We were blessed to have been able participate in Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival preview party on Nov. 16. In fact, we were so excited that we didn’t think to get a little boy sitter for the evening. Fortunately the event was so intriguing to our little mister that it wasn’t a problem for his entertainment.
As we browsed through the alleys of intricate decorated pines we stood in awe at the creativity of those who gave their time and financial donations to the event. Jordan’s eyes lit up at each tree, although his two favorite consisted of a surfing theme and the doggie trees. I’m pretty sure the stuffed canine was large enough for our little man to take a nap on if he wanted to.
One of my favorites was a beautifully decorated bright green and red tree with the star leaning to the side. Surprisingly enough daddy enjoyed the white trees.
Our family’s favorite was the Team Sofia tree for our sweet family friends. This tree was decorated in scarlet roses with Sofie’s two books underneath, “I love you this much” and “On the night you were born.”
We were excited to spend the evening with some wonderful new friends. One of our newest encounters wore the most beautiful red velvet coat with a furry collar and cuffs. His cheery button nose and rosy cheeks along with his beautiful beard was an eye spotter for our little man.
Jordan’ gaze followed him from table to table until he reached table 68. This cheery man and his wife jingled their bells as they approached and graciously asked if they could hold our little man.
Our little peanut was intrigued by the colors and nature of this new person. As he stroked his beard across his little hand, he wasn’t shy about seeing if the beard was attached. We captured the moment on our camera for our scrapbook of our first Holiday Tree Festival.
As the evening went on we heard a couple of our other heroes were in attendance. The first was one of our favorite coaches. This man has proven himself as a man of integrity and wisdom. He is one to motivate and encourage.
Not only does he know the game of football, but he knows how to teach the game of life. We were honored to meet Mr. Jim Tressel, the former OSU football coach. I was so excited that I just handed Jordan to him for a picture together.
Later, during our group shot, Jordan leaned his head over on Mr. Tressel’s shoulder, then reached his arms out to be held by this man. My favorite part of the evening was when Jordan crept his little fingers over to have a little grip of his ear.
We also got to spend our evening with one of our real life heroes – Dr. Kerwyn Jones and his wife. Although, we discussed a little spina bifida, we got past patient information to life. Jordan wanted to spread his love to Mrs. Jones then to Dr. Jones, so back and forth he went.
These moments make you realize our doctors are people. They have families. They spend their anniversaries at events like these to help the hospital. They spend time running and exercising. They have real lives outside these walls of Akron Children’s.
The Holiday Tree Festival is amazing and free to the public to gaze at the work put into making the season merry and bright. It will definitely be placed on our yearly tradition’s list.
Read more about Megs’ and Randy’s journey of raising a child with spina bifida through her blog, Labor of Love.
