA coach has come up with an idea that is gaining momentum around Legion Field. Some of the teams will be playing with the initials JB on their uniforms in honor of Jeff.

WHO WOULD YOU THANK? - FROM BRONWYN JENNINGS

2008-09-19T09:29:00.002-04:00

I've received an email from Wachovia that is promoting a contest to thank someone special who is making a difference in someone's life. That nominee could be rewarded up to $10,000. What a difference it would make for Jeff's family. I sent my essay in and I am encouraging Dylan to send one also. Maybe if we passed the word around enough people could send in essays that show how Jeff inspired a whole community.

http://www.wachovia.com/misc/0,,1617,00.html

COACH JEFF, NICHOLAS AND THE WORD 'CRAP'

2008-09-18T08:52:00.003-04:00

Cody Lewis and Jeff Blount at the Whistle Post Tavern St. Patrick's Day 2008

I forgot about this story until this past weekend. Again, Nicholas was 4 years old when he played for Jeff. I am very liberal when it comes to Nicholas spreading his wings, but extremely conservative about his vocabulary.

He consistently hit up the middle or to the right side of the field. There are a couple of coaches who have been on the receiving end of one of his line drives up the middle, including myself. So, when he hit one back at Jeff, Jeff's response was 'Nicholas, that scared the crap out of me.'. My 4 year old thought this was the greatest thing he had ever heard- Coach Jeff said crap!

From that day forward, anytime Nicholas could use the word 'crap' in the context of scaring it out of Jeff, he would. He knew I didn't like it, but insisted it was acceptable because that is what Coach Jeff said. I am now learning that the word 'crap' is the least of my worries!

SIGNS FROM HEAVEN

2008-09-17T08:30:00.005-04:00

Jeff is letting Tina know he's there. I was a total skeptic about signs from heaven, but my father changed all of that after he passed in October 2006. Nicholas was only 5 years old, but the bond between the two was undeniable. My dad was my 'right hand man' and he and Nicholas were 'best buddies'. That is what they called themselves.

After he passed, I told Nicholas that we could send Gumps messages by writing them on little pieces of paper, putting them in helium balloons and sending them up to heaven. The very first time we did this, there was not a star in the sky and as I looked up and we released the balloons, I saw a shooting star. This is the only shooting star I've ever seen my entire life. I knew immediately that was my dad.

For Tina, it's been the rain drops Friday and Saturday despite blue skies. I was with her on Saturday when this happened and someone said 'those are Jeff's tear's', but Tracy quickly corrected and said 'those aren't tears, Jeff's sweating on us!'. Yesterday, it was the 2008 brand new, shinny penny that Tina found in the middle of a parking lot - faced heads up. She said that before Jeff passed, she told him that he needed to stay close and now she feels like he's trying to let her know that he heard her and is doing just that.

The kids went back to school on Monday. While everything else is getting worked out, this is at least one thing Tina can count on to keep things consistent and structured. I would like to give her another week or two before we start up Blount Dinner Drive again. The structure may be a little different than before where, for those who want to participate, we can bring our dinner over, but also stay for dinner. This will probably be limited this to once, maybe twice a week. If you're interested, email me at brandiwatson@yahoo.com. If I already have you on my list, I am going to leave you there unless you tell me otherwise. (Danny Quach, you need to be on this list)

Still working on getting footage from the memorial posted online. I have to say Mike Pheil was the big surprise. He had me worried when he opened by stating that he wasn't as polished a speaker as the one's previous. Perhaps he didn't know what he was capable of, but he took over the entire stage and worked it like a veteran. The stories are so funny. I could have sat and listened to stories about Jeff all day.

Kent Miller: Can we get some of the JB Football Video online too? brandiwatson@yahoo.com

TUES 9/16/08 11:45AM DNF AT MAD CACTUS

2008-09-16T12:36:00.002-04:00

Unless Salem has an open campus, I think I just saw DNF skipping school! I didn't have my camera nor the desire to chase after her, but DNF was at Mad Cactus today.

A WORD FROM DANNY QUACH ABOUT COACH BLIZZY

2008-09-15T14:32:00.004-04:00

Hey guys, I just thought this would be a great way for me to let you guys into a part of my life that only my football team knew about me. And even some of my teammates didn't know, but for sure my Offensive Line knew. This is just a way for me to get some of that grief and stuff off of my chest, and get some ideas onto some paper. Sorry if this is going to seem like a book, I have a lot to say and some things to post. If you guys don't wanna read the meat of it all, it's not going to hurt my feelings, again, this is just a way to get stuff off of my chest and help me cope with the loss of my Coach.It started pretty much eighth grade year when we would go up for morning workouts with the highschool kids. It would always be Coach Caputo and Bubba shuttling us there and back. I remember the first few workouts being some of the most intimidating moments in my life. Of course, I had my buddies backing me up, but it was all too much. We were running drills upstairs, I was still listed under defensive tackle, but Coach Caputo had us play both sides. So, during the offensive period, I remember Coach Blount pointed out me and Brandon Sheppard randomly and was just like you two, copy what you see and downblock the yellow dummy. At this point me and Shep weren't even acquaintances, but as a duo at Offensve Guard, it was the start of something beautiful. Anyways, after that practice, Coach brought me and Shep aside, and said "You two are going to be my starting guards". Me and Shep kind of looked at each other, with a slight smirk, and exchanged a handshake, and that was that.
As the pre-season workouts and many summer sessions passed, we ended up with what we considered our own all-star team. Haha-- our own 9th grade, all-star team. We were destined to do great, great things, lead by Coach Blount. He took so much pride in coaching us and making sure we were going to be set for our first highschool game. He took it seriously, he had scouting reports made out with playbooks and inspirational quotes and even sometimes even his own drawings, haha. He made us arrive early, stay late, and basically become a unit. He knew that we weren't the biggest, fastest, or strongest group of kids he had seen, but he saw something in us. Him and Coach Top believed in something more. They believed that we were going to be the future reloading stage of Salem. We were the kids that were going to pick up after our 13-1 team went to the dome and had moved along. I remember back then, only a select group of Freshman got to dress out for the Varsity game. Just out of memory, these kids were as followed: Quach, Shep, A.Wil, Baby Vick, JaJuan, Z-Rodd, Chops, Caleb, Koy, Sammy, Miller, Jake and a handful more I can't pick out of my memory.So fast foward, past our first, sloppy, ugly game, but win, against Leulla, and past our first win against our forever biggest bragging right game versus Heritage's 9th grade team, in which they thought we played Varsity kids because we whooped them so bad, and past our first and only loss against Rockdale, which we won't ever speak of again, to the 9th Grade Championship game. It was a Thursday afternoon and a beautiful day. Temperature was just right for us fat offensive lineman, and we were so stoked to play our first ever opponent, Luella Highschool. We step onto the field and you can just hear Coach Blount say "Are you kidding me?" The field at Evans was just watered, for the following Varsity game on Friday. Apparently no one got the memo that the biggest game of our budding football career was being played in the next hour on this damp, muddy field. But that didn't stop Coach from getting us all fired up and ready to play. Now at the first snap of the ball, this team was totally different: Luella dropped a few players from their JV and Varsity Squads to play this game. Not saying they were older, because Luella was a small school so some of their 9th graders played up a level, but this wasn't the same team we clobbered the first game of our 9th grade season. This team was so much better, and I don't think we were too ready for that. But a quick recap of the game: We warmed up, Captains were I think Me, A. Wil, Zach, and Terrance, but it really didn't matter who they were because we all walked up to the center when determining kick off. Back on track: The field was crap, everyone was slipping and sliding, it was a mud and blood bath. We were giving it our all, and Remierez Gray had returned a kick off for a TD, making it 7-0. Luella ended up scoring a touchdown, and for whatever the reason, I'm guessing to for the win, because no one was making too much advancement in the offensive side of the ball, went for 2, trying to give them the lead making it 7-8. I remember Coach telling us, do EVERYTHING you can to penetrate and do NOT let that big number 48 to get into that end zone. I remember the snap of the ball, I shot straight through the center and guard (I was at an off-set nose) and making it into the back field but over pursuing, and missing the tackle, but I tripped him up. He bubbled outside and I scrambled to get up onto my feet and hoping someone would get him, but I thought it was going to be a 2 point conversion. Zachary was a bit too far inside to reach him, but what I didn't see was Alex Wilson was unblocked. Out of the blue, A. Wil laid the smack down on the fullback, stopping him in his tracks. The rest of our Defense swarmed around and that was the end of the play. They didn't convert! Coach was ecstatic... He was gleaming with how we were playing and all riled up, jumping all up and down the sideline. Something happened during early third quarter that was epic, to say the least. I remember, there was a stupid penalty for whatever reason it was, taking one of our big plays on offense back, and Coach Blount said "You're cheating the kids, ref.." The Referee flipped out and they got into a verbal arguement and Coach Blount got EJECTED from our CHAMPIONSHIP GAME. It was rediculous. So Coach (I swear, this should have been a movie or something.. haha) got us all into a big huddle, and said something along the lines "You guys, I know you're playing your hearts out, and it's more than I can ask for, the way you're going full force out there. They're kicking me out, but that gives you all the more reason to beat them. Play the rest of the game guys, play the rest of the game just how we practice and how we prepare. Don't make stupid mistakes, play the rest of this game for me." We were pumped with adrenaline, teary eyed and everything. We all got into a big huddle and broke it down on Coach and he was ejected from the game. Coach Phiell had to come fill in for him. In the end, it was a beautiful thing. The clocked ticked down to zero on the score board in the fourth quarter, and it was brightly lit up "HOME: 7 AWAY:6". We were all celebrating and Coach was let back in and we all sprinted to him and cheered and hugged and celebrated our biggest accomplishment so far in our football career as a team.

