Over the years, I've met numerous MN Vikings, been to more sporting and theater events, been invited into the studio of a radio station, been to parties and celebrations all because of my kids!
Consider this year.
- I've met and spent time with Tony Hawk. My oldest son was shown by Tony Hawk how to turn around on a half-pipe. Our entire family traveled to Chicago to do this thanks to Make-A-Wish
- I've met and spent time with 'Go Fish'. My second oldest son sang on stage with them. Our family traveled to Sioux Falls thanks again to Make-A-Wish.
- I've been to a MN Wild game, several Twins games, to a few theater productions.
- And today I shook hands with Stephane Veilleux and Pierre-Marc Bouchard from the MN Wild because Vicki happened to be in the hospital.
All of this happened in one year!
Here I am simply doing what God asked me to do and He's giving me all these wonderful opportunities. By no means do I worship any one of the famous people I've met. However, I do consider it a great honor to have had a chance to be next to them for a moment. They lead such different lives as famous people, but each of them has taken time to give back and put a smile on the faces of my kids and myself as well.
It's interesting to me that if I had not taken these children into my home, I never would have had these experiences. When we set out to adopt kids, we weren't really counting on any benefits. It doesn't really enter your mind - 'Hey if we adopt so and so, then in 10 years we can meet Tony Hawk. OK, I'll take that one.'
Today's visit was a big treat for me. I had been with Vicki in the hospital since Thursday night when she broke her left femur. It had to be surgically put back together. She had been a trooper, but we were both very tired. We were working on going home. She was up in her chair and we were about to go for a walk. We heard a buzz and someone said there are hockey players in the building. My ears perked up - I love hockey. We were about to leave the room when someone asked if we'd like to see the players from the Wild. 'Sure' I said. Before I knew it Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Stephane Villeux were in the room introducing themselves to Vicki and me. They shook my hand and I asked if they would mind signing the dog (Hajik). They said sure. I introduced Vicki (I wasn't a complete fool) and they gave her a T-shirt, signed their cards, said Hi to her and were on their way.
It had to have been less than a minute. After they left, I was speaking to someone with them who I believe works for the Wild. I told him how important this is for the kids AND the parents. His response was excellent. He said that this was a terrible time of year to be in the hospital and visits like this bring us back down to earth and remind us what's really important. I heard a nurse say that they had a little boy down the hall who's been waiting ALL DAY to meet these two.
I had been exhausted from caring for my daughter. I spent less than 60 seconds with two of the best hockey players in Minnesota and my spirits were boosted. That little boy was recovering from whatever put him in the hospital. He met the players and his spirits were boosted too. To them, it's a simply autograph and a Hello. (I'm not saying the players take it lightly merely that they don't view it as being an imposition to autograph a card and say Hi to some kids in the hospital) To us, it gives energy to continue doing what we need to do.
What a treat for me at the end of a long ordeal. Thanks guys for taking the time.
I'm thankful for 'My tickets' to these cool opportunities. Thanks God.
