A Wonderful Day
Posted by Gabe on October 26, 2009 under Kids Are Heroes Day, Kids are Heroes | 
7 Comments to Read
Many times when a large event is staged, things can seem almost anticlimactic after an arduous journey of planning. The days after can also be a letdown as the anticipation can sometimes be greater than the event itself. Neither of these held true for Kids Are Heroes Day this past Saturday. I am still replaying the images and the emotions I happily experienced over that very short six-hour period. For the second year in a row we were greeted by a heavy downpour whose duration coincided with our entire time slot. But once again it was sunny and beautiful inside the mall.
I was thrilled that all the heroes who were scheduled to be there made it as did the musical performers. Reconnecting with some of the local heroes who were here last year was just great. And we also met some new friends — many heroes and their families came from out of town. I was so impressed with all of them that I cannot say enough about how great they all were. As I write this I find that whatever writing talents I may or may not have, they fall embarrassingly short of being able to convey the wonder that was in the mall that day. It’s kind of like taking a black and white picture of the Grand Canyon, showing it to someone, and saying that’s what it looks like. As the day ended I just remember saying to someone. “..the world should know about this….” Well, the good thing is that we had Michelle Lindsay (photographer) and Digital Bard Video Productions (videographers) there to take a better “black and white” picture than I ever could. So be warned that there will be plenty of related tweets and status updates as this material starts flowing.
I must thank once again all the special heroes who attended: Addison White, Adele Taylor, Anna Lemick, Julia Lemick, Austin Pierce, Calista Pierce, Casey Landahl, Catherine Grant, Emily Zimmerman, Kayleigh Crimmins, Evan Frank, John Sun, Miranda Mossburg, MaryMargaret O’Neill, Mercedes Blouin-Escoto, Nichelle Upton, Winston Duncan and Katie Foxx and Bridget Bittner representing Thurmont Middle School.
And I also must truly thank Christina Steinbrenner of the FSK Mall for creating and hosting this event.
After the event we held a reception at our home and many of the heroes and their parents were in attendance. We got to know some of them for the first time which was a precious opportunity. The kids had a great time in MaryMargaret’s “tween lounge” downstairs, although young Evan was a bit put off as the girls were trying to put makeup on him.
And I must send a very personal thank-you out to Austin Pierce, who touched my heart in a way that no one else in my life has ever done. Austin is the 12-year-old who is involved in Special Olympics in Crawford County, PA. I won’t go into too much detail but suffice it to say that it was a true honor to meet him and I know that my life is now better as I consider him a true friend. I so look forward to next year…
Check out the wonderful pictures Michelle Lindsay took of the event.
Countdown to Kids Are Heroes Day:
Jenifer said,
I can’t thank you enough for such an incredible experience! My family enjoyed a nice little vacation, which was much needed and Austin and Calista had a wonderful time. They didn’t want to leave and have talked non-stop about making the trip again next year. It was definitely well worth all of the fundraising we did and the 5 hour drive to be able to attend. We are all so inspired by all of the incredible heroes. All of these kids have so much passion for their causes. I am still in awe of all of them.
Gabe said,
Thanks are certainly not necessary – we thank you for making the effort and introducing us to your wonderful family. I hope we can make other excuses to get together with you all. :) -Gabe
Misty said,
You couldn’t have said it better Gabe. Our son Evan truly enjoyed the whole experience, sans the makeup and dress. We can’t thank you enough for availing this opportunity to him.
As we pulled out of your drive, I felt tears well in my eyes. I too was touched by Austin. Depsite obstacles that plague him daily, this child has a true contentness in his spirit. I was able to spend a good deal of time talking to him and for that, my life will be forever changed. In some strange way, he found his way into my heart and has found a place that will remain his forever. I am truly blessed to have met him. I now know where Calista receives her inspiration to do the wonderful things she does.
Thanks again for putting on such a wonderful event.
Gabe said,
Misty you are more than welcome. I think you know how I feel about my buddy Evan. :) Just wish everyone could have witnessed and experienced what we did on Saturday. -Gabe
Gail P said,
What a wonderful report. I have been checking the tweets in hopes that a post was ready. Glad that so many wonderful heroes were in attendance. You have inspired the rest of us and we hope many others will follow your lead.
Twitter: @poulingailMichelle Lindsay Photography said,
What an inspiring day! Having the opportunity to meet these incredible heroes is something I will never forget – it was truly humbling and heart-warming to see the passion and drive that they all have to make a difference. I feel honored to have been able to be a part of this amazing day.
Monica said,
Congratulations to all the Heroes. You represent our future and hope for a better world! Hopefully, JT and I will be able to meet with you one of these future years. We read your stories and share with everyone we meet the shining examples of humanity. You guys rock! PLease continue to dream, believe and inspire!! Without you, where would your communities be and where would the next future generation be? Looking forward to the next Kids Are Heroes Day!
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