One of the internal debates I’ve had in my head since Ethan became sick is about trying to have some extra special experiences with him (and the other kids). Part of me doesn’t want to play the sympathy card to get special treatment or call in favours, but I think the other part of me has won out that wants him to have some great memories from this time in his life. I’ve decided that he’s going through something really difficult that very few kids have to experience, so that we should try and also do some really fun things that very few kids experience. If it brings a smile to his face now then we feel it’s all worthwhile.
The new season of the NBL (the professional basketball league in Australia) is about to start and they recently announced a preseason competition. I looked up the schedule and was happy to see my favourite team, the Adelaide 36ers, were playing several games in Sydney. A couple of months ago there was an online special for 36ers jerseys so I ordered one for me and one each for Blaise and Ethan. Ethan was very excited when I booked the tickets – my only hope was that when it came time to go to the games that he would be well enough to attend and enjoy them.
I also asked if he’d like me to try and organise for him to meet one of the players, which he was also really excited about. What ended up happening completely blew me away and provided some great memories for Ethan and all of us.
The three of us wore our 36ers jerseys to the game against Perth. It was played in Sydney so the crowd was quite small and we got to sit in the second row really close to the action.
Before the game a man came over an introduced himself to us – it was Dean Parker, General Manager of the 36ers. He said hi to the boys and we chatted about the team and the upcoming season. As the game was about to start I said “Dean, we just found out a month ago that Ethan is sick. He’d really like to meet one of the players. If one of the players had a minute after the game to say hi to him, do you think that would be possible?”
“Leave it with me” Dean said.
There were several things that really impressed me about Dean. Not only did he go out of his way to come and say hi to us, that was only the start of his kindness. He came and chatted several more times during the breaks in the game. This wasn’t a GM doing his duty or trying to get on the good side of the fans – this was a genuinely good man who cares about people.
Towards the end of the game he came over and asked Blaise and Ethan who they would like to meet. Ethan picked Gary Ervin and