oh, and just a side note for all of my brothers on the 9th grade team, just a few simple words that will bring back one of the funniest moments probably in the history of Salem football: TRIPPLE. REVERSE. PASS.So, that was basically the beginning of our first life changing experience with Coach Blount. I can't speak for all of my teammates, but I can speak for myself. And without him, I wouldn't be the same technician I am on the field. I wouldn't be as strong as I am without him. I wouldn't have been as fast off the ball without him. More importantly, I wouldn't have been as close to some of my best friends right now without him. Most importantly, I wouldn't have gotten to build a relationship with a man that seriously influenced my academics, athletics, and my character.And this is pretty indirect, but I kept my best friends, and made even more best friends that I know for a fact that I can keep at heart, even though we are all at different schools now. I love all my brothers from Salem and won't forget you guys: Chops, Shep, Terrance, Cory, Sammy, Zachary, JP, A.Wil, Miller, Blake. And anyone else I forgot. I love you guys like brothers and you know I'm here if you need me and I know I can call you up whenever and you guys would be there for me.I would go into more games and practices and memories, but I'll just give a few short blurbs that will captivate the essence of how Coach impacted me.Coach would always tell me to use my size to advantage. Of course I'm short, probably the shortest offensive lineman to earn region and all-area honors. I saw it as a disadvantage, but he pulled me aside and said: "Quach-Kwan-Do (Yep, he gave me that nick name, haha). You're a smart Asian right? What's the main thing I want you guys to do when you block? Stay low. You're short right? So there should be NO excuse of you ever being too high because even if you stand up, you're still low!"Coach would always tell me that he would never get into the weight room with me. He always told me I had a passion in the weightroom, but if he were to step in there, he would embarrass me. I told him, since I was a freshman, that I would hit 300 bench and 400 squat at least, before the end of my senior year. And him being Coach, always hounded me about it. He was in disbelief when I hit 305 and 405, and said prove it to him. I said I had already maxed out with Bubba and its on paper. Coach said that it was ONLY on paper and he wasn't going to believe it until he saw it. So one day after school, I told him to come to the weightroom and that was the FIRST and ONLY time me he would lift with me, because he would embarrass me-- hah. But when it all came down to it, I couldn't press 305 that afternoon, and he said "I told you it was only on paper." He knew I could do it, and he made positive he asked bubba himself, but he was just giving me a hard time, like always. hah.Coach one day pulled me aside my during a class change and we were just talking about what I was doing after highschool, if I wanted to play football, where I'm going... etc. He never doubted what I could do with my ability, whether it be in the weight room, on the field, or in the class room. He said to me, which I will never forget. He told me that day: "You know why I know you're going to make it far Danny? Because you have this uncanny ability to make people like you for who you are. You are just yourself and people gravitate towards you. You don't socialize with one group particular group. You don't discriminate between skin color or anything like that. You can see the good in people and people can feel the good in you. So whatever you choose to do, you'll be fine, Danny. You'll be more than fine."After Coach Dafny, OD, passed away, I wrote something for the my team at the beginning of my Senior season. The first person I sent it to was Coach Blount, expressing to him that he has affected me, and I told him how this piece of work, which I'll leave at the bottom of this note, was influenced by him and O.D. and how it was basically everything he had taught me. I told him I felt that even though he was my Coach, he was my basically my mentor. I told him I saw him and Ms. Tina as family. I told him that I care so much about Megan and Drew. He responded back and said how touched he was that he influenced what I wrote. He said he didn't know he had such an impact on my life and he was honored. He said that he saw me as family as well, like a uncle-nephew relationship and that if I ever needed anything just come on over. He was always there for me to just talk to, joke around, grab a some lunch, be my adult advice, but be my realistic advice.I would go into the Spaghetti dinners and how amazingly amazing they are and how many memories were made around that round table, how many jokes were made, how many bonds were tightened, an infinite amount of laughter was shared, and how much we just learned about one another and how we just cherished each other's company, BUT that would be another 6 pages in and of itself. So I'll just leave it at: Thank you SO much Ms. Tina, for all the pounds and pounds and pounds and pounds of spaghetti and sauce and meatballs and brownies and lemonade and sweet tea that us fat men demolished every Wednesday night. Thank you for providing us your time and love and your house to come fool around and watch film. Thank you so much. And Thank you, Megan and Drew, for providing us with entertainment throughout each night, one in particular, Drew and his size-too-small spidey suit. hahaha.Back to the actual Football field. Coach would tell me before every game, after we met in our offensive meetings after pregame meal, he would pull me aside and he would always ask: "Are you ready?" Of course I would always answer "Always Coach, Always." He would always stare daggars into my eyes for at least 5 seconds, and then shake my hand. He then would say "Is your line ready?" Again, I answered "Always, Coach." and he would always, always respond "You better hope so, because if they mess up, I'm holding it accountable for you." He'd give a smirk, a pat on the back, and I would go get suited up.My senior season of football was probably one of the best years of my life. There were ups and downs and fights and struggles and triumphant moments and all that. Fastfoward to the St. Pius X game, past the loss and all that. It was after the game where Coach pulled me aside. I was crying bullets, sobbing like a mad man, everyone tried to comfort me, but I was completely devastated. That game was THE LAST game I would ever play. Everything thing, the time, the sacrifice, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the time spent in the weight room, the time spent running, the passion and emotion I put in, all over. He picked me up, Drew by his side, now by mine. He said: "Danny, look at me". I look up, eyes red, dirt covered, sweaty, hand wraps tearing at the tape seams. And he says: "You played with all you had and all your heart, I saw that. You came in walking onto this field with your head held high, let's walk off the same way, with your head held high." And at that moment, I took a glance around, the friday night lights brighter than ever, the grass ever greener, the field looking as perfect as it could have been, Drew grabbed my hand, Coach put his hand around my pads, and we walked off together. I will NEVER forget that feeling. It was encompassed with love, and passion, and compassion, and strength, and everything all intertwined. It was amazing.I walked onto that field with my head held high, and through all the turmoil and defeat, we walked off together with my head held high. Fastfoward to the opening game of the salem. The last time I saw Coach was Friday September 5th, 2008. He was in the press box, as happy as he was during my last season. He was calling plays and watching his team and players and just having a blast. I went up into the box and gave him a hug. I could tell it was taking him so much just to be there. It took so much out of him just to give me a smile and have a conversation with me. Even with his weak exterior, he was the prime example of strength within. He would risk it all, just to be at the opening game in our brand new stadium, and to see his team play, even through all of the chemo and struggle and all of that. We were talking and he asked me how I was and I asked how he was. He said he's fairing well, but there's a lot of ups and downs and he's in a down moment, but he's gonna stay low and push through. I told him that he better hurry up and get better so he and the family could come tailgating with us at the UGA games and he said he's going to try his hardest. He then told me he was going to have to talk to me during half time, because he had to get back to Salem's game, so he told me to come find him during halftime. Halftime rolled around and he wasn't feeling too well, and at the beginning of the third, he had to go home. I went back to Athens not getting to see and talk to Coach again. And that was the last time I would ever see him.Now that I put all that out there, I just wanted to thank everyone, new friends, old friends, teammates, everyone who gave me their time of day to make sure I'm ok and how I was doing. I apologize if I was brief or short-worded, it's just how I kinda deal with it all. I'm not used to receiving sympathy and all that jazz, but I really do appreciate it and it means more to me than you guys know, just knowing you guys care. So thank you guys so much for every text, message, hug, everything to let me know you guys care about me. But I ask that you guys keep the Blounts in your thoughts, because it's still a long road for Ms. Tina and Megan and Drew and Matt.I'll miss Coach, without a doubt. I'll miss his humor and his laugh and just, I'll miss him, simply. It's all still a shock to me, and I'll probably look back on this and bawl my eyes out just re-reading, but for now, I'm good. Coach told me to walk off the field the same way I walked on, with my head held high. I know Coach went the same way he started off, Fighting like heck. He will always be with me and I'll always have him in mind in everything I do. So here's to you, Coach: I will not fear.

Below are just a few things I wrote that was inspired by Coach, just incase you guys are bored or interested enough to read. I love you guys.Here's a piece I call "An Ode to Offensive Lineman", it's kinda cliche, but I really like how I structured the whole piece, and it's a metaphor to living life at times. try to pick it apart. haha--anyways:

