Hey,
I'm sitting here in a very foriegn place... my couch! I'm used to being at work and then packing my bags for a road trip to broadcast sports. But since my team didn't make it to nationals, this weekend, here I be... I am not sure what I should do. I have spent most of the last two days sleeping. I am usually up tuning in 'fox and friends' at 6am and enjoying a good morning with Steve, Gretchen, and Brian... I decided that tonight I am going to drive over to Fort Wayne, Indiana and catch a Komets hockey game. I have never been to one and since I have the weekend off, hey- why not?
It's really odd for me to have this much time to myself. A couple of friends at work wanted me to spend the weekend doing normal 'guy' things... y'know... clubbing, all the other things that THEY do... I smiled and am opting for hitting the road for Ft. Wayne. Nothing wrong with what they do... They like doing their thing. I have no problem with that. I may take them up on it some time. But I just prefer to go out of town tonight to catch a hockey game and maybe sneak in a little golf... ahhhh yes, GOLF... my favorite four letter word! :) How could someone who loves golfing as much as I do be so incredibly horrible at it? ahhhh yes, GOLF...
Friday, March 30, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Czechs and Balances
How do,
I am finally done with a boat load of games to broadcast this past weekend. I am happy to have been there, but man, I was so deprived of sleep over the last 5 days. Today at work, I got sick and I was supposed to go check out a movie tonight but cancelled that and went home to a much more glamorous dining experience: a chicken fingers TV dinner with a brownie that had the texture and depth of a hockey puck. It didn't really fill me up but the can of old barbeque flavored Pringles did hit the spot. I tried to fall asleep but here I sit and am catching up with emails and my friends journals/ blogs/ posts... etc...
The last two games I did last night were for youth hockey in Toledo. The '94 (birthyear) and '95 teams took on teams from the Czech Republic in some international matchups. It was so wonderful to watch the crowd get jacked up about the kids on both sides. The Czech kids came over to play some Detroit area teams and got to meet the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. They were from some town called Stratoniche (sp) which was about a couple hours away from Prague. Anyway, they played the Detroit area teams and came down on the last night they were going to be here to make their only Ohio appearance. After the games, the kids from Toledo and the Czechs all piled up and went to a dinner that the Toledo parents tossed. It was wonderful. I was sleepy and wanted to go home but knew that I had to at least put in an appearance. Well, I get there and head straight for the food. It was great. I had so much fun there and watching the 12 and 13 year-olds from two different countries break down barriers... just being typical kids. It was a riot. It should be duly noted that the kids from the Czech Republic are no different from our kids here when it comes to dealing with the language barrier... Both groups resorted to the same tactic when trying to break down various aspects of communication at it's most common denominator... they taught each other the curse words of each other's languages. Christian as I try to be, I couldn't help but smile and laugh out loud. Hockey players from two different countries and cultures showing that they have no problem in communication and didn't let anything stop them from having a good time together... I wish we adults were more like that...
I am finally done with a boat load of games to broadcast this past weekend. I am happy to have been there, but man, I was so deprived of sleep over the last 5 days. Today at work, I got sick and I was supposed to go check out a movie tonight but cancelled that and went home to a much more glamorous dining experience: a chicken fingers TV dinner with a brownie that had the texture and depth of a hockey puck. It didn't really fill me up but the can of old barbeque flavored Pringles did hit the spot. I tried to fall asleep but here I sit and am catching up with emails and my friends journals/ blogs/ posts... etc...
The last two games I did last night were for youth hockey in Toledo. The '94 (birthyear) and '95 teams took on teams from the Czech Republic in some international matchups. It was so wonderful to watch the crowd get jacked up about the kids on both sides. The Czech kids came over to play some Detroit area teams and got to meet the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. They were from some town called Stratoniche (sp) which was about a couple hours away from Prague. Anyway, they played the Detroit area teams and came down on the last night they were going to be here to make their only Ohio appearance. After the games, the kids from Toledo and the Czechs all piled up and went to a dinner that the Toledo parents tossed. It was wonderful. I was sleepy and wanted to go home but knew that I had to at least put in an appearance. Well, I get there and head straight for the food. It was great. I had so much fun there and watching the 12 and 13 year-olds from two different countries break down barriers... just being typical kids. It was a riot. It should be duly noted that the kids from the Czech Republic are no different from our kids here when it comes to dealing with the language barrier... Both groups resorted to the same tactic when trying to break down various aspects of communication at it's most common denominator... they taught each other the curse words of each other's languages. Christian as I try to be, I couldn't help but smile and laugh out loud. Hockey players from two different countries and cultures showing that they have no problem in communication and didn't let anything stop them from having a good time together... I wish we adults were more like that...
