11.20.2015

Thank you, Carolina Panthers

We stopped by your practice field today for a quick glance and to see the BofA stadium up close. We pass the stadium twice a week on our way to therapy and every time we pass it, my four year old asks to get out and see it. Today, I decided to indulge his request.

As we walked up, we noticed a crowd of folks waiting with football gear in hand. I must've looked confused because one of the men waiting quickly explained that the team was just about to finish practice and that if we waited around long enough, we might just catch a glimpse of the players.

Of course, my boy, a die hard football fan (heck, he oftentimes introduces himself as Steve Spurrier) decided without hesitation to forgo lunch (y'all really have no idea how big of a deal that is for him) so that he could wait and see the players.

After about 20 minutes of waiting, the gates opened and a steady stream of players piled out. I watched as Greg Olsen stopped, stooped low enough to meet eyes with my boy and then gently reached out his leather gloves.



























 
And then this amazing player came up and not satisfied with the gate between them, opened it and knelt down beside Pierce.

Another player passing by offered his gloves as well. Two sets of gloves?! What's a boy to do? Guess he'll be doing a lot of catching practice.
We were just about to leave when Pierce spotted Cam. I heard his tiny voice say "Cam, keep pounding!" Cam catching sight of Pierce, walks over to him. "Hey man, how are you?," Cam asks. Silence. Our boy is star struck and in awe. Cam leans over the gate and places his arm bands on Pierce's arms. Still silence on our end.

As Cam walks off, I hear Pierce say, "wow." We make our way back to the car and sitting quietly, he clutches his newly acquired goods.
As we pull away he whispers, "I like the Panthers. I like Cam Newton." Yes buddy, I do too. I do too.

This week on social media there's been a lot of back and forth on Cam's dancing in the end zone. Last week it was on his removal of an opponent's banner. But today, none of that mattered (not that it really mattered before either). Today we saw Cam's heart and compassion and that's really what it's all about, isn't it? So to Cam and the rest of the team, we just wanted to say "thank you." Thank you for taking the time to stop by and chat with Pierce. Thank you for your gifts that will serve as reminders of his favorite players on his favorite team. You made his day, and it was a day he'll remember for a long time to come. I'm sure he will talk about this day each time we pass the stadium. I also know for certain that I won't be able to get those armbands and gloves away from him anytime soon. I'm already debating on how to convince him that he can't take them in the bath tonight!





6 comments:

  1. As an Auburn grad I am a huge Cam Newton fan. He did so many generous things while in Auburn that no one ever heard about. How cool for Pierce to get to meet him and the other players! I've followed your blog since the beginning and love seeing your updates. My son was a 26 weeker and has a shunt and CP also, he's now 8 and continues to amaze us everyday. Stay strong, mama! Your Piece is a doll! War Eagle and Go Panthers :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a thrilling story! I can imagine Pierce's joy and his silent 'WOW' said a lot than any words! Keep up the good faith and get well soon Pierce!

    ReplyDelete
  3. http://www.babysolve.com baby

    http://www.babysolve.com

    http://www.babysolve.com

    http://www.babysolve.com

    http://www.babysolve.com

    http://www.babysolve.com

    http://www.babysolve.com baby

    http://www.babysolve.com

    http://www.babysolve.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. https://funiture2018.livejournal.com/325.html
    https://funiture2018.livejournal.com/682.html
    http://elaphblogs.com/post/%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9%20%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%B8%D9%8A%D9%81%20%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%84-120871.html

    https://saharmohamedali.deviantart.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really liked reading this, Sachi, like you I have also written boy names in Hindi, you should also read it.

    ReplyDelete