1st and Ten-Confidence graced with arrogance on the field... Not full of himself, in particular, but full of pride for his teammates, his brothers....Down, Set....First contact, fastest off the ball. Low dog wins, stay with it. Trust your team around you. Believe in yourself, and believe in your team.[6 yard gain]2nd and Four-A set tone under the lights. Too much thinking about what if's and how to's rather than just playing good old fashioned football offsets his standards....Down, Set...Nerves get the best of him, concentrated intensity was wasted on doubt. But he's always forgiven and always given a second chance.[5 yard loss]3rd and Nine-Think about the next play and forget the last. No mistakes. Focus on the task at hands. No room for mistakes. Use what your strengths to your advantage....Down, Set...Perfect steps, perfect feet, perfect hands, perfect technique. Pass block, nice pocket. Ball is thrown and received.[8 yard gain]4th and One-Coach thinks we have enough heart, we have to prove it. Execute. Heart is racing, while sweat drips off his face mask, blood and dirt stain the uniform....Down, Set...Stay low and drive. Drive. Body aches and is about to break; it's all a mental game now. Stay on your man, stay at his hip. Trust your technique, Trust your coaches, and Trust each other. Trust yourself.[Touchdown]There isn't a title for this, it was more of I guess something I wanted the team to follow. An inspirational speech or something. But yeah, it was inspired by Coach Blount, so I thought you guys want to read it to see how he inspired it.Give it your all, no matter what it takes; Fight through the threshold and find a new level, a new limit. Never be satisfied. It's bound to happen-- It will happen. Whatever you want, as long as you push, shove, fight for what you want. A victory, a stance. Pain is weakness... Pain is... Temporary. Pride. Be the epitomy of pride. Walk around with your chest out and head up. Walk around with a certain swagger, a taste of superiority, but not much more. Allow yourself to be arrogant. Allow yourself to boast. But with that, allow yourself to be modest. Allow yourself to receive compliments. But, never allow yourself to take the compliments to your head. Use them as a compass, not a map. Allow yourself to exude confidence, but let it always be graced with humbleness. Be who you are, but do not be cocky. It's a state of body, a state of mind, a state of heart. Strive for better and be the best. Allow yourself to quit, but only as a last resort, and try again. Respect yourself. Only quit when you are completely drained, physically and mentally, but never be drained emotionally. Emotionally, you'll always tell yourself you're going to do, and will do your best. Give it effort after effort, attempt after attempt, until the task is accomplished. Allow yourself to cry, but not because of anguish. Allow yourself to cry when you've discovered the definition of enough. Allow yourself to cry when you think you've done the task at hand to the best of your ability. But never allow yourself to complain or mourn. Don't live in the past, remember it. Learn from it. Live in the present and dream for the future. Allow your actions to benefit you in the long run. Allow your body to break and bleed. But never ever allow your heart to do so. Know your limit, but set a higher goal. Respect your body and mind. Allow for breaks, bruises, and blood to mend, but do not allow yourself to use these as an excuse, only as a reminder. Allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Allow yourself to taste the intolerable. Allow your body to overcome physical boundaries. And your mind, mental boundaries. But do not allow yourself to dwell in this area; Do not allow yourself to be self absorbed. Allow yourself to observe others and listen. Allow yourself to get encouragement from your team mates, and return the favor. Allow yourself to see life in all angles, but keep your perspective at heart. Never think negatively, Always know there's a way to success. Allow yourself to imagine, but always pursue. Always ask questions, but never allow yourself to be ignorant. Dream, but do not fantasize. Run the sprints as if you were carrying the ball on the last play. Drive the sled until you are sure you can defeat the opponent. Struggle, but do not give up. Push the weight; control it. Become better with each set. Get bigger with each lift. Get faster with every carolina and gasture. Get stronger with every rep. Never allow room for excuses, but listen to your body. Be stern and serious, but also knowledgeable and smart. Be dedicated to both the weight room and class room, and most of all, the field. Be inspired, but strive to inspire. Be a rolemodel, a leader. Be a winner. If you are to fail, lose, or under-achieve, know how to handle the situation and benefit from it from whatever you can. Do not put others down, nor blame them. Hold your head high, but know at the particular situation, you could have done something different, something better. Do not keep your mindset in the mistake. Allow for repercussions, but see that you are not content with your performance. Never be content. The satisfaction that comes with hard work and true ethics will be so much sweeter in the end. Be strong through out any situation. Be strong for yourself. Be strong for your family, your parents. Be strong for your team, your brothers and coaches. But most importantly, be strong for yourself. And success is bound to come. Remember: Pain is weakness. Be strong for yourself and success will come.

DNF FEATURED & DADDY'S LITTLE PRINCESS

2008-09-15T10:05:00.007-04:00

I do not think it is the least bit too soon to start thinking about who is going to be sitting in the recliner, cleaning the shot gun, when Megan's 'first date' shows up to pick her up.

MEMORIAL SERVICE INSPIRATION

2008-09-14T19:33:00.007-04:00

For those who were unable to attend, Jeff's service was what you would have expected! There were over 1300 individuals who attended, filling the sanctuary and the basement below. I planned ahead, thanks to the advice of Darlene Evans, and showed up at 1:45pm. I had a good seat and it was worth the wait. At 2:30pm, a slide show of pictures were displayed on several overhead projector screens. We got to see pictures of Jeff from birth to Labor Day Weekend 2008. Music was playing in the background, including some of Jeff's favorite songs.

I'm very emotional so I cried the entire time, but really got choked up when the pictures of Jeff, Tina, Matt, Drew and Megan came up. That is when I felt like my heart was being squeezed.

The actual service was beautiful. It included Tina and Jeff's Pastor, Jeff's uncle, Dean Hayes, Todd & Jessica B's father, Mike Pheil and Kenneth aka KJ. One of Jeff's church friends sang to start the service off and his aunt finished by singing the Lord's Prayer. The entire service lasted 2 hours and there were several people video taping. I will try to get my hands on the video because I would like to post some of the footage.

I will post more details about the service through out the week. It was such an inspirational memorial and I imagine everyone walked away wondering how they could live their life a little better- more like Jeff. I think Mike Pheil put it best when he said that if he can be half the husband, father, coach & teacher as Jeff, he would be a success.

As I try to understand the 'why', I keep thinking how much of an impact Jeff had on this community in such a short amount of time. It can be said that he left us having done more in 41 years that some of us won't even do in a lifetime.

JEFF'S VOLUNTEERS & DINNER DRIVE/ DREW'S PLAYING FOR JEFF TODAY/ SALEM WINS!

2008-09-13T09:58:00.004-04:00

To everyone who has emailed me about helping and 'what can we do'?,
I talked to Tina this morning and she has a lot of family who are taking care of things right now. She is in great hands. I told her that there are so many people who want to 'do something' and she knows how helpless so many of us feel right now. Our chance will come soon. Food for the family after the memorial is being arranged by her family and church. Tina's going to need the rest of us once the dust settles to which she agreed. If anyone has any suggestions other than food, please let me know. BW

Drew has a football game today at 12pm at Earl O'Neal Park. Drew knows if he's on the field today, his dad's going to be right there with him!

Anonymous Comment: Salem dedicated tonight's game to Coach. There was not a dry eye in the stadium as Bob Cole remembered Jeff. Bob choked up and so did we. Salem Won!!! 10 to 7 over Loganville. Those boys played for their Coach Blount and we felt his presence everywhere tonight. At the end of the game the student section chanted "Coach Blount" to honor him over and over. The whole Salem side chanted for him. I know he was watching over his boys tonight. It was a sad, sad day but those boys were not going to let their Coach down. Salem Pride in 09!!! Go Noles!

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JEFF BLOUNT

2008-09-13T00:31:00.000-04:00

Memorial Service for Jeff Blount

Prospect Methodist Church

6752 Hwy 212 Covington, GA 30016

Phone: 770.786.6303Fax: 770-786-0341

Sunday September 14, 2008

3pm

There will be no viewing prior. Tina is asking that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Jeff Blount Benefit Fund. This account is set up at the Bank of North Ga, Conyers near Lowe's and Zaxby's. I will post other ways to make a donation later today.

Directions and other information will be posted this afternoon.

RETURN THE BLESSING

2008-09-12T14:31:00.002-04:00

The Enclave Sunday School class of Prospect UMC is sponsoring a book (or books) to be made for Tina and the kids. We want your stories about Jeff, how Jeff has blessed your life etc. Things that Drew, Megan and Matt might not remember later in life. We would like your blessing to be typed but please hand sign it and include a picture of you with Jeff or of you wearing the "Blount" shirt. The cost is $5.00 per blessing and all the proceeds will go to Tina and the kids. You can drop your blessing and the $5.00 off at Gold's Gym (attn: Kellie Rainwater), at Serendipity (Darlene Evans), at Prospect UMC or (if Salem front office doesn't mind) - at the office of Salem High School (we will pick them up from there) or mail them to Nicole Norman 115 Lark Road, Covington, GA 30016.

This is something we all need to participate in- friends, students, athletes, cousins, uncles etc... Think about what this is going to mean to Jeff's babies (yes, Matt's his baby too- the big one!).

JEFFREY SCOTT BLOUNT

2008-09-12T02:18:00.005-04:00

12:15am I woke up, looked at the clock, closed my eyes and that is when my cell phone rang. It was from one of Tina's friends, who was at Emory with her, saying that our friend, coach, mentor, father, son, cousin, nephew, teacher, husband and inspiration has passed. Jeff's gone.

As more information becomes available, I will post it. Please keep praying for the Blount family. We're going to grieve, but then we need to regroup and give back to this family what Jeff gave all of us- unconditional support. He prepared us for this without even knowing that was what he was doing.

If anyone needs to get in contact with me, you can email me at brandiwatson@yahoo.com or call me at 770-652-5774.

To all of Jeff's students & athletes, please go talk to your parents, teachers or counselors if you feel weird or overwhelmed with this situation.

*** Arrangements are being made. I will post them as soon as they are finalized. The service for Jeff could be as early a Sunday afternoon, but that is not confirmed.

Sympathy cards can be mailed to the Blount Family at 3525 Tiffany Drive, SE, Conyers, GA 30013. ***

WE NEED A SMALL MIRACLE

2008-09-11T09:57:00.003-04:00

Jeff became unresponsive early this morning. Tina is having him move to ICU and he will be on life support while the doctors test for brain activity. It's a huge kick in the stomach, I know, but everyone needs to be praying for Jeff right now. Tina's amazing. This is the strongest I've heard her in a long time, please keep her in your prayers as well.

THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!

2008-09-10T21:40:00.002-04:00

The MRI results were good! Things look good upstairs. Jeff had the doctors very worried this morning, but started to get a little better this afternoon, which pleased everyone! Jeff's put Tina through a lot these last couple of days, but he made up for it late afternoon when he asked Tina to marry him.

He had just come out of a procedure to remove one of the pick line in his chest. When Tina turned the corner to see him, he was more alert than he had been all day. Just like the first time he asked, he said 'Christina Maria, will you marry me?'. Keep praying!

WEDNESDAY 9/10/08 UPDATE

2008-09-10T09:21:00.002-04:00

We need a big hit today! Jeff finally cooperated, with the help of his cousin Allen, and had an MRI this morning of his head. He started experiencing 'brain fog' over the weekend which is exacerbated by all of the medications, so the doctors are anxious to see if there is anything going on upstairs that needs to be addressed. There's also a possibility that the pneumonia is the culprit. We need this test to come back clean today so everyone, please keep praying!

Tina's exhausted. It's always a long night if Jeff isn't sleeping soundly and last night was one of those nights. Tina stayed in the room with Jeff and Allen slept on the couch in the waiting room. I'm going to believe that 3 years from now, over Mexican at Frontera, Allen and Jeff are going to laugh about the time Allen slept in the waiting room at Emory and held his hand during his MRI.

Keep praying and as soon as we get some news, it will be posted!

PUBLISHED IN THE SALEM FOOTBALL PROGRAM 2008

2008-09-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Coach Blount,

As we begin our inaugural season at Seminole Stadium, we want you to be assured that we take the field heeding the lessons you have taught us on the field of play, and more importantly, the ones you have taught us through your faith and courage these last months.