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Done for the season...
Ouch...
I guess that's all I've got the energy to muster right now. My Cherokee hockey club lost and were eliminated from the playoffs last night. I guess it didn't really bother me too much because absolutely no one gave us a chance and we beat Peoria last weekend to get this far. I was okay with things until I walked into our locker room. Then it hit me. Some of these guys I will never see again. They will go back to where they come from and move on with their lives. Some will tryout at higher levels next season and hopefully most will go to college and make something of themselves away from hockey. I saw a lot of hurt and tearful faces in the room. A couple of players always seem to touch my heart. Last year it was Jesper and Toby. This year, it was Tony and Z... Both didn't even try to hide their hurt at the season being over. I went up to each and didn't even stick a hand out to shake. I gave them each big bear hugs and both completely lost it. Tony will probably come back next year. He loves the game. As for Z, he has said he is done, even though he has another year of eligibility left. He's going to go back home to Chicago and get started on his life. I hope he changes his mind. But I get the feeling he'll be going to school and then make something of his life in Chi-town. Good for him. I gave a couple of hugs to a few others but mostly gave them handshakes. This time of year is always the hardest. It always means we part ways. The fond memories I have of the season that was... yeah, I enjoyed the hockey that was played. But it was the day to day doldrums of life on the road, that I miss and I'll miss this group of guys. I always got a kick out of watching them try and lay some weak lines on some of the girls that we came across both at home and on the road. They were pretty cool in that they would include me with the "hey Mik, ain't she hot? Or "whaddya think Mik?" I felt proud to be considered 'almost cool' enough to be one of the guys. But like I always told them "dude, when I look at a girl like that, the only thought that goes through my mind is 'gee, I wonder if her mom is pretty too?" Because I am OLD... I usually would keep to myself, but would joke around with the players and I really got a kick out of them. I'll miss them. I look forward to having some time to wind down. But I still have to broadcast the Hurster Cup Championship game today at 3:30pm and a couple of international youth games on Monday night. I look forward to some rest, but I still enjoy the insane schedule that I keep. It keeps me young... sort of.
I guess that's all I've got the energy to muster right now. My Cherokee hockey club lost and were eliminated from the playoffs last night. I guess it didn't really bother me too much because absolutely no one gave us a chance and we beat Peoria last weekend to get this far. I was okay with things until I walked into our locker room. Then it hit me. Some of these guys I will never see again. They will go back to where they come from and move on with their lives. Some will tryout at higher levels next season and hopefully most will go to college and make something of themselves away from hockey. I saw a lot of hurt and tearful faces in the room. A couple of players always seem to touch my heart. Last year it was Jesper and Toby. This year, it was Tony and Z... Both didn't even try to hide their hurt at the season being over. I went up to each and didn't even stick a hand out to shake. I gave them each big bear hugs and both completely lost it. Tony will probably come back next year. He loves the game. As for Z, he has said he is done, even though he has another year of eligibility left. He's going to go back home to Chicago and get started on his life. I hope he changes his mind. But I get the feeling he'll be going to school and then make something of his life in Chi-town. Good for him. I gave a couple of hugs to a few others but mostly gave them handshakes. This time of year is always the hardest. It always means we part ways. The fond memories I have of the season that was... yeah, I enjoyed the hockey that was played. But it was the day to day doldrums of life on the road, that I miss and I'll miss this group of guys. I always got a kick out of watching them try and lay some weak lines on some of the girls that we came across both at home and on the road. They were pretty cool in that they would include me with the "hey Mik, ain't she hot? Or "whaddya think Mik?" I felt proud to be considered 'almost cool' enough to be one of the guys. But like I always told them "dude, when I look at a girl like that, the only thought that goes through my mind is 'gee, I wonder if her mom is pretty too?" Because I am OLD... I usually would keep to myself, but would joke around with the players and I really got a kick out of them. I'll miss them. I look forward to having some time to wind down. But I still have to broadcast the Hurster Cup Championship game today at 3:30pm and a couple of international youth games on Monday night. I look forward to some rest, but I still enjoy the insane schedule that I keep. It keeps me young... sort of.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Strangers and Friends... nary the two shall meet... sort of
Wow.
