This week’s story needs to be about the Foundation night at the Chukars game last Saturday. I want to thank Kevin Greene, and the entire Chukars staff for letting me have a booth at these games and for all of their support.
In the past, my only source of raising money was selling raffle tickets. But thanks to my adopted granddaughter Sydney and her Mom, we had breast cancer awareness bracelets and earrings to sell. They are very beautiful, and I knew I had to have one of my own. (Okay, all you wise guys, before you go there, I’m talking about a bracelet, not the earrings!) We sold quite a few bracelets and earrings. I’m so grateful to Sydney and her Mom for all their hard work and generosity.
The most important thing I was reminded of this night, was how blessed I am for the friends I have in my life. Cassidy was in Salt Lake with her Mom, so I needed some help with the taffy toss. I want to thank Jeff Riggins, Carter Riggins and Taylor Hale for their help. They are great young men and I’m proud to call them my friends. I also want to thank Nate Esplin and his family for their help. They have always been willing to help me with my projects, and it was great to see the kids in their Crusade Against Cancer t-shirts.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the Wild Adventure Corn Maze group show up for the game. In case you didn’t know already, this year’s theme for the corn maze is “Hope for a Cure” dedicated to the Shannon Wilker Foundation and cancer research. They are a wonderful family and great friends. After I got through closing up the booth, I decided to go sit with them, so we could catch up and talk a little about some ideas for this fall. I found myself thinking about the first time I helped them with the Corn Maze. It was the year after Shannon passed away, and it gave my life a meaning and a purpose, even if it was only for a little while. Richard and his wife Chris were so caring and considerate to me. Their kids are all very hard workers. I really enjoyed working with them especially Jeremy and Marissa. They are both great examples and role models for their younger siblings. This family reached out to me when I needed some support and friendship the most. They have always been there for me. I want them to know how much I appreciate them and I’m looking forward to making more great memories together.
As I was driving home, my heart was full of love and warmth from all these great friends. I know it made my Angel Shannon happy as well. I will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart.
Next week: Buddy’s Restaurant
P.S. The reason I will never go into the corn maze: I’m pretty sure no one would come looking for me.