Blake Christiaan LaForce was only 18.7 years old when he crossed over to meet his maker. Blake flew on eagles wings back home to paradise, in heaven, on July 3, 2009. Blake was 16, a month before his 17th birthday (12/2/90), when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Blake looked very perplexed and asked us, “mom dad, what is leukemia?” Blake never blinked, wavered or asked why is this happening to me, as he took the news like a man he was, while we tried to explain and comfort him, ourselves in shock and denial. Blake did not know he had leukemia during the 2007 football season, as he played like the gifted athlete and champion he was and is, scoring touchdowns, making tackles and kicking the football. However looking back coaches and we noticed Blake getting fatigued quickly, in practice and games, which was one of various symptoms. TEAM BLAKE (family, friends, classmates, the community & the general public) was with Blake on his journey. This book consists of a journal, I wrote online to inform others of Blake's condition and progress, as well some of the many TEAM BLAKE expressions of prayer, scriptures, encouragement, support and love for Blake and us. Individuals confess how Blake and his journey have positively affected their lives, especially spiritually, as many TEAM BLAKE members have become closer to our God and Lord. I believe I am the biggest benefactor.
I sincerely hope that, Because of Blake, you are inspired and encouraged to strengthen your faith in God, so to help find your mission and true purpose in life. I hope you will feel and know why; we were blessed to have had Blake in our lives to help show us the way, in many ways. It is safe to say TEAM BLAKE will always remember Blake, his life purpose and honor his legacy.
We all are very blessed to have a Living God, Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Blake and we praised God in this storm and must continue to do so.
Mark LaForce (Blake’s dad)
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"If my facts are correct, it is my understanding that Blake knew that God would use him greatly. That is an understatement. Only our God could use a teenage boy to touch the hearts of thousands of people."
"Blake makes me want to serve God with more passion than ever before. To pray more, to fast more, to witness more, to make each day count. I am reminded that only what we do for God matters. Blake makes me want to make every second count."
"I hope this letter enforces what you already knew. Blake was a great man of God, and God used him mightily. What an over comer. What a world changer. There are many people that I want to meet and sit and talk with when I get to Heaven. Blake is surely one of them."
"I will never, ever forget your son. Please know that I am in prayer for you. Thank you again for raising a Hero that this generation so desperately needed."
In His Love,
MN
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"I never could have imagined that one of my closest childhood friends that I played football with for ten years could change my life and thousands of people around me."
"Blake throughout his entire battle showed a great deal of hard work and never showed any weakness. The characteristics Blake showed on the football field and off the field were very similar. On the field he was a brute and ran the ball like a warrior. He was one of those running backs that could run through a brick wall and it would not even faze him. When I walk into my high school weight room and smelled the stench of old sweat mixed with rusted metal it reminds of Blake because it was his territory and where he spent most of his time. Blake had rock hard muscles and veins popping out."
"On September 11, 2009 Blake's number forty-one jersey was officially retired from Vandalia-Butler football. His jersey now hangs in my high school as a memorial and so all can be reminded of his great legacy. I will always miss him and have him in my heart as someone who changed my life. He had many great qualities that I wish I had and hopefully someday I will have in my life. Blake lives on in our community and will be admired by many more people each time his story gets told."
Mark Owen LaForce understands, more than ever, what is important in life; God, family and others. As a bereaved, proud, and loving father, Mark learned firsthand that there is so much more to understand about why we, as human beings in God’s likeness, are here on earth. Because of Blake, Mark’s life purpose has come into focus.