I guess that's about all I can muster right now. I've got sooooo much stuff running through my head right now. I am just trying to process everything and it's all information overload. We went to Peoria (a novel in itself) and came from behind to eliiminate the Mustangs two games to one in the best of three series. We start the Hurster Cup finals on Thursday. We play Flint on Thursday, St. Louis on Friday, and Dubuque on Saturday. If we can make it to the Championship game on Sunday, we will qualify automatically for the national championship tournament.
Anyway, I was all set to come home after work and grab some dinner and just clean the place up since I haven't been home much at all (except to catch a nap)... Well, I decide to go over to my dad's old place to check on it. I see a woman in the distance as I get out of my car and head in toward my dad's... I was getting the mail and was coming back to my car when this person yells across to me if I could give her a ride somewhere. Under normal 'Mik' conditions, I would've ignored her and said 'no' and leave quickly. Afterall, it's the hood and you don't know what can happen. But I looked her in the eye and many thoughts from a book I've read and re-read, entered into my mind. The book is called 'Lifestories' from Mark Hall, the lead singer from the band Casting Crowns. In this book, he doesn't talk so much about the crafting of the songs that are featured in the book, but rather the stories behind each of the tunes and how he was led by God to create. Some seriously unfair and tragic things happened and yet these people's faith came through and touched Mark's heart. He talked about trying and failing, sometimes dropping the ball when he had chances to let Christ's love shine through him. I thought about this as I saw this woman (I have to be honest, in my mind, she clearly appeared to be a prostitute). I looked in her eyes and you didn't need to be a doctor to see that she had a defeated, 'hard life' look to her. I didn't know what to do, but I swallowed and decided to show some faith in God. "Sure, I'll give you a lift", I said. She thanked me and flashed a pained smile, rusty from lack of use. I had some junk on the front seat of my car which I quickly moved to the back. I moved everything and as she sat down, I looked at her face, up close. She looked to be in her mid to late forties. She looked like she was a pretty woman at one time. But circumstances, some tough choices, and pain = miserable life. Sooo... with me doing all this judging here, even though I'm trying not to, I sat in my seat and pulled away and she did most of the talking. It was about a 15 minute drive to where she needed to be. She said she was doing a 'house clean job' for a guy. And was going to another 'house clean job' on the other side of town. I didn't tell her that it was in the general direction of where I was going. She asked me if I dated. I said 'no'. She asked me a few other questions and when I kept my answers in short, but generic terms. She was trying to size me up. "Man, you are smart!" she exclaimed. "Nah, I'm not better than you or anyone else..." was my response. She told me her life story about the hard knocks (with plenty of f-bombs thrown in to spice it up...lol) and how she has an 11 year old son to try and take care of. She talked about the struggles she had and how she had so little hope. I could sense the hopelessness in her voice. I just prayed to God on the spot to give me some words to say. Not that it had to be biblical quotes, but just to be understanding and to let His light enter her heart (or what appeared to be left of it). "So dude, how old are you?" she asked. "42? wow, you look great for that age. I would've never guessed that!" I didn't ask her how old she was, but I didn't have to. "Me, I'm 31 years old". It took every bit of strength I had not to have a look of shock on my face. She started talking about different aspects of her life and not having much to look forward to. My head was swimming. So I kept thinking about that book I read and when I wondered to myself what could or should I say? There's a song that Mark Hall wrote entitled "Love Them Like Jesus" where the idea is that when people go through storms in their life, I don't have to have all the perfect answers, I just need to be there and be supportive, but most importantly, love them like Jesus would. So when she noticed a book marker of 'The Cross In My Pocket' stuck in my dashboard, which was given to me as a birthday gift last year (thank you Riccie), I saw it as an opportunity. Instead of trying to dump a bunch of religious sayings on her, I just talked about trying as hard as I could to make good decisions and that even though I still screw up, my heart tells me I have to keep trying to do what is right. Even when no one else is looking. We chatted about positive attitudes. A little bit about faith, and I told her straight up about being able to say what she wants, but will live what she believes. I re-iterated