If I get just one wish.....

Please stick with me on this post. A little longer than usual but I think it's worth it. I was watching a show about the Santa Claus industry last night. Yep, they have everything but a company dental plan. The people who play Santa do very well. And they should. Who else can bring happiness to kids in high stress situations? But what struck me was a comment from a Santa in Oklahoma or Arizona. (what does it matter) He said, "None of us get started for the money. We do it because we just want to grant one wish." So I got to thinking if I got just one wish, what would it be? Easy.

It starts with a bike ride. Back in 1990 or 1991 I was giving some of my regular customers the business about drinking water and they told me they had to do a 100 mile bike ride in the morning. "A peddle bike? Oh, how horrible." So they asked me to back up my mouth and ride with them. I didn't have a bike and hadn't been on one in at least 10 years and told them so. Well they had an extra and my machismo was on the line. So off to Wichita Falls, Texas for the annual Hotter than Hell 100. And it certainly was hotter than hell. And 100 miles. In tennis shoes and denim shorts. I chafed so bad I walked side saddle for two weeks afterward.

From this painful beginning I got the bug. I trained and bought a bike for the next year. But I knew I needed more motivation. And I had great customers that loved hearing my war stories and didn't mind donating to good charities. So I decided to get "pledges" for each mile I completed. If they donated $1 per mile and I finished they kicked $100. Pretty damn cool. All I needed was a charity. I chose Children's Medical Center of Dallas. And the donations started flowing. We are the greatest people on Earth when it comes to charity. I was over 7 thousand dollars when I called the Hospital to tell them what I had done. They said "No thanks". What?

I was stunned. But they did not want anyone using the name of the hospital to collect money. After talking to 4 or 5 different people I finally got an interview with one of the directors. I apologize but I cannot recall her name. She came out to my bar to meet me and explained that they would allow me to collect and donate the money to them on one condition. I had to visit the hospital and see what they did first hand. That's it? I told her I would follow her right then.

We started the tour on the floor where the family of the child stays. I met several Mothers and Fathers and I will never forget the look they gave me when they heard what I was doing. And I also will never forget what true courage looks like. Try and smile while your child is dying and it can't be stopped. I don't know how they did, but they did. All the arrogance and pride I walked through the door with was gone. I was doing what I was called to do. Nothing more than that. If I live to be 99 years old I won't forget that day. But it wasn't over. Not even close.

Then we went to see the kids. Some were bald from the treatment. Some were bedridden entirely. Too sick to stand. In all I met nine kids. 9 miracles. 9 reasons to never lose sight of how blessed I am. 9 faces that looked up to me and laughed at some corny jokes. 9 pairs of eyes that twinkled with life that was slowing leaking away from them. 9 beautiful, perfect children. 9 examples of innocence that didn't deserve the hand they had been dealt. 9 reasons to question God. 9 answers.

And that wish I wanted? Just let at least one still be alive. At least one.



Till Next........







Till next.......