This Sunday we were invited as guests, through CHOP, by the Eagles to attend the practice session at Franklin Field. When I got the call and said yes, I assumed we would meet a pack of CHOP families, get the free tickets and go sit in the stands. Nice way to spend Sunday. When we got there, our family along with one other family was met with a bunch of VIP lanyards and walked in though the field entrance. At first I was totally confused. Then it was shared with us we would be able to attend as VIP guests, be on the field, be set up to high five the players as they entered the field, get a special tent and then get autographs as players left. Was crazy- we had handlers for goodness sake!! Weird, weird and weird!!! Now, dont get me wrong, the boys and Dave and our good friend Peggy, enjoyed it!! I did as well. But weird weird weird. It felt like the thousands of eyes from the stand were looking at us and thinking exactly what I would have been thinking why do they get to be down there?? To be honest, I had a very hard time with it. When things like this happen it really hammers home that Colin has a true medical condition. And as odd as it sounds, my mind does not often drift there, call it self preservation. And because of that,this battle, he gets some perks. Then I felt like a baby ready to tantrum with my wha whahh, I dont want any perks, I just want a kid that never ever never ever never ever had cancer. Since that is not possible, I suppose I am grateful that Colin gets these opportunities. And importantly, William. As the sibling of a brother with cancer, his life is just not easy. At all. And I state again he amazes me with how he has handled it with such grace, dignity and patience. As we were in the high five line, I was vying for a good photo spot without security tackling the crazy mom with 3 cameras, Colin mentioned to me mom, thats who I want to meet- the cheerleaders. Big surprise that a soon to be 15 year old is distracted by the cheer leaders, cheering. I casually mentioned it as a joke to the very nice woman that was watching us, ya know mom to mom. Wouldnt you know, she went and organized a meet and greet with photos. Frankly, its a miracle Colin did not pass out. Every cheerleader shook his hand with a big HI COLIN and then surrounded him for a photo. Yes, he was a happy teenager. I was speaking with the Eagles organizer and she was sharing with me how the Eagles organization feels strongly about family and if they can do something to bring joy to a child and importantly, the siblings of the child that is ill, they really like to do that. They did a fantastic job and the day was very special for the kids. I am glad they had the opportunity. I cant take away the cancer so I will continue to work towards being humble and grateful for the opportunities it brings Colins way, no matter how hard it is. My whole goal this time has been driven towards the purpose of this cancer being an experience for Colin in a positively defining way. Not robbing him of who he is but helping him to evolve into a better, wiser, more understanding person. I hope it works. I really do. And if he gets some amazing perks along the way, I am glad those are what he will remember above the other not so fun days.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 19:43:07 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015