over and over that I was no better than she was. She thought otherwise, but I told her that I still screw up and make mistakes. I stick my foot in my mouth, even though my intent was to try and say something good. I don't try to act like my stuff doesn't stink. Mark Hall writes about christians "I don't think the world minds that we sin... I think the world minds when we act like we don't". And as that thought came to my mind, I knew I had to build her up a little bit. So I tried talking to her in positive ways. Trying to love like Jesus would. When we pulled up in the driveway of her next 'house clean job', she kept saying that she wished she had met me before (she told me for 'dating' purposes)... I smiled at her, thanked her, but politely declined that offer... I looked at her, she had very bloodshot, teary eyes and thanked me. If I could venture a guess as to why I reached her it might be because I tried not to look at her and judge her. She's probably had a lot of that in her life. She didn't need that from me. And while I may have done that when she first asked for a ride, I left those thoughts on the road we drove away from and treated her as an equal. Because she IS. I wished her well and to keep believing in what the future can hold. And keep praying. And not to give up on life. I don't know if anything I said will stay with her, but I know it impacted me tremendously. It woke me up to how blessed I truly am. I can't ever act like I'm any better than anyone else, because when I looked at her, I saw myself (from my past) looking back at me. And that I am only one or two poor decisions from being there... But as someone who HAS been there, it really makes me feel grateful for the little things that I DO have now... namely Faith, Hope, and Love... they're the most important... This woman and I never exchanged names, didn't even ask each other for that matter. But I will never forget her, or what she did to strengthen my faith in God. I tried to love her like Jesus would. She taught me a whole lot more than I could ever hope to teach her...
I guess that's about all I can muster right now. I've got sooooo much stuff running through my head right now. I am just trying to process everything and it's all information overload. We went to Peoria (a novel in itself) and came from behind to eliiminate the Mustangs two games to one in the best of three series. We start the Hurster Cup finals on Thursday. We play Flint on Thursday, St. Louis on Friday, and Dubuque on Saturday. If we can make it to the Championship game on Sunday, we will qualify automatically for the national championship tournament.
Anyway, I was all set to come home after work and grab some dinner and just clean the place up since I haven't been home much at all (except to catch a nap)... Well, I decide to go over to my dad's old place to check on it. I see a woman in the distance as I get out of my car and head in toward my dad's... I was getting the mail and was coming back to my car when this person yells across to me if I could give her a ride somewhere. Under normal 'Mik' conditions, I would've ignored her and said 'no' and leave quickly. Afterall, it's the hood and you don't know what can happen. But I looked her in the eye and many thoughts from a book I've read and re-read, entered into my mind. The book is called 'Lifestories' from Mark Hall, the lead singer from the band Casting Crowns. In this book, he doesn't talk so much about the crafting of the songs that are featured in the book, but rather the stories behind each of the tunes and how he was led by God to create. Some seriously unfair and tragic things happened and yet these people's faith came through and touched Mark's heart. He talked about trying and failing, sometimes dropping the ball when he had chances to let Christ's love shine through him. I thought about this as I saw this woman (I have to be honest, in my mind, she clearly appeared to be a prostitute). I looked in her eyes and you didn't need to be a doctor to see that she had a defeated, 'hard life' look to her. I didn't know what to do, but I swallowed and decided to show some faith in God. "Sure, I'll give you a lift", I said. She thanked me and flashed a pained smile, rusty from lack of use. I had some junk on the front seat of my car which I quickly moved to the back. I moved everything and as she sat down, I looked at her face, up close. She looked to be in her mid to late forties. She looked like she was a pretty woman at one time. But circumstances, some tough choices, and pain = miserable life. Sooo... with me doing all this judging here, even though I'm trying not to, I sat in my seat and pulled away and she did most of the talking. It was about a 15 minute drive to where she needed to be. She said she was doing a 'house clean job' for a guy. And was going to another 'house clean job' on the other side of town. I didn't tell her that it was in the general direction of where I was going. She asked me if I dated. I said 'no'. She