When we face the unexpected, we will remember how you urged us to prepare for all contingencies- to know our blocking rules and prepare for whatever the opponent may try; then we will note how you have faced a variety of unexpected complications with grace and optimism.

When we face a shift in momentum, we will remember how you compelled us to hold nothing back- to give everything we have; then we will recall how you shared everything with us, including your family- whether it be Drew serving as ball boy or Miss Tina serving spaghetti to the line each Wednesday night.

When we look for motivation, we will remember “Pat Murphy’s pig” and the many other sayings that lifted our spirits; then we will look not to the sideline or the press box for you, but know that you are there in the huddle with us.

When we find ourselves having to reach down and find a little extra, we will remember how you admonished us to play every play and to leave no regrets on the field; then we will rejoice in how you continue to overcome each and every obstacle.

Coach, we wanted you to know that we have been watching and listening; even though you cannot be with us each day, you continue to teach us. And we wanted you to understand what you mean to this football program. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family daily. We wish you a complete recovery and look forward to having you back on the sideline next season.

And remember Coach- play every play!

With all of our love,

The Salem Seminole Football Coaches, Players and Managers

TUESDAY 9/9/08 UPDATE 'HELLO THIS IS JEFF BLOUNT'

2008-09-09T17:59:00.002-04:00

Yes, Jeff has pneumonia. They doctor is not sure what kind it is without getting a sample from his lungs, so they are treating all and pulling out the big antibiotics. Todd and Allen (Jeff's cousin) spent some time at Emory today helping Tina with Jeff. She is functioning on little sleep so the help was welcome and appreciated.

So, who arranged the phone call today with Vince Dooley? Yes, Vince Dooley called Jeff at home and when he couldn't reach him, he called Tina's cell phone. Of all the days for Jeff to have the honor, this wouldn't have been the first choice, but despite the fog that he's been in, the fact that he was talking to Vince Dooley brought the UGA football loving fan out! The reality is, Jeff may not remember the conversation the had, but Tina made arrangements for them to speak again soon. Rumor is, Todd and Allen were 'gitty school girls' over the call and let everyone on the floor know that Jeff and Vince were talking.

Vince said that several people have asked him to call Jeff and wanted to knowing what an incredible person Jeff is in our community. Thank you to everyone who helped arrange this!

TUESDAY 9/9/08 UPDATE

2008-09-09T10:51:00.002-04:00

Based on the CT Scan of Jeff's chest, he may have pneumonia and is being treated as such. The stem cell procedure is not going to start today. Depending on how he responds to the antibiotics, he may start tomorrow, if not, it will be next week.

He's a little out of it right now because of all of the medications that are being administered. Tina is trying to allow him as much rest as possible and is asking that visitors are limited to only immediate family members. The rest of us can post our comments and she said that she will continue to read them to him when he's alert. Keep praying!

MONDAY 9/8/08 UPDATE

2008-09-08T09:51:00.002-04:00

Jeff was admitted to Emory last night. He is on the transplant floor until a room on the cancer floor becomes available. He may have been dehydrated when he arrived last night, but he is also in pain from the spot under his arm, he's confused some of the time and just in a 'fog'. Tina is hopeful that one of Jeff's doctors will be in their room early this morning. Keep praying!

SUNDAY 9/7/08 UPDATE

2008-09-07T17:27:00.003-04:00

This weekend's been rough for Jeff. He is extremely tired, fatigued, wiped out, exhausted etc... Fatigue and confusion are side affects of radiation, but the situation escalated to a point that made Tina uncomfortable today so she headed up to Emory Emergency around 5pm. She's been in constant communication with Jeff's doctors and as a precaution, they asked to see him today. Keep Praying!

On a food update, Debbi Chapman provided a bbq dinner with lemon bars last Thursday. Tina and Jeff enjoy he time they spend with the Chapman's especially when things are uncertain. I've heard that Doug has a way of making Jeff feel at ease.

Amy Harper volunteered for Saturday's dinner. She made a chicken pot pie that the kids loved, cole slaw and banana pudding. She showed up at the right time and was able to visit with Jeff! Thank you, Amy.

Finally, Vikki, Jeff's step-mother, put her cooking mitts on this weekend and made an Asian meal from scratch. She made spring roles, fried rice and shrimp. Tina said that it was as good as any restaurant she's ever eaten at.

WHERE'S DREW? DNF AT FRONTERA

2008-09-06T23:36:00.003-04:00

Where's Drew? (like Where's Waldo?)

This picture was on the front page of the Rockdale Citizen.
Jeff's cousin Gary and Ashley were at Frontera on Saturday night.

THURSDAY 9/4/08 STEM CELL PROCEDURE UPDATE

2008-09-04T15:32:00.002-04:00

The stem cell procedure starts Tuesday. Jeff will go in to the hospital for 3 days of total body radiation (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday). On Friday & Saturday, he will have a large dose of chemotherapy with Sunday as his day of rest. On Monday, September 15th, the healthy stem cells will be thawed out, hung up and slowly dripped back into his body. On the bright side, Jeff is using his own stem cells for this procedure, but the rate of success is less than 50%. This news took the wind out of Jeff's sails today. There are other options if this procedure is not successful. Jeff can receive stem cells from a healthy donor. Tina isn't even considering this option right now. She is focusing on Tuesday and encouraging Jeff to do the same. Please, keep praying and sending Jeff the encouragement he needs to keep his head in this game.

This song was just released on September 2nd for download on iTunes to benefit the Stand Up for Cancer initiative. Every time I listen to it, I feel like it is talking to Jeff. There isn't an official video for the song, but I did find this on youtube- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5lHnN6eRmo

The lyrics:

The heart is stronger than you think It’s like it can go through anything And even when you think it can’t it finds a way to still push on, though Sometimes you want to run away Ain’t got the patience for the pain And if you don’t believe it look into your heart the beat goes on I’m tellin’ you that Things get better Through whatever If you fall, dust it off, don’t let up Don’t you know you can go be your own miracle You need to know If the mind keeps thinking you’ve had enough But the heart keeps telling you don’t give up Who are we to be questioning, wondering what is what Don’t give up THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP! It’s like we all have better days Problems getting all up in your face Just because you go through it Don’t mean it got to take control, no You ain’t gotta find no hiding place Because the heart can beat the hate Don’t wanna let your mind keep playin’ you And sayin’ you can’t go on I’m tellin’ you that Things get better Through whatever If you fall Dust if off, don’t let up Don’t you know you Can go Be your own Miracle You need to know You don’t gotta be a prisoner in your mind If you fall, dust it off You can live your life Let your heart be your guide And you will know that you’re good if you trust in the good Everything will be alright, yeah Light up the dark, if you follow your heart And it will get better Through whatever You got it in you, find it within You got in now, find it within now You got in you, find it within You got in now, find it within now You got in you, find it within Find it within you, find it within THROUGH IT ALL, JUST STAND UP!

THURSDAY 9/4/08 I'M A LAB RAT

2008-09-04T09:02:00.003-04:00

Darrell Huckaby wrote an article for the Rockdale Citizen partly about Jeff and it is definitely worth reading http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=8&ArticleID=4144&TM=31422.12.

Jeff's gone from a fixture on the cancer floor to a self proclaimed Emory Lab Rat! The tumor under Jeff's arm is big and painful right now. Jeff's radiologist claims that the tumor is probably swollen and inflamed due to radiation. Regardless, this has the hair on the back of Tina's neck standing up right now. Other than the pain the tumor causes, Jeff is exhausted! Fatigue is a side effect of radiation so this is expected, but imagine wanting to only sleep- this is Jeff.

Worth mentioning, Jeff and Tina are signing the consent form for the stem cell procedure today. Jeff will go in Emory on the 9th to start total body radiation 2 times daily for 3 days and then it's full force ahead! Next week is a big week for Jeff- keep praying!

Salem takes on Rockdale at Salem tomorrow night at 7:30pm. DNF.

TUESDAY UPDATE 9/2/08 FAMILY WEEKEND

2008-09-02T11:13:00.006-04:00

Aside from fatigue, Jeff is doing well. He spent the long weekend with his family! One day was spent at Matt's. Jeff slept while Matt and the kids went swimming and 4 wheeling. Drew says to forget Disney World, riding 4 wheelers is the most fun.

Somehow Megan was able to talk Jeff into being her make-up model.

Jeff & Matt in Matt's office!

Jeff and Allen.

Saturday night, the Blount's were treated to delicious chicken and sausage jambalaya from Melanie White. Tina is getting the recipe from Melanie for those who want to try something new at home. Melanie also brought brownies, salad and bread.

Lacey prepared the Labor Day feast for dinner last night- all of Jeff's favorites! Our dinner volunteers are doing their best to keep Jeff healthy. Tracy's mother-in-law, Carolyn Kitchens, made Jeff a homemade strawberry cake that was waiting for him Friday when he got home from the game. She visited him at Emory a couple of weeks ago and asked him if there was anything she could do for him and making a strawberry cake was Jeff's request.

Tonight, it's a boneless honey baked ham from Sharon Robuck. She volunteered for dinner tonight and delivered it early.

TODAY: Jeff had an appointment with the oncologist today at 11:30am. The lump below Jeff's arm appears to be growing again and before today's dose of radiation, Tina wanted to find out what is going on. It's starting to cause Jeff pain, too. Seems simple- cut it out, but according to Tina, it's not possible. The stem cell procedure is still moving forward. Jeff is going to be measured and prepared for the total body radiation that will happen next week.

DNF was at SeaWorld this past weekend. I will the pictures soon.

SATURDAY UPDATE WHO WON?

2008-08-30T22:12:00.009-04:00

I'm in Orlando and I can not find last night's score on either the AJC or the Rockdale Citizen. I have no idea who won last nights game, but I do know that Jeff was happy to be there. After radiation on Friday, he stopped by Serendipity to visit with Darlene and Sara. Sara volunteered to do his make-up before the game, but Jeff opted for the natural look!

Coach Estes appointed Drew an honorary captain for the game against Heritage. Drew is right of #53- a boy amongst giants.

Megan and Nicole.

