Monday, July 16, 2012

Birthday Gifts and Grant Hill

It's that time of year again when the birthday gifts start to come in.  I've already received one of the coolest things I've ever seen - and probably never thought I'd see --> A St. Bonaventure Bonnies Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball T-Shirt.  Being an adult fan, I've really adjusted my view of being a fan.  I'm not the type that is into autographs, or things of that nature.  I prefer to have experiences, or in this case artifacts from an experience that signify the event, such as this T-shirt.  The best ones are the most spontaneous.  I never thought the Bonnies had a chance because of their history to win this tournament, but I enjoyed the ride they were on, hoping that they could prove me wrong.  At the end of the day, the very thing I least expected occurred.  When you don't know what's going to happen, you can sometimes be in store for a treat.  In fact, one of the coolest experiences that I've had in my life happened by total accident.

I had a doctor's appointment one day, so I was home from work in the afternoon.  I went to the doctor and afterwards walked over to Border's to look at some books and CD's.  I spent a few minutes browsing and looked up to see Grant Hill from the Detriot Pistons reading a magazine.  He had his foot on a bench and his elbow on his knee, flipping through the magazine.  Under his arm was the board game, Duke-opoly.  Grant Hill is from Duke University.  I walked over and said hi to him, shook his hand and wished him well.  At this point, he was out with an injury so I told him that I hoped he recovered very soon.  He appreciated it and then I left him in peace to read his magazine.  There was no fan fare, no photo-op, no autograph request.  The incredible experience for me was exchanging a few words with a tremendous athlete.  He was very gracious with me.  That image won't soon leave my mind.

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