asked me a few other questions and when I kept my answers in short, but generic terms. She was trying to size me up. "Man, you are smart!" she exclaimed. "Nah, I'm not better than you or anyone else..." was my response. She told me her life story about the hard knocks (with plenty of f-bombs thrown in to spice it up...lol) and how she has an 11 year old son to try and take care of. She talked about the struggles she had and how she had so little hope. I could sense the hopelessness in her voice. I just prayed to God on the spot to give me some words to say. Not that it had to be biblical quotes, but just to be understanding and to let His light enter her heart (or what appeared to be left of it). "So dude, how old are you?" she asked. "42? wow, you look great for that age. I would've never guessed that!" I didn't ask her how old she was, but I didn't have to. "Me, I'm 31 years old". It took every bit of strength I had not to have a look of shock on my face. She started talking about different aspects of her life and not having much to look forward to. My head was swimming. So I kept thinking about that book I read and when I wondered to myself what could or should I say? There's a song that Mark Hall wrote entitled "Love Them Like Jesus" where the idea is that when people go through storms in their life, I don't have to have all the perfect answers, I just need to be there and be supportive, but most importantly, love them like Jesus would. So when she noticed a book marker of 'The Cross In My Pocket' stuck in my dashboard, which was given to me as a birthday gift last year (thank you Riccie), I saw it as an opportunity. Instead of trying to dump a bunch of religious sayings on her, I just talked about trying as hard as I could to make good decisions and that even though I still screw up, my heart tells me I have to keep trying to do what is right. Even when no one else is looking. We chatted about positive attitudes. A little bit about faith, and I told her straight up about being able to say what she wants, but will live what she believes. I re-iterated over and over that I was no better than she was. She thought otherwise, but I told her that I still screw up and make mistakes. I stick my foot in my mouth, even though my intent was to try and say something good. I don't try to act like my stuff doesn't stink. Mark Hall writes about christians "I don't think the world minds that we sin... I think the world minds when we act like we don't". And as that thought came to my mind, I knew I had to build her up a little bit. So I tried talking to her in positive ways. Trying to love like Jesus would. When we pulled up in the driveway of her next 'house clean job', she kept saying that she wished she had met me before (she told me for 'dating' purposes)... I smiled at her, thanked her, but politely declined that offer... I looked at her, she had very bloodshot, teary eyes and thanked me. If I could venture a guess as to why I reached her it might be because I tried not to look at her and judge her. She's probably had a lot of that in her life. She didn't need that from me. And while I may have done that when she first asked for a ride, I left those thoughts on the road we drove away from and treated her as an equal. Because she IS. I wished her well and to keep believing in what the future can hold. And keep praying. And not to give up on life. I don't know if anything I said will stay with her, but I know it impacted me tremendously. It woke me up to how blessed I truly am. I can't ever act like I'm any better than anyone else, because when I looked at her, I saw myself (from my past) looking back at me. And that I am only one or two poor decisions from being there... But as someone who HAS been there, it really makes me feel grateful for the little things that I DO have now... namely Faith, Hope, and Love... they're the most important... This woman and I never exchanged names, didn't even ask each other for that matter. But I will never forget her, or what she did to strengthen my faith in God. I tried to love her like Jesus would. She taught me a whole lot more than I could ever hope to teach her...
Friday, March 16, 2007
Post Test(s)
How do,
Right now it's just a few hours till I head to Peoria, Illinois as the Cherokee head there to play the Peoria Mustangs in a best of three playoff series. We really want to win because the 'final four' playoff championship for our league is being held in Toledo this year. It would be strange to see the CSHL in our barn without us there. But not many folks are giving us a chance to beat the Mustangs. Some expect us to be swept. Some have us losing in three. Me, I like our chances. I honestly think we can win. If we can stay out of the penalty box, we have a good shot. I'll have the call tonight, and on Saturday night by going on the Cherokee website (the link is on this page up on your right) and click on the live audio link at 9:15pm ET and have a listen to me making a goof out of myself. Anyway...
