As I sit here at Magnolia Cafe (@magnoliacafesj) in Uptown Saint John, sheltered from the cold, gusty wind, but still able to feel the warmth of the sun, I’m motivated to start my second blog entry. I’ve been nothing short of slack in keeping up with blogging.
Onto why I’m motivated to write – here and now. I’m eating an amazing gluten free brownie and thinking about the simple things in life that put smiles on people’s faces. I’m not talking about material possessions or anything of substantial monetary value – I’m talking about those moments when you realize you are fully capable of MAKING someone’s day, week or month. Those moments/opportunities you don’t always realize are there. They might not mean much to you, but to the other person – it’s the world.
At the beginning of September, I started working with the Saint John Mill Rats (@sjmillrats) as their Office Manager – I deal with everything social – Twitter, Facebook, the website, press releases, etc. Plus I get to kick it at the office w/ fab people such as @CarissaCooper & @hallatcoop (pictured below). I’ve played ball my whole life & used to actually tape the playoff NBA games on VHS when I was younger so I could control not having the commercial breaks! HA – how technology has changed!
Saint John Mill Rats - time out - exhibition game in Fredericton Oct. 23rd 2011
You know when something just feels RIGHT? Well it did as soon as I surrounded myself with these people who are as focused as I am on creating positive change and growth in the Saint John community. I’m blown away with how they manage to still play pro ball and fit in as many school & community events as they do.
The GM Ian McCarthy, is so invested in the team and the community that it’s astonishing. This man works so hard that I often wonder how he finds time to be involved with his two sons and wonderful wife, Tiffany McCarthy, Entertainment Coordinator & Dance Team Coordinator for the Mill Rats.
So enough about the feel good stories right? WRONG.
What most of you DON’T know about me, is that I am an only child but have had foster children living with me for the majority of my adolescent years. My parents were able to give children and teenagers that were not as fortunate as myself, a chance to know what it’s like to have a family who cares, to be shown self-respect & to realize you can have whatever you want in life as long as you work hard and focus.
Margaret Boyer is one of my foster sisters that I have known since I took my first breath. She is a beautiful soul. Margaret has William’s Syndrome (a genetic disorder) which basically means that socially, she is very keen but it is in the academic realm that her disabilities are noted.
David Cooper & Maggie
On Oct. 23rd, 2011, the Mill Rats played an exhibition game in Fredericton against the Quebec Kebs at the Richard J. Currie Center. What a great facility! Fredericton is looking at possibly owning a franchise team – East Coast represent!
I brought Maggie to the game and it marked the very first live basketball game she had ever attended. (I have to make a correction – PRO ball. Maggie has attended many of my basketball games). Her and I were both blown away with the kindness from the team, the coach, Foreman George (see below) and one of the team’s owners, Steven Yankopoulos.
It was my first time meeting Steven and he was nothing short of inspiring. A 27 year old co-owner of the Saint John Mill Rats, Steven spends a lot of his time in and out of hospitals, not visiting patients, but as a patient directly. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis only 36 hours after he was first brought into this world, Steven sees his circumstance as a fortunate one that helps him inspire and encourage young people – to make them realize life is fun.
That day, Steven entered the Currie Center wearing two shirts, but left wearing only one.
Maggie commented on how nice his Mill Rats t-shirt was and how she wished she could have one. Her wish was fulfilled with Steven literally giving her the shirt off his back. “I have another one underneath, ” he stated. “I don’t know when I will see you again and I’m wearing one underneath – no big deal.”
It’s moments like these that warm my heart.
It’s moments like these that make me sit down and finally write something because they need to be shared.
Steven Yankopoulos with Kevin Garnett & another Boston Celtic
FOOTNOTE:
*I am working on creating a Twitter account for Steven so stay tuned! He is visiting from New Hampshire this week and I’m excited to chat with him more about his life, running the Boston Marathon at 22, and more. You can definitely expect more blogs about this amazing individual!
~*^*~ApRyLL~*^*~