Todd is that friend. If Jeff wants to go somewhere, Todd is going to find a way to get him there.

Drew & Nolan.

Megan and the girls.

FRIDAY 8/29/08 UPDATE GO SALEM

2008-08-29T08:58:00.002-04:00

Radiation Day 2: Jeff goes today for radiation on his head and the underarm area. Even though the spot on his skull did not appear to be cancerous, the oncologist wants to err on the side of caution and is going to treat those hot spots before the stem cell procedure.

Naturally, Jeff is dying to come to the game tonight, but will wait until later today to make that decision- it all depends on how he feels. Wear those DNF shirts! (I'm stuck in Orlando going to SeaWorld - someone take pictures and send them to me. DNF is going to be at SeaWorld today!)

From Tina: Judy McAvoy, Megan and Drew's tutor brought a great supper last night!!! She brought pork roast, sweet potato casserole (Jeff loved it!), green beans, coconut cake and peach congealed salad. Jeff said "this lady can cook!!!" Jeff called her last night to tell her how much he enjoyed it!

THURSDAY 8/28/08 UPDATE DAY 1 OF RADIATION

2008-08-28T17:58:00.002-04:00

Today was day 1 of radiation for Jeff. They arrived at Emory at 9am and left just after 3pm. He will undergo radiation today, tomorrow and Saturday. Then he will have a couple of days off and then pick back up on Tuesday through Saturday. Jeff's had some back pain that Tina started to think was the original lump. Apparently, it is growing again and pressing against a nerve thus causing the back pain. This is the bugger that caused all of this. A decision was made today, to start radiating that area immediately.

Thanks to Kim Brown for bring chicken and dumplings to the Blount house last night. She also brought chicken tenders, fresh fruit and a cake for the kids. Megan says that everything was delicious and the best dinner ever!

Darlene is reporting that the DNF shirts are flying out of her store as fast as she gets them in, thanks to the student body at SHS. These kids are amazing and their support of Coach Blount is unbelievable.

Reminder- Salem opens with Heritage tomorrow at Evans Stadium.

TUESDAY 8/26/08 UPDATE

2008-08-26T14:35:00.002-04:00

Today was a regularly schedule appointment with the oncologist at Emory. Jeff was given good news that his bone marrow is clear. The doctor warned that he isn't 'in the clear' yet, but standing in a good position right now. Jeff is going to start radiation sooner than expected- this week. I couldn't keep up with all the days that he is going in for radiation (Tina talks fast), but it starts the end of this week, a couple of days next week and then he will be admitted back into Emory for 2 days of chemotherapy and 2 days total body radiation, all before the stem cell procedure. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_therapy.

Tina says keep praying, then pray again and then pray some more! Jeff's getting close, but Tina's isn't ready to exhale. While I was talking to Tina, I could hear Jeff in the back ground talking to his friend Todd. He sounds great!

MONDAY 8/25/08 UPDATE- STAND UP TO CANCER AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MIKE & JULIANNA

2008-08-25T14:16:00.005-04:00

Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) is a huge initiative to benefit cancer research that will culminate September 5th, with all 3 major networks dedicating air time to a fundraiser for the cause. Lori and Pam, Tina's co-workers, have started a Team DNF in honor of Jeff. If you are interested in making a donation or joining the team, please go to http://www.standup2cancer.org/ and join Team Do Not Fear.

Tina and Jeff were acting like they were on vacation today and slept in until 10:30am! Tina had errands to run and Jeff went along for the ride and lunch. As luck happens, Tina and Jeff ran into Coach Mike Etheredge & his wife, Julianna, at Ruby Tuesday's. Mike is a former Salem coach, current Rockdale coach, and since Jeff's been sick, he's consistently called to check on him weekly. Mike and Julianna were celebrating their 35th anniversary and ended up treating Jeff and Tina to lunch.

Still no bone marrow results back. As soon as Tina hears something, it will be posted.

Finally, Darlene is selling a lot of shirts and thus far, she has deposited over $1000 into the Jeff Blount Benefit bank account at the Bank of North GA. The shirts are available at her store, Serendipity for $10.00. Salem opens with Heritage on Friday night at Evans Stadium. Show your support and wear your shirts (then send me a picture of it)!

SUNDAY 8/24/08 FEAST FOR A KING

2008-08-24T20:29:00.007-04:00

Prospect Methodist, Tina got the entire crew ready for Church today when Jeff started feeling fatigued, so they opted to err on the side of caution and stayed home. Not to disappoint, Tina took a picture of Megan and Hannah in their matching church outfits.
(Jeff, Drew & Megan at Emory last week)

This evening, the Woodward's inundated the Blount house with food and lots of it! Maria & Woody brought broccoli & cheese, pasta, chicken, green beans, potatoes, shrimp, salad, and chocolate cake. The food was great, but the company was even better as the Woodward's stayed for dinner - something that these families have done many times in the past.

Jeff has two routine visits to Emory on Tuesday and Thursday. Tina is going to call tomorrow to find out the results of the bone marrow biopsy- keep praying.

SUNDAY 8/24/08 WEEKEND UPDATE

2008-08-24T10:11:00.005-04:00

Hello Prospect Methodist Church, you may have a visitor today... Jeff is doing good. He's rested all weekend and hopeful that he will be up for going to church today.

Friday wasn't a great night for the Seminoles. They lost in their scrimmage 14-7. The season opens with Heritage on Friday night, so thanks to Sam Watts, Jeff is reviewing the offensive tape. If there is anyway that Jeff can participate in this season, he is going to! Would we expect any less?

On a dinner note, I mentioned previously that Lori, Pam and Melissa had something special planned for dinner for Jeff when he got home from Emory on Friday night. According to Jeff, this was the best dinner that any one's brought so far.... they went to Outback and brought Tina and Jeff ribeye's, bake potatoes and salad. Woody and Maria Woodward have some big shoes to fill tonight when they bring dinner. Knowing Woody and having enjoyed shrimp that he's made, I think the competition for this weekend's best dinner is going to be close.

CINDY 'Rodeo' STEEDLE FROM ROCK OF LOVE IS A JEFF BLOUNT FAN

2008-08-23T17:49:00.006-04:00

Anyone who loves 'reality' tv, like myself, is definitely going to know this lady. This is Rodeo from the Rock of Love with Bret Michaels Season 1 & I Love Money (VH1). She was at Stone Mountain today and after I told her about Jeff, she became a fan.
Jeff, Rodeo wants to meet you. We ran into her while she was participating in a fundraiser to help raise money for wounded soldiers. I have her cell phone number and the next benefit we have for you, she wants to attend!

Samantha Norman is also a Jeff Blount fan. She used this shirt as a pillow while she rested on the main lawn at Stone Mt.

To read more about Rodeo, go to
http://www.cindyrodeosteedle.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cindyrodeo
http://www.vh1.com/photos/gallery/?fid=1562934&pid=2496661

FROM AUSTRALIA: Please let me introduce myself my name is David my wife name is Barbara who is Tina's mums cousin we live in Australia. We came over to Atlanta in 2003 and had the pleasure of meeting this amazing man who you all know as Coach Blount, He had never met us before and he just took us everywhere,like Jeff we are sports mad he took us to football,ice hockey, introduced us to I think they are called "crimpy crème" dounuts.
We have tried to contact Tina through email but I guess we have the wrong address, we ring auntie Pat Marie's mum every few weeks to see how the family are coping, and we look at Jeff's blog every day hoping and praying for good news. Please pass on our love to Jeff,Tina,Family. They are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
Dave,Barbara and Paul. xxx

PEOPLE COME INTO YOUR LIFE FOR A REASON

2008-08-23T09:15:00.004-04:00

Very few people know what my connection to Jeff and Tina is, so here goes. I'm a single parent and have been since Nicholas' birth. This is not a handicap or struggle like most single parents face because we started out this way. I've have always been fortunate to have good male role models in Nicholas' life, including his father and my late father. The best advice that a child psychologist gave me was to make sure there are always strong, good men in Nicholas' life- ie teachers, coaches, family etc... to balance the abundance of female influence.

When Nicholas was of age, I signed him up for 5/6 baseball. He just met the age requirement on the cut off day so he played his first season as a 4 year old. People come into your life for a reason and after Nicholas was drafted by Jeff and we met him, I knew more than baseball skills would come from this relationship.
(above DNF at Peachtree 8/22/08) Nicholas, at 4 years old, hero worshiped Jeff Blount. He played right-center field for the Cardinals who lost only one game the entire season (playoffs and it still hurts). I do not doubt that Jeff is capable of losing his composure at times, but in front of my 4 year old, he was nothing but an incredible coach who inspired these kids to play their best, behave their best and to never give up. It is influences like Jeff that are helping me raise a future gentleman and for that I am truly grateful. Only a person in my shoes can truly appreciate how fortunate we were to get Jeff as Nicholas' coach.

This is Nicholas at 7 years old. DNF was at RYBA/ field 12 practicing for the recreation season that starts next month. Even after the Cardinals ended, we kept in touch with Jeff & Tina. Nicholas not only looked up to Jeff, but he also looked up to the older players that he had played with on the Cardinals, including Drew, Cody Lewis and Blake Maddox. Despite still being in the 5/6 group, we would (and still do) go and see Jeff and the other kids play. My hope is that one day, Nicholas will have the opportunity to be coached by Jeff again.

FRIDAY 8/22/08 CONYERS BOUND

2008-08-22T13:10:00.002-04:00

He's out! Marie, Tina's mom, was also at the hospital, so I am wondering if her reputation on the Cancer Floor had anything to do with Jeff actually getting out so early...

Regardless, Tina just called and they are heading home. Jeff was on the phone with Coach Estes making arrangements for Drew this evening and his voice sounds strong- a little more country than normal, but definitely strong!

FRIDAY 8/22/08 FINGERS CROSSED

2008-08-22T09:36:00.002-04:00

Tina has her fingers, legs, arms and toes all crossed that they will be heading home relatively early today. Lori, Pam and Melissa, Tina's co-workers, are going to welcome them back to Conyers with a special dinner! Drew is heading to Sandy Creek High School with the Salem Football team. He's going to help the football team and Coach Estes prepare for their opening game against Heritage next Friday night (8/29).

