C.S. Lewis once stated, “The truth is, of course, that what one regards as interruptions are precisely one’s life.” On September 12, 2016, the interruption came as our Baylor freshman’s “cold symptoms” escalated into a cancer diagnosis within a few hours. Our beloved middle son Cole, who had dreamed of becoming a Baylor Bear, found himself in Baylor Scott and White Medical Center where he would be informed that the interruption, most likely, was lymphoma. Armed with a Presidential scholarship as well as a Hubler scholarship, Cole had entered Baylor with a vision of becoming a difference maker in the kingdom. His firm faith in hand and dreams in his heart. Full of vigor. Full of hope. Full of life. The interruption came.

Baylor, what our family longs to communicate is simply our humble gratitude for the countless ways you showed up, not only for Cole, but also how you walked alongside this Tennessee family in the shock, heartache, and grief of plans thwarted. You, as a university of higher learning, have encountered assaults on your character; however, the ways in which you cared for us in the aftermath of this painful interruption was not only staggering but an incredible testimony of a long-seated commitment by your institution, your trustees, and your vision to walk humbly before your God.

Baylor, we are forever grateful for Cole’s roommate and cherished friend, Austin Hagen; and his incredibly wise and Godly parents, Drs. Mike and Barb Hagen, who drove an hour from their home in order for our child not to be alone when receiving the news. With deep ties to Baylor as well as to the Lord, these health care professionals, not only helped with the arrangement of the biopsy; yet, they also walked deeply into our pain. To the bald headed boys (Austin, Zach, Kendall, Luke, and Karl), you have shown our son a glimpse of the lavish love of Jesus. Walking alongside a freshman in pain as you have faced your own new environment has been breathtaking. To the countless freshmen boys and girls (especially to those in South Russell), who have stood firm to celebrate the good and pray together, thank you. You, Baylor, exhibit a community of grace, laughter, and love like we have never experienced. Thank you, also, to the health care professional working on the frontline, Baylor’s nurse practitioner Lisa MacMaster. Thanks also to Dr. Doug McDonald and Dr Christian Cable, who not only confirmed the biopsy but sat with us listening to our hearts and sharing their professional knowledge and Jesus. Additionally, without the expertise and compassion of Baylor’s David Henry, our navigating this change at Baylor would have been far more difficult. Also, to the Baylor Tri Deltas, who came to visit Cole at St. Jude, thank you for your incredible encouragement, your endless compassion, and unmatched generosity in embracing our son and welcoming our family into your circle. Your kindness lifted our hearts in ways you will never know.

Baylor, you exhibit a rich community, enveloped in an unwavering commitment to not only excellence but also a passion for the very things that matter most. Our hope and prayer is that Cole will join you again one day soon after his treatment at St. Jude is completed.

Baylor, what we know is our God is good; and He takes great delight in doing all things well. You, as an institution, continue to amaze and astonish our family in how well you radiate His love and kindness through your community. We look forward to the day our son is healed, and Cole returns to the very place where life is lived fully, interruptions and all.

With grateful hearts,

Hunter and Leigh Harrison

Reed, Cole, and Clay