Hunter's Hope

-
In keeping with the bitter and sweet discussions...today is one of my favorite days of the year - the Hunter's Hope Day of Celebration at the Bills Fieldhouse. (1 to 4 PM)

First of all, how can you not love to participate something that has hope in the title? Hope is the one word we need to hold onto, no matter where we stand, and no matter how many times our hopes are dashed.

That's why we can start every year thinking...I hope the Sabres win the cup...I hope the Bills make the playoffs...hope makes the world go around - even when it is not based on anything tangible.

And there is nothing better than hope realized, right? I hope I get my check today becomes...I got my check today, weeeeeeee!

I hope the Yankees win the World Series becomes 'Welcome, the 27-time World Champion Yankees'.

And we always need something to look forward to.

What are we without hope in our hearts that someday we'll drink from God's Blessed waters? (Listen to the words!)

When you're talking about a life - particularly the life of a sick child - hope takes on a whole 'nother meaning.

Whenever I go to the Hunter's Day of Hope I look at the photos of Hunter Kelly. I listen to the music, sign a few books (I'm not doing that today), and fall on my face trying to run the obstacle course.

I think back to when my boy was sick, and how I hoped and hoped, and hoped.

I think of some of the sick children I've met while visiting Women & Children's Hospital, and how much hope their parents hold out in often horrifying situations.

And I think about hope.

Hope that we can taste the sweet with the bitter.

See you there? Come and get a little hope.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more