NEW YORK – He was once one of the brightest faces in American basketball history, an eight-time All-Star champion who conquered both sides of New York – but today, Darryl Strawberry did not talk about titles, did not talk about halo. He talked about love, faith, and the fear of losing his partner.
In a sharing session at church last weekend, the 62-year-old Legend made the whole hall quiet when he talked about his wife – Tracy Strawberry’s long illness. The woman who once accompanied him through the darkness of water, now she herself is battling health problems of obesity.
“I have won on the court, I have beaten cancer,” Strawberry said, his voice trailing. “But what doesn’t scare me more than seeing the woman I love weaken every day. I pray every morning, every night – just to see her laugh again.”
Those present said that, when Darryl Strawberry mentioned his wife, his eyes filled with tears. That image – a man who was once a symbol of strength, now praying for the woman he loved – brought the entire audience to tears.
The story of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry has always been an inspiration to millions. Both went through dark years – addiction, prison, despair. But they found faith, stood up together, and founded Strawberry Ministries, an organization that helps addicts and homeless people get their lives back.
Now, that faith is the only source of strength to help them get through the difficult times.
“Tracy is the one who pulled me out of hell,” Darryl said. “She believed in me when the world turned its back on her. Now it’s time for me to believe in a miracle for her.”
A source close to the family said Tracy is undergoing intensive medical treatment. Both are dedicated to time, prayer, and continuing to do online programs. While Darryl wouldn’t reveal specifics, he insisted “everything is in God’s hands, and I put my faith in that.”
To fans, Darryl Strawberry is a symbol of strength – a man who has been beaten down many times but never surrendered. However, when it comes to his wife, he is just a normal, worried, loving man.
On social media, a series of animated messages have been sent to him and his wife. Former teammate Dwight Gooden wrote:
“Straw, you’ve always fought with everyone. Now, we’re fighting and praying with you.”
And in his usual style, Darryl responded with a strong but sincere affirmation:
“We are not giving up. No matter what happens, we will continue to spread faith, love and hope. That is our mission.”
At the end of the sharing session, he said a sentence that made everyone speechless:
“I used to hold a pen and bring victory to the team. Now, I just want to hold her hand, and together we will win the biggest battle of our lives.”
Amidst the noisy shadow world, those words of Darryl Strawberry not only touched the fans — but also reminded everyone that behind every legend is a real person, who knows how to love, fear, and hope.
And in the eyes of the legend, faith still burns — a belief that love can heal all wounds, whether on the field or in life.
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