A parent is never more proud of their children than when they do a selfless act. Even if that child was pushed into the act.
Last Friday my son Reese and I participated in the St. Baldrick's Day activities at Fado Irish Pub in Denver. This was the culmination of 6 weeks of fund raising for the foundation. My son raised more than $1600 to fight childhood cancer. (Together we raised more than $3,000. ) Now who can deny a five year -old you ask? Not many, but I have to say there is still something special about a child putting himself out there for a cause.
Several weeks after we started this journey one of Reese's fellow kindergarteners was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This gave the cause more meaning and really gave my son some clarity into the cause.
Yes he is five years-old, but he does understand life and death (Especially after event of the past week, but that is for another blog.) and Reese really took this seriously. He talked with adults and fellow kids alike about his efforts and why it was important. He really put in the effort and worked to make this successful.
Friday morning we got up early and picked up Preston and his mom and headed down to Fado. I have to give a HUGE shout out to my wife. She is not a morning person, but really got into the event the last couple of weeks and has really given us a great deal of love and support. She did not like the fact that her husband and son would be bald, but understood the needs and appreciates the cause. I also want to say thanks to my daughter Amelia. She was a great boy wrangler and is excited about next year. She will donate 12 inches of hair to the Locks of Love.
Back to the event. We arrive and get to see members of the Colorado Avalanche shaving their heads, get pictures with the kids, and enjoy the festivities. An Irish breakfast down the hatch and then it is time to shave. Prior to our team the "The Snow Balds" taking the shears Preston's mom brings the crown to tears and laughs with a short speech. Then off with the hair. Reese was a trooper and I think is happy to have shared this experience with his dad and his friend Preston. I just can't convince Reese to take the blade and go to the skin.
I want give a special thanks to Melanie, organizer of the event and to Paul Miller, Captain of "The Snow Balds" we have raised nearly $20,000.
As a thank you to those that gave, not just to Reese and I, but to all those that support the St. Baldrick's Foundation we have posted a video on YouTube that were have made in honor of Preston. We hope you enjoy it. Click on this link.
Check out a few of the photos as well of Preston, Reese and I.
2 comments:
Just wanted to thank you so much for your participation and for setting such a great example to your son and daughter. I am Preston's Aunt Cathy and we are so blessed by the support given by the community. It has been a real eye-opener into the goodness of people. Enjoy your new haircut!
Watching you reach for your son's hand as he experienced a not-so-comfortable hair cut was touching and moving. I watched the video yesterday before I knew who you were or why you and your son were getting your heads shaved. Now that I know why you two participated in the event and cause, I am extremely inspired (and even more touched). Preston and Reese will be bonded forever. And your family is amazing for cheerleading you through this experience. I am Tricia's childhood friend Anne, and am so grateful for the friends she has in her life, especially you! Thank you.
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