Shannon and I always loved Christmas. We enjoyed shopping for presents, putting up decorations, and driving around to see the Christmas lights. We started our own Christmas traditions, which I try to keep each year. The best one by far is to wrap presents, while listening to Twisted Christmas by Bob Rivers. My favorite song is the Twelve Pains of Christmas. It’s a classic!
This time of year helps me remember the blessings in my life. I want to tell you about an event that happened this week that reminds me just how blessed I am for the wonderful people I have met through the Foundation.
Last year, Brittany from Teton Cancer told me they have some out-of-town patients that need lodging, and asked if I could help. I went to the Holiday Inn Express, and that’s where I met the manager Melanie Murdock. She was so nice and generous, and gave me a fantastic deal on some hotel room certificates.
So, last week, I went to get some more certificates. Melanie came out and we had a great talk. She told me how much she appreciated what the Foundation was doing, and invited me to their company Christmas party on Wednesday. Oh, I know what you’re thinking. “Wouldn’t you be uncomfortable at a company party where you don’t know most of the people?” My two-word response is “FREE FOOD!”
When I arrived at the party, Melanie introduced me to the CEO of the company. He shook my hand and introduced me to his young grandson who had just arrived in town. We both agreed grandchildren are the best thing God has put on the planet. Melanie told me she wanted to introduce me to the staff and have me tell them about the Foundation.
When it was time, I introduced myself, and explained how the Foundation was started, and how I met Melanie. I told them how we had formed a terrific partnership to help provide lodging for cancer patients and their families. I ended my remarks by telling them about the Shannon Wilker Foundation Night Out, and how Channel 3 did a Pay It Forward segment on it. The CEO spoke up and said “I watched that. That was a great story!”
The lunch was fantastic, and I was really enjoying my conversations with the staff. The CEO got up and thanked everyone, especially Melanie for their hard work and dedication. He said he wanted to stay, but his family had just arrived from Hawaii and he was leaving to go spend time with them. As he started towards the door, I walked over and shook his hand. “It was really nice meeting you,” I said. “It’s nice meeting you, and I’d like to talk to you for a minute,” he replied.
We walked out to the lobby, and he told me how impressed he was with the Foundation and its purpose. “We have five properties in town, and always have extra rooms. If you have a special need for someone, we want to be partners with you and help them,” he said. I was overcome with gratitude, and told him how much that would help. We agreed to keep in touch and both agreed how nice it’s going to be working together to help our community.
Wonderful people like this who are willing to help people every day of the year, are a great example of the true meaning of Christmas. They are a blessing in my life. I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas, and hope you make some magical memories with your families. I want to wish my Angel Shannon a special Merry Christmas from our whole family. We will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart!
Next week: Happy New Year 2018
P.S. I’m guessing my fouls at basketball kept me on the naughty list this year.