OT - but heartwarming

[CoachCER]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I think I've posted previously that my wife is a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Foundation, the non-profit organization that grants wishes to kids with life threatening medical conditions. She has one "wish kid" who wants to drive around in "big Tonka trucks" (meaning real construction trucks and equipment). She found a dealer here in the Portland area who is going to hold the wish party for this kid, his family and his buddies. One thing they're going to do is use a back hoe to pick up basketballs and then "shoot" them into a dump truck. They're going to let the kid sit in the cab of the back hoe with the operator and help pull the lever that releases the ball. When the kid heard he was going to be doing this, he got incredibly excited. It's happening next month and the kid's family will be making a video for him.

The manager at the dealership told my wife that every time the kid makes a "basket", the guys will all come up to him, give him a high five and say, "Nice shot, Lebron."

Oh yeah, they're also making him a hard hat with his name on it.

Thank you for posting. The hard work and dedication shown by people like your wife creates wonderful memories for so many people.

[amusedofficial]

Who among us never daydreamed about driving a "big tonka truck" as a kid.

I'm sure watching this kid's face will make every minute worthwhile.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by amused official

Who among us never daydreamed about driving a "big tonk truck" as a kid.

My supervisor had a load of fill delivered to his house. After dumping the fill the truck operator allowed my supervisor's five year old son to sit in the cab of the truck. It was nice to hear about this. I guess this truck operator remembered what it was like to be a five year old kid. Maybe he was like that as a youngster, and it carried over to his career.

Our town has an annual "Truck Day". All sorts of town trucks and tractors show up in a town park and parents make a small donation to allow their kids to sit in the trucks. Firetrucks, dump trucks, snorkel trucks, backhoes, street sweepers, etc.. It's truck heaven for five year old kids.

I still have my Tonka trucks up in the attic. Metal, not plastic. Excellent condition. I can't wait to give them to my grandchildren. Two of my kids are engaged. Hopefully, I won't have to wait long.

[just another ref]

Them Tonka trucks are tough.



"A toy shouldn't break, just because a child plays with it.