They have not received the results of the bone marrow biopsy and if they are not back today, then it might be Monday before they find out how his bone marrow is. Jeff is definitely still in the game and a 'healthy Jeff' in January is definitely a possibility.

Side note: DNF/I Support Coach Blount is at Peachtree Academy today. Nicholas W-G is a student at PA and today is a non-uniform day, so he brought Coach Jeff to school with him. I have a picture of DNF at Peachtree that I will post this evening. Send me your pictures ..... brandiwatson@yahoo.com.

THURS 8/21 6:13PM TINA SAYS KEEP PRAYING!!!!!!!

2008-08-21T18:13:00.002-04:00

2/3 of the tests are clear!!! The skull xray and the PET Scan came back clean/clear/ great! The lump below Jeff's arm has all but disappeared. According to the oncologist, it looks good. The only test they are still awaiting the results on is the bone marrow biopsy. We need this to come back clean so that Jeff will be able to use his own stem cells for the transplant rather than a donors. Pray, pray, pray!

The cause of the seizure on Saturday night is unknown, but according to the doctors could have been caused by anything so for the time being, Jeff will remain on seizure medicine and will hopefully be coming home this weekend!

THURSDAY 8/21/08 PM

2008-08-21T16:24:00.002-04:00

Still, nothing! Jeff had bone marrow removed earlier and the inter cranial chemotherapy, but they have not heard from the doctors yet, nor received any results from the other tests. Keep praying that its going to be good news.

There was some good news today. Jeff had the inter cranial chemotherapy today and waited patiently for the sickness to overcome him and it never did! About 90 minutes after it was injected, he ate ice cream. At this point, it is amazing what you can get excited about and something like this is definitely worth mentioning.

THURSDAY 8/21/08 NOTHING NEW

2008-08-21T10:39:00.002-04:00

I think most of us won't be able to understand how Jeff has been at Emory since Saturday evening and still knows nothing! Tina's mom, Marie, got fired up again yesterday as did Tina when she called Jeff's advocate to complain. As of this morning, they do not have the results of the skull xray or PET Scan back. They did not pull any bone marrow, yesterday, as Tina thought they would, and are instead scheduled to perform this procedure around 1:30pm today.

In addition, Jeff has to look forward to his weekly chemotherapy to the head today. This is the one that forces him to vomit immediately. There is a good chance, he will be in la la land this afternoon after the chemo because the medicine they give him to counter the vomiting knocks him out.

In Salem Football news: Friday, August 22, Salem will be scrimaging Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, GA in preperation for their first game of the season vs. local rival Heritage High School on August 29. Coach Estes realizes that its not going to be the same without Jeff, so (if I am not mistaken) he is bringing Drew to Tyrone. There has to be one Blount on the field!

WEDNESDAY 8/20/08 UPDATE 'NOT CONVINCED'

2008-08-20T10:08:00.010-04:00

Tina's mom was #1 yesterday. After 3 days and no clear answers or plan for moving forward, Tina's mom passed the threshold of reasonably patient and went to bat for her son-in-law. The ball is now rolling again.

Jeff's oncologist is not convinced that he has cancer on his skull. Can you imagine the overwhelming feeling of hope Tina had when she heard this news? Because he is not convinced, the oncologist has ordered a skull xray (last night) and at PET Scan today. They did not do the bone marrow biopsy yesterday so Tina is confident that that will also happen today. Keep praying, that is her message to everyone!

The last three days for Jeff have been uneventful. Yesterday, he limited his nap to 1 hour and then slept soundly through the night. The only difference between this week's routine and last week's is location. He is basically doing, at Emory, what he would be doing at home- resting.

At the home front, Lacey, Jeff's mom, is holding the fort down. Tina's dad refers to this as a 'tour of duty'. Taking care of the kids is Lacey's thing and I think I understand why, aside from being an awesome grandmother. Taking care of Drew and Megan is probably like stepping back in time 30 years and taking care of Jeff and Tracy.

Interesting tidbit: This comment was posted yesterday afternoon.

Jeff and Tina,What the devil means for evil, God can use for good. When you have nothing left in your emotional/mental tank, all you can do is trust HIM. There are no other options. We love you guys and are thinking of you constantly. We will keep praying and asking others to pray. In fact, God just told me as I typed that to pray for you all today with my weight training class at Young Americans. Some of those students know you and I sure have the freedom to pray at that school!! I have chill bumps....we will be praying for you around 2:45 today.We love you,Kellie

Tina read this to Jeff and then looked up at the clock and it was 2:45pm. She said that it gave her chills.

TUESDAY 8/19/08 'NO NEWS' IS NOT ALWAYS 'GOOD NEWS'

2008-08-19T09:21:00.005-04:00

This is more than an hiccup, but the battle wages on. The radiologist may have found some spots of cancer on the skull. As of this morning, this is all that Tina's been told. She is looking for more answers from the doctors today as to how they are going to proceed forward. Jeff's hanging in there. He's strong enough to go to the cafeteria for breakfast today, if allowed, but Tina did say that mentally, he's down. When Jeff's down is when the rest of us need to carry him so keep posting those comments!

MONDAY AUGUST 18 PM UPDATE -'I'M A FIXTURE'

2008-08-18T15:22:00.002-04:00

Jeff has declared himself to be a fixture on the Cancer Floor at Emory University Hospital. I guess this is as close to incarceration as Jeff will ever get without really being incarcerated. I have a request to those who will likely visit Jeff while he is 'incarcerated'. Please wear your DNF shirt. The doctors and nurses need to know how important it is to all of us that there is no stone unturned and that Jeff is a healthy man come January.

Still, no news or indication that anything has changed. Tina was told by a doctor that sometimes 'no news' is 'good news'. It may not be what we all want to hear, but perhaps, it is true.

Jeff slept in this morning, then managed to get a shower and eat breakfast in the lounging chair. His fatigue and sleepiness are partly due to the medications they have him on, so shortly before lunch, he climbed back into bed and slept soundly for a couple hours this afternoon. Keep posting your comments. Tina has her laptop at the hospital and is reading them to Jeff as she checks them.

UPDATE AUGUST 18 2008 MONDAY

2008-08-18T09:09:00.002-04:00

I was at the Kroger off GA20 and Hwy 212 around 5:30pm, yesterday, and the first thing I saw when I walked in was a DO NOT FEAR shirt. Mike Maruiello's wife, Tracy, was doing her grocery shopping with her youngest and she was wearing a Jeff Blount shirt. After I talked with Tracy, I had to call and tell Tina and Jeff. Yes, Tracy is a Blount fan. She was disappointed that she did not make it to the benefit in time to see Jeff, but obviously, she was still thinking about him Sunday because she was wearing her shirt.

Jeff had an uneventful day yesterday. Actually, he slept the majority of the time. Physically, he was sore and tired. Mentally, he's hanging in there the best that could be expected. Tina's Jeff's rock right now. She's amazing and Jeff's a lucky man. As you can imagine, her patience is running thin, but she's turning lemons into lemonade and continuing to push forward.

Jeff's had a couple of hiccups since Saturday night- low blood sugar, headache, fever, elevated bp, but Emory is on top of everything so the main concern is what caused the seizure. This should be one of the focuses today.

SUNDAY AUGUST 17 UPDATE FROM BENEFIT

2008-08-17T11:56:00.010-04:00

There's not beating around the bush with what happened last night because I am sure most of us already know. Jeff was released from the hospital Saturday morning and went straight home and to bed. He wanted to rest all day so that he could participate in the benefit. I felt like I was crashing a family reunion because Jeff has a huge family and they were all there. Shortly after the benefit started, Jeff had a small seizure. Tina was in control until the paramedics arrived and she was able to keep Jeff still and focused on her. Jeff was transported to Rockdale until they were certain he was stable and then they moved him to Emory.

Right now, the doctors are unsure what caused the seizure. Friday, he had an MRI of his head and it was clear so they are bring in a neurologist to help figure this out. So, again, Jeff is back at Emory.

Because Jeff is a class act, he wasn't going to leave the Whistle Post on anyones terms but his own. Before Jeff jumped up on the stretcher, he yelled, in his Coach Blount voice 'I'm leaving, but ya'll have a great time'. To this, Jeff received a standing ovation.

Tina's sister and mother were at the benefit supporting Jeff and Tina.

Megan, Hannah and Christian.

The first act of the night.

Jeff's brother-in-law and nephew, Freddie and Christian.

Darlene Evans, right, is responsible for the DO NOT FEAR shirts.

KJ, left, is Jeff's cousin and responsible for organizing this event. Matt took the opportunity to thank everyone for supporting Jeff and his family. Look at Drew and Megan. If this is how they have to look up to their big brother, the are going to have neck problems before they reach high school.

I hope Tina doesn't think that Matt is still one of her babies because we saw the 'young man' last night. Cancer is an emotional roller coaster and as much as the family tries to protect Megan and Drew from those things they should never have to witness, they are still aware that something is happening, especially Drew. Last night, Matt was their rock.

Jeff's Aunts: Jeff's dad has many sisters!

Thanks to Salem Coaches/ Faculty, students, athletes, family, friends and everyone else who was able to make the benefit last night. The first report I heard was that the benefit raised a few dollars shy of $5,000.00.

It is hard to tell, right now, how long Jeff will be at Emory. According to Tina, Emory Hospital shuts down on the weekend so it might not be until tomorrow that Jeff meets with a neurologist to try to determine the cause of the seizure.

UPDATE AUGUST 16 2008 SATURDAY

2008-08-16T07:54:00.002-04:00

So, we had a small set back yesterday afternoon and Jeff is back at Emory for some precautionary tests. No worries right now. If everything tests okay, Jeff will be back at home this afternoon. Hopefully, I can be more specific after I talk to Tina this morning.

On a positive note, I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the benefit tonight at the Whistle Post Tavern!!!!

SATURDAY AUGUST 16 2008 WHISTLE POST TAVERN BENEFIT

2008-08-15T09:37:00.002-04:00

This is a reminder that the benefit at the Whistle Post Tavern is tomorrow night. The event starts at 6pm with live music starting at 7pm.