Got to see Haley yesterday. She and her mom stopped by and Haley was sporting a haircut. Since she has been losing her hair because of the chemo, it was a no brainer. It looks more even now that it's short. She was supposed to have the test yesterday to find out if the spot on her pancreas is cancerous or not. Problem is, they can't this young lady to drink the contrast that is required for the test to be run. They've tried everything. So next time she comes back, they are going to have to sedate her and put an NG tube down her nose. This sucks big time. I am very disappointed because she is only three years old and it hurts to see her go through all of this. And now they're going to have to stick a tube down her nose into her belly and pour contrast in her. That's a lot to ask a little kid under normal circumstances. To face it with the possibility of more cancer lurking inside of her... geez that just plain whizzes... Sorry, just being a little protective of an innocent one... I am going to try and focus on the playoffs out of town and get ready to scream like a madman during each game... Peace...
Right now it's just a few hours till I head to Peoria, Illinois as the Cherokee head there to play the Peoria Mustangs in a best of three playoff series. We really want to win because the 'final four' playoff championship for our league is being held in Toledo this year. It would be strange to see the CSHL in our barn without us there. But not many folks are giving us a chance to beat the Mustangs. Some expect us to be swept. Some have us losing in three. Me, I like our chances. I honestly think we can win. If we can stay out of the penalty box, we have a good shot. I'll have the call tonight, and on Saturday night by going on the Cherokee website (the link is on this page up on your right) and click on the live audio link at 9:15pm ET and have a listen to me making a goof out of myself. Anyway...
Got to see Haley yesterday. She and her mom stopped by and Haley was sporting a haircut. Since she has been losing her hair because of the chemo, it was a no brainer. It looks more even now that it's short. She was supposed to have the test yesterday to find out if the spot on her pancreas is cancerous or not. Problem is, they can't this young lady to drink the contrast that is required for the test to be run. They've tried everything. So next time she comes back, they are going to have to sedate her and put an NG tube down her nose. This sucks big time. I am very disappointed because she is only three years old and it hurts to see her go through all of this. And now they're going to have to stick a tube down her nose into her belly and pour contrast in her. That's a lot to ask a little kid under normal circumstances. To face it with the possibility of more cancer lurking inside of her... geez that just plain whizzes... Sorry, just being a little protective of an innocent one... I am going to try and focus on the playoffs out of town and get ready to scream like a madman during each game... Peace...
Monday, March 12, 2007
A Little Angel...
Only a little girl this precious could get me to:
a) do a bunny hop around the office like a complete goof... and
b) sit on the floor and take a picture with her... (with my crappy cell phone camera)
Haley had to go get her blood work done so she and her mom stopped by to say hello. I was so tickled to see my little buddy. The pictures here don't really show how much hair she's lost because of the chemo... but she still has some energy and is so much fun to be around. I always make time for her. I just think so much of that little sweetheart... God Bless her...
a) do a bunny hop around the office like a complete goof... and
b) sit on the floor and take a picture with her... (with my crappy cell phone camera)
Haley had to go get her blood work done so she and her mom stopped by to say hello. I was so tickled to see my little buddy. The pictures here don't really show how much hair she's lost because of the chemo... but she still has some energy and is so much fun to be around. I always make time for her. I just think so much of that little sweetheart... God Bless her...
Monday, March 05, 2007
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Full Moon Rising...
Forgive me if I seem to be a bit irate, but too much crap happening doesn't sit well with me. Mind you, I'm not mad or anything. But c'mon... My little part of the world is being tested right now and it doesn't make me happy. First, I'm sure you all know about the bus accident that happened down in Atlanta that involved a college baseball team from our area. Six people killed. Ugh. It really has shook up the Bluffton community. I guess I'm just annoyed at all the negative attention my corner of the world is getting these days.
