The Roemer Fairy Godmother, Sandi has recently recruited help from local people and beyond. When Sandi heard about Luke being inspired by 42 she placed a call to our local cinema where the movie was held at Crossroads. Her inquiry to get a movie poster evolved in to sharing the story of Tony’s death, the importance of “42” to our family and many ways Luke was moved by Jackie Robinson in the movie including changing his final oral report and book study to Jackie Robinson and dressing up in a “42” baseball uniform for his presentation. As they concluded their phone call, the manager at Celebration said he would look in to seeing if a poster was available. Some time went by and she figured it wasn’t looking good until a phone call came and simply asked her come by the theater. Sandi was told when she arrived that our story was shared with the corporate office and they generously sent Luke a life size movie poster, a “42” movie water bottle, t-shirt, baseball and seat cushion. Sandi floated in with her fairy wings with all these items just in time to surprise Luke as Father’s Day is around the corner. A phone call set in motion a great surprise and timely validation that as we keep seeking hope and opening our hearts to this new life- others care deeply about the life a boy with a lot on his heart. Witnessing his surprise, wide smile and laughing excitement as he tells the story to the next willing listener is hard to describe.
Luke worked hard to make it through 4th grade this year. While he didn’t steal home like Jackie Robinson or bring civil rights to a nation; as a child grieving, Luke’s efforts may seem simple. Yet, as those who have grieved know firsthand, ordinary tasks are mountain like. To persevere by completing assignments or stand up in front of the class when his body is exhausted from the complex emotional roller coaster of anger, pain, confusion and longing makes this connection to the movie on an emotional level. The thread with Tony and our own 42 story is unreal as we unwind the ways that we have felt connections. This gesture isn’t just about objects but the love and compassion behind people who reach out to someone struggling and seeking hope in this world. You send a positive, lasting message with your choice to recognize what a child like Luke endures. You Make a Difference.
Love, Light and Miracles 