UPDATE: Jeff is doing good. Tina worked yesterday and left Jeff home with Harry. He showered, watched a movie and slept.

DO NOT FEAR SHIRTS $10.00

2008-08-13T10:17:00.004-04:00

Jeff is going to cry when he sees this. Darlene & Black Ink, in Conyers, have been working feverishly this past week to get this shirt together in time for the benefit this weekend. The shirts will come in Salem and UGA colors. There will be some kids sizes. Do not fear, if they are sold out on Saturday, more will be made and sold at Serendipity, next to Milano's in Conyers off Flat Shoals and Hwy 138. The cost of the shirt is $10.00. Casey Black, Black Ink, put this together for Darlene at cost with all the proceeds going to the Jeff Blount Benefit Fund. Whether you are a football fan or not, we need to get these shirts and fill the stands on Friday August 29 when Salem HS opens up against Heritage at Evans Stadium 7:30pm.

UPDATE AUGUST 13 2008

2008-08-13T08:46:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a great day! Tina received a call, mid evening, that Emory collected more than enough stem cells. Now, they will sift though the cells to make sure they are healthy and if so, they will start to harvest new ones.

Jeff was feeling well enough, last night, to go to football practice with his father, Drew and Megan. Why Tina would trust Jeff around a football practice baffles me. As you can imagine, his adrenaline started pumping as soon as he got there and the 'coach' came out for as long as his body could stand before he pooped out and sat down. It may have been too late by that time because according to Tina, Jeff over did it last night. All that means is that he may be feeling even more fatigued than his norm these days.

By the time Jeff got home, Tina had a spaghetti pizza bake and chocolate cake, from Amy Neidigh, waiting for him. Amy made an interesting dish that the Blount's have never had, but they loved it. This was such a favorite to Megan that she brought it to school for lunch today.

Jeff closed the evening down with a visit from his other kids (students). He had a visit with Danny, Josh, Blake and Shea. Danny and Josh are headed off to UGA today (good luck) and wanted to see Jeff before they left.

Today is another round of doctor visits. Jeff has a little bit of a cough (last night) that Tina is going to have the doctor look at, but everything else is routine visit stuff.

REMINDER: The benefit at the Whistle Post Tavern is coming up on Saturday. It starts at 6pm with live music at 7pm. There is no cover charge to get in.

SIDE NOTE: Arlene Musgrove, a fellow Prospect Methodist Church member, made Jeff and Tina chicken and dumplins on Monday night that Tina said melted in her mouth. Once January rolls around and Jeff is healthy again, I propose a bake off amongst all of these women who are participating in the food drive (I want good food) Notice, my name is not on the cooking list- there is definitely a reason for that.

UPDATE TUESDAY AUGUST 12 2008 FROM TINA

2008-08-12T10:41:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted you to know the update for today.
We had to be back at Emory this morning at 7:30 (traffic was terrible!!!) and they are collecting Jeff's stem cells right now!!!! They will collect for about 5 hours and around 1 or 1:30 we should be able to go home! The stem cells will be sent to the lab and they will check to see how many have been collected. The lab will call us around 5:30 or 6:00 tonight to let us know if we need to come back tomorrow for another collection or if they have enough. Hopefully they will get enough today. We still have to come back tomorrow for a doctors appointmet at 9:30am (that is better than 7:30!!!!)
Jeff is asleep right now. This is so cool how they collect these stem cells!!
Jeff is still having a terrible time with Headaches!! Please keep praying for him.
Tina

UPDATE AUGUST 11 2008 MONDAY

2008-08-11T09:05:00.002-04:00

I am sure there is someone out there upset over the lack of posts this weekend, but there was nothing new to post! Things are moving along. Jeff is dealing with the effects of chemotherapy and although they are undesirable effects, it is nothing like what he went through weeks ago. He did have a couple of transfusions since Friday and topped his day off, on Sunday, with 4 hours of a potassium drip.

Jeff and Tina are now at Emory and should know shortly whether the doctors will be able to collect stem cells today. If not today, they will try tomorrow. Fortunately, this is all out patient.

While Jeff and Tina were dealing with transfusions and potassium, Drew was spending the weekend at the baseball field with the Lewis'. The 9-10 Rhino's played in a tournament in Monroe and Cody Lewis was asked to join them, so Drew went to support his friend. In between playing with other kids, Drew does make himself useful to anyone who needs help because he is a great kid. On Sunday morning, upon arriving to the fields, a man unknown to Melissa walked by and said 'hi' to Drew. Melissa asked him if he knew Drew. The man told Melissa that Drew was in the score box with him on Saturday and was talking his ear off. At one point, the man thought 'is this kid ever going to shut up?'. Then Drew told him about Jeff and his battle with cancer. The man told Melissa that he was so touched, he wanted to give Drew a big hug and keep talking to him.

Finally, thank you to Stacey Hullett and her parents for bringing a huge meal to Jeff and Tina on Friday night. They brought a ham, macaroni & cheese, green bean casserole, homemade bread and a chocolate cake. And thank you to JoAnne Treadwell for rounding out the weekend with stuffed shells, bread and salad. Tina said that the highlight of their days has become 'what are we eating for dinner tonight?'. At the least, this has become a constant they can depend on when everything else is topsy turvy.

UPDATE AUGUST 8 2008 PM

2008-08-08T14:02:00.003-04:00

It is worth mentioning that Tina and Jeff received very positive news today. The chemotherapy is working and has wiped out his stem cells/ white blood cells completely. It's making Jeff feel horribly, but its necessary. He is at Emory now. He went in for a routine visit, but is low on platelets and hemoglobin, so he before he leaves, he will receive a blood transfusion and something else.

Next week is a busy week. Now that the stem cells are wiped out, Jeff will start receiving medications that will encourage new stem cell growth. If the doctors can retrieve good stem cells, they will be able to start harvesting Jeff's own cells and use those for his stem cell procedure. Otherwise, Jeff will have to have donor cells.

For more on bone marrow and stem cell transplants to treat lymphoma, please click the following: http://www.lymphomainfo.net/therapy/transplants/bmt.html

UPDATE AUGUST 8 2008

2008-08-08T09:01:00.003-04:00

***Please note, while Jeff is feeling well and things are quiet, there may be fewer posts- mostly when there's nothing new to post***

A week from tomorrow, KJ, Jeff's cousin, will be hosting a benefit at the Whistle Post Tavern in Conyers. The event starts in the evening. I need to confirm the times and then I will post. I know KJ is looking for things to auction if anyone has something they would like to donate. I am sure he is also in need of help if anyone wants to volunteer. Please email him at thewizard54@aol.com.

Kellie Rainwater showed up at the Blount house last night, bearing cornbread and potato soup. According to Tina, Kellie makes the best soup in all the US. She has no recipe to share with the rest of us, she just adds stuff as she goes and so its a little different every time.

Today, Jeff is spending the morning at Emory. He was sluggish yesterday due to dehydration. He was able to see one of his local doctors during the afternoon and once hydrated, was fine. Today is a routine visit to Emory. Jeff actually got out of the house briefly with his cousin to go visit Darlene Evans.

To the men who read this blog, start paying attention (to Jeff) and taking notes because Jeff has women, including myself, coming out of the wood work. I had no idea, until recently, how many women love this guy. Ladies, what is it that draws us to him? Jeff has some secret mojo going on that entrances the ladies. Thank God, Tina is secure and far from jealous!

Worth noting, SHS's first varsity game is Friday August 29th. I will post a schedule soon.

MELANIE MAHONEY IS SUPPORTING JEFF FROM LOUISVILLE, KY BY ORGANIZING HER OWN FUNDRAISER

2008-08-07T15:03:00.004-04:00

As you all know I have been running longer than I have known how to tie my shoes. For the most part running has always been a part of my life and has provided an escape for me whether it was to compete, alleviate stress, fitness, or just for sheer enjoyment. I LOVE RUNNING! Recently, I learned a friend and colleague of mine was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Jeff Blount, a teacher and coach at Salem High School was a friend and mentor to me while I taught at Salem. He and his family have been through a great deal of obstacles in his fight with cancer, most recently lymphoma meningitis. After reading the blog he and his family created, I decided I needed to do something to help, but what?? Jeff has been involved with football since he was in the womb – seriously – can you imagine, 41 years of football? He has taught high school social studies and coached football since graduating from college. AND, he is probably the biggest die-hard University of Georgia fan I know. Jeff has had an impact like no other on the students and people around him. I don’t think I can recall a conversation we had without a mention of football or running. He really does love the game! I think Jeff loves football as much as I love running, SO, I decided I would start “RUNNING WITH PURPOSE”. This October, I plan to run the Columbus ½ marathon, and with each step I run, it is my intention to “STOMP OUT CANCER”. Jeff is in for the game/race of his life, and he needs a lot of special team and defensive players to help him battle this enemy that has taken over his body. What am I going to do? As Jeff would say, “DO NOT FEAR”, I am planning to “RUN THROUGH THE FINISH AN D OUTRUN CANCER”. I will be running 5 races in the next 12 months totaling 45.5 miles. These races include:

Columbus ½ marathon 13.1 miles October 19, 2008
Harvest 5K 3.1 miles November 22, 2008
Rodes City Run 6.2 miles March 21, 2009
Papa John’s Ten Miler 10.0 miles April 11, 2009
Louisville Mini-Marathon 3.1 miles April 25, 2009

My goal is to raise $5000.00 for the Jeff Blount Fund. If you would like to sponsor me in this endeavor, all contributions will go directly to the Jeff Blount Fund at the Bank of North Georgia or you can send donations directly to Jeff Blount Fund, c/o Bank of North Georgia, 1981 Highway 138, Conyers, GA, 30094. You can visit Jeff’s blog at http://jeffblount.blogspot.com/. If you would like to participate and “RUN WITH PURPOSE” all you need to do is sign up for a local race and raise money to contribute to the Jeff Blount Fund. Any amount you contribute will be very appreciated by Jeff and his family. Please help me “RUN WITH PURPOSE” and help Jeff through this fight. Join me in helping give back to someone who has given so much to his community.

Sincerely,
Melanie Mahoney

UPDATE AUGUST 6, 2008 WEDNESDAY

2008-08-06T11:15:00.002-04:00

So far, so good! Who really knows what's going on in Jeff's head. Where's Dr. House when you need him? He did great last night. Enjoyed chicken and rice from Judy Kelly. I've seen Jeff eat after the nausea medicine settles in and he has a healthy appetite, so I am sure he was a happy man to be able to come home to a homemade meal after spending the entire day at Emory.

Today, he is lounging around at the house with Tina and watching TV.

UDPATE AUGUST 5 2008 PM

2008-08-05T14:10:00.002-04:00

The doctors at Emory still do not know what is causing the severe headaches that Jeff is having, but his CT scan and chest xray both look good. They are testing his cerebral fluids and those results should come back soon. They went ahead and gave him the chemotherapy to his head. I think this was supposed to happen tomorrow, but while they were there, they went ahead and did it. Jeff lasted about 5 minutes before the 'you know what' hit the fan. He was then given something to stop the vomiting. He is waiting to see another doctor and for the other results to come back and then he should be heading home.

7:30pm Jeff and Tina are back home enjoying a chicken and rice dinner from Judy Kelly.

UPDATE AUGUST 5 2008 9:23AM

2008-08-05T09:21:00.003-04:00

And, he's..... back at Emory! I know, I thought the same thing when Tina called me this morning. Jeff's headaches were becoming too much for him to manage and Tina finally put her foot down this morning and told Jeff to get his butt out of bed, she was taking him back to the hospital. It's almost like his head knew what was going to happen because the pain moved into high gear on the way and Jeff was sick the entire drive.

Right now, he is medicated in the ER and preparing for a CT scan of his head. As soon as I hear something, I will post. No mention to the kids right now, they are happily at school unaware of anything.

By the way, if you missed the excellent article in the Rockdale Citizen this weekend, here is the link http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&SubSectionID=4&ArticleID=3771

Aug. 4 - Monday

2008-08-04T19:13:00.002-04:00

This is my first post in quite a while. I hope everyone saw the you tube interview on the site, it really came from my heart and it marks my reflections on everybody. I'm glad to be back home to create some normalcy for my kids. This crazy schedule was about all that they could take and they were glad to have us home. I wish I was starting school and football, but that's going to have to wait until I get completely healthy.

I hope everyone gets off to a great start to the school year and know that I will be thinking about you. It's tough knowing that I will not be back to school until January, I think this brought more shock to me then the actual disease.

Since I've been home, I have been slowly getting back my strength. I have been pumping the medication into me as I've been getting ready for the stem-cell collection. I have been suffering through some major headaches and some nauses sicknessess. The biggiest thing that I've got to be aware of is fever. I will keep on working to get stronger everyday and you guys continue to pray..........Until next time...........DO NOT FEAR........Jeff Blount

UPDATE AUGUST 2 2008 SATURDAY

2008-08-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

Everything is going well. Jeff isn't feeling 'great', but compared to 2 weeks ago, I am sure he would say that he is a million dollars, one that's been roughed up a little. Tina is back in mommy mode. She is going out today to find Megan the perfect backpack to start school with.

Last night, was chicken stir fry night. Our dinner volunteers continue to tempt a man who spends 90% of the time nauseated, to eat and Tina loves it. Thanks to Alisa Begitschke for the wonderful chicken stir fry meal and cookies.

Tina is hopeful that once Jeff settles down and has a quiet moment, he will be able to publish a post, himself. Check back soon.

FRIDAY AUGUST 1 2008 JEFF IS HOME!

2008-08-01T09:07:00.002-04:00

It took Jeff about 2 seconds from crossing the thresh hold of his home to get comfortable and back into his routine. Tina, on the other hand, wants to be home, but also wants that nurse button to push when she has questions or concerns. She said that Jeff slept soundly. He even woke up in the middle of the night for a snack. When he got up this morning, he hit the shower and is ready to start the day.

Tina laid awake most of the night worrying about the 'unknown', but she has a full day ahead with the kids and open house at Honey Creek so hopefully this will serve as a distraction and things will start returning to normal at the Blount household.

UPDATE JULY 31 2008

2008-07-31T09:44:00.002-04:00

Similar to day 4 and 5 of the first course of VTEPA, Jeff is lethargic, tired and feeling crappy. Today, being the last day, Jeff will receive a 6 hour bag of chemotherapy. He will also undergo a procedure to remove the pick line, that is currently in his chest, to have a larger central line installed. This will allow for the removal of stem cells as they prepare for the stem cell procedure in the weeks to come.

There are several things to be excited about today. The last test of Jeff's cerebral fluid showed ZERO meningitis cells. Although he is still experiencing severe headaches, the doctor said this could be the result of swelling in the mengies due to the meningitis. And, it looks as if the Blounts will not be extending their stay at Emory past tonight or tomorrow. There is a chance he is going to be released tonight, but it not, tomorrow (heads up dinner volunteers).

UPDATE JULY 30 2008

2008-07-30T10:17:00.002-04:00

Tina and Jeff have officially been residence of Emory University Hospital two weeks, today. Today is day 4 of 5 of the VTEPA treatment (5 day drip). Everything is moving along well with this course of treatment. He wasn't as lucky as he had hoped with the dose of chemo that was injected into the port to treat the meningitis. Perhaps his tolerance is building because he lasted a whole 5 minutes from the time of the injection to when he started getting sick. Saturday it was less than a minute.

The other news is that there is a little chatter about possibly coming home at the end of this week. Nothing has been confirmed, but if all continues to go well, that is a possibility.

UPDATE JULY 29 2008

2008-07-29T13:13:00.003-04:00

Things are moving along. Drew had tryouts last night and told Jeff that he was running through people. Both kids will be visiting this afternoon. Jeff continues to improve, but today is going to be one of those days. He is on 3 of 5 with the chemotherapy drip AND he will have the other chemotherapy injected into the port to treat the meningitis. If you remember from Saturday, the port was used and within moments of receiving the treatment, Jeff ended up sick. Tina said that he seemed a little worried about this earlier this morning.

Side notes, the Rockdale Citizen has contacted Tina and Jeff and is going to run a story about this journey they did not choose to be on. Also, Mickey Walker, a RYBA parent, was nice enough to go and get school supplies for the kids so that Tina did not have to worry with it. The amazing thing about Mickey is that she doesn't even know Tina or Jeff, but was eager to help.

UPDATE JULY 28 2008 10:15AM

2008-07-28T10:11:00.002-04:00

Today is day 2 of the 5 day drip and so far, so good. Jeff had a great Sunday. He was feeling great, had lots of visitors and was awake the entire day. Tina anticipated a quiet night, but Jeff was restless. He has a lot on his mind including tonight's pee wee football tryouts. This will be the first tryout that Jeff's missed since Drew started playing. Do we have any scouts who can attend the tryouts and take some notes for Jeff? Someone get in touch with Teri Cole. I've heard he's the 'go to' man in situations like this (Valentine's Day).

As Jeff gets closer to day 4 and 5, his stress level elevates. Last time, it was day 4 and 5 that really made him sick. He discussed this with his doctor and was told that each round of chemo is like a different football game. Hopefully this is a good game for Jeff.

UPDATE JULY 27 2008 SUNDAY

2008-07-27T11:29:00.002-04:00

First, thanks to Greg and Debbie Chapman for giving Jeff and Tina a laptop! Tina thought she was going to have to leave the hospital today to go home and pay bills, but is now able to handle every bit of it in Jeff's room.

Jeff started the VTEPA (5 day drip) early this morning. He is feeling good. Frontera was good to him last night, no upset stomach. The meningitis cell count is down to 17!

Here is more information about VTEPA and the doctor who started this course of action. This is also the doctor that his treating Jeff. http://lib.bioinfo.pl/auth:Heffner,LT

WEEKEND UPDATE JULY 26-27 1008

2008-07-26T22:32:00.007-04:00

Lumbar puncture that was supposed to happen yesterday, did not. Jeff was having some back pains, under went an MRI and the results were clear for any cancer on his spine. Today, Jeff spent a lot of time with family. Lacey brought Varsity. Jeff enjoyed the Varsity, the first time (keep reading). This afternoon, the doctors were cleared to use the port in his head to administer chemotherapy. Tina was amazed how how much easier it was to withdraw spinal fluid and inject the chemotherapy. While the doctor was pushing the chemotherapy through the syringe, he told Jeff that if he was going to be sick, it would be within the first hour. He walked out the door and Jeff started vomiting (the Varsity- second time).
Jeff was given medicine for nausea that knocks him out so when I arrived, he was sound asleep under his UGA blanket. Prior to leaving Conyers, I called Tina beforehand to see if I could bring her food. She had said that the likelihood of Jeff being hungry was low so I only brought Frontera for the two of us, but lots of it. Halfway through dinner, Jeff woke up and was hungry. He had what was left of Tina's Crazy Taco, cheese dip and ice cream. He topped it all off with a pepcid from his evening nurse.

We all know that eating Mexican food will make you tired and shortly after eating, Jeff hopped back into bed and fell asleep watching racing on tv.

This was the meal that Emory delivered before Jeff ate Mexican.

This is a view from the door as you walk in. The bathroom is on your left. Tina is in the back of the room on the laptop. Jeff was given a laptop as a gift from a friend and so they are now back in communication via email. Since they've been at Emory this time, he's been unable to read all the comments everyone is sending so Tina read them out loud while Jeff laid in bed. They are in a corner suite so there is a small view outside in the left corner of the room.

This was the procedure that Jeff had on Thursday to install the port in his head. Those are staples holding the incision together. The incision is shaped like a horse shoe. The port is located halfway between each end of the horse shoe- see the dot. Whenever the doctor needs fluid or to inject anything, he does it through that tiny spot.

Tomorrow, Jeff will be starting the 5 day drip. They decided they could start it a day early. He should also be receiving the results back from the spinal fluid that was withdrawn today. Last test, the meningitis cells were at 87 so anything lower than 87 is good.