Heard from Haley's mom today. She called to let me know that they admitted her to the hospital tonight. Don't know what is going on but she's running a high fever. She just had her last chemo treatment on Thursday. So I don't know what it could be. They weren't sure what was going to be done when I left, but I will be back there all day today (saturday) working so I'll make sure I go see her and spend some time trying to make her smile. I have to do that. When I see that little one smile, then I smile. I don't have children, nor do I want any, but I tell you what, this little kid has wormed her way into my heart. I absolutely hate seeing her go through chemo treatments, pain, nausea and vomitting, hair loss, etc,... I never let anyone get close to me like this before. I've always had the ability to reach the youth (mainly because I am, for the most part, a big kid myself)... However, I've always kept people at a distance. But there's something very special about this 3-year old little one. She has such an infectious smile. I sit and watch her come into the office and turn it upside down. Even my boss, who always keeps an eye on us to make sure we're all busy, will stop what she's doing and come spend all kinds of time with Haley. It seems like when I'm at my low points, she will pop in and light the place up. I think what it is that I love about this kid, is that I'm looking directly into the face of innocence. Before misery. Before pain. Before growing up. There, sitting before me, is a little kid who is going through sheer hell, but doesn't really realize it. Weak though she is, she still has some of the energy of your typical 3 year old. I guess that's why I am in such awe. She doesn't ever complain and it never occurs to her that this stuff she endures is not normal. She just doeswhat she has to do...
Well, tomorrow, the Cherokee will host their regular season finale vs Chicago at 3pm ET... we're honoring the detective who was killed in the line of duty. I'll be broadcasting the game online (audio only) and locally on television. But I've never done a hockey game where we're doing all that we're doing... all to benefit the family of the slain officer. I'm a wee bit nervous because I want to show the proper respect to the officer's family and yet remain true to the broadcast of the game. If you want, tune into the game and let me know how I did. Just go to the Toledo Cherokee website (click on the link over on the right side of this page) and follow the links to listen in on Sunday afternoon... Hmmm, after getting all of this stuff out of me has been theraputic, I am feeling a little better... Okay Mik, no more griping...
Heard from Haley's mom today. She called to let me know that they admitted her to the hospital tonight. Don't know what is going on but she's running a high fever. She just had her last chemo treatment on Thursday. So I don't know what it could be. They weren't sure what was going to be done when I left, but I will be back there all day today (saturday) working so I'll make sure I go see her and spend some time trying to make her smile. I have to do that. When I see that little one smile, then I smile. I don't have children, nor do I want any, but I tell you what, this little kid has wormed her way into my heart. I absolutely hate seeing her go through chemo treatments, pain, nausea and vomitting, hair loss, etc,... I never let anyone get close to me like this before. I've always had the ability to reach the youth (mainly because I am, for the most part, a big kid myself)... However, I've always kept people at a distance. But there's something very special about this 3-year old little one. She has such an infectious smile. I sit and watch her come into the office and turn it upside down. Even my boss, who always keeps an eye on us to make sure we're all busy, will stop what she's doing and come spend all kinds of time with Haley. It seems like when I'm at my low points, she will pop in and light the place up. I think what it is that I love about this kid, is that I'm looking directly into the face of innocence. Before misery. Before pain. Before growing up. There, sitting before me, is a little kid who is going through sheer hell, but doesn't really realize it. Weak though she is, she still has some of the energy of your typical 3 year old. I guess that's why I am in such awe. She doesn't ever complain and it never occurs to her that this stuff she endures is not normal. She just doeswhat she has to do...
Well, tomorrow, the Cherokee will host their regular season finale vs Chicago at 3pm ET... we're honoring the detective who was killed in the line of duty. I'll be broadcasting the game online (audio only) and locally on television. But I've never done a hockey game where we're doing all that we're doing... all to benefit the family of the slain officer. I'm a wee bit nervous because I want to show the proper respect to the officer's family and yet remain true to the broadcast of the game. If you want, tune into the game and let me know how I did. Just go to the Toledo Cherokee website (click on the link over on the right side of this page) and follow the links to listen in on Sunday afternoon... Hmmm, after getting all of this stuff out of me has been theraputic, I am feeling a little better... Okay Mik, no more griping...
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