Category: Sports

Laugh, Think and Cry

HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WITH YOUR CHILD

On the way to school this morning my son asked me what we were going to do for dinner.  You may think that it is odd to be asked so early in the morning, but this kid has always been focused on knowing the details of his meal plan since he could talk.  When we would arrive at his daycare, he would run down to the cafeteria to ask Miss Joanne what was for lunch.  If he didn’t like the plan, he would negotiate a custom lunch that she would very Jenerously make just for him.

Today was no different.  “Roasted chicken, lemon asparagus, lemon parsley mafaldine pasta with vodka sauce,” I said, anticipating the critique.  “Sounds great, but can you be sure not to invite anyone over tonight…I want some alone time with you.”  WOW!  Date night was established.

Later, after the plates were empty and music lessons were done, we sat down to continue our mother-son bonding night.  Instead of watching something I wanted to watch or breaking off into separate rooms, I agreed to let him pick which show to watch with one limitation…no cartoons!  Spongebob gives me a headache that won’t quit.

Last night, we DVR’ed ESPN’s 30 for 30 about the 1983 NCAA Basketball champions – NC State.  I didn’t realize I was about to embark upon a 2 hour journey through the entire history of the season coached by Jim Valvano (“Jimmy V”).  While I did suffer through the first hour, the second hour was inspirational as I watched a man full of life and positivity face his death, compliments of brain cancer.  At his ESPY’s speech in 1993 he shared that he believes that the secret to life is finding a way everyday to laugh, think and cry.  He was an amazing coach who left an incredible legacy, especially through the creation of The V Foundation for Cancer Research, which has Jenerously donated over $100 million to date.

Jim Valvano was a winner...he had passion for the game and for Life

Jim Valvano was a winner…he had passion for the game and for Life

It is amazing what our children can expose us to if we just give them individual time and put them in the driver’s seat occasionally.  Tonight, Brooks gave me a great gift…wise words to live by over a simple chicken dinner.  VALVANOISMS: Never give up.  Have a dream, have a goal and be willing to work for it. Laugh, think and be moved to tears.  Have dinner with your kids… The last one was mine, but I don’t think Jimmy V would disagree.

HAVE A SPECIAL DINNER WITH YOUR CHILD On the way to school this morning my son asked me what we were going to do for din...

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Bikes for Buddies

Callee's Bikes for Buddies

Some kids are born entrepreneurs, some are born philanthropists, but few are both.  Meet Callee, age 8.  She lives on my street and sets up her lemonade stand every weekend from noon-3:00 (and even some days after school) to raise money to buy Christmas bikes for children at the ASAP Women and Children’s Homeless Shelter in St. Petersburg, FL.  I don’t drink sugary beverages so I must admit that I snub the lemonade every weekend, driving by with a simple wave and a smile.  Today, I decided to walk down and pay a visit to the growing operation.  Sometimes Jenerosity is simply stopping to support your local lemonade stand.

I learned a lot about Callee’s home-grown charity.  She accepts cash donations and used bike parts/accessories.  $10=1 Helmet; $50=1 new tricycle, 12″ or 16″ bike; $60=1 new 20″ or 24″ bike.  Last year, she donated 27 new bikes, 2 used bikes, 14 new helmets, 2 used helmets and 9 ride-on toys.  She often has friends join her to assist by waving at cars and pouring beverages.  Today, Eva (also age 8) was assisting.  Eva’s birthday is next week and she has asked that her party-goers bring items for needy pets at the local shelter in lieu of gifts.  How many kids do you know who would forfeit their birthday gifts for a chew toy?  Not many.  I, for one, wasn’t about to give up my Rick Springfield tickets at that age!

My husband and I just had to make a donation…how could we resist?  Unfortunately, while we were making the transaction, Callee’s banner (with heavy wooden poles) collapsed and hit her in the head.  She was really shaken up but, fortunately, not seriously injured.  I know firsthand how difficult it is to secure unrestricted donations for capital improvements; I hope she puts our $20 toward a new sign.  Next week, I will take my 10-year old down there to meet her in hopes that her Jenerosity will rub off on him.  And he won’t know that I have already targeted her as potential daughter-in-law material.  Smart, cute, generous and 8 years old.  She is perfect for him!

All kidding aside…if you would like to donate to Callee’s Bikes for Buddies, please let me know and I can assist with facilitating your donation.  Or…you can donate to the wedding fund if you prefer <wink, wink>.

Some kids are born entrepreneurs, some are born philanthropists, but few are both.  Meet Callee, age 8.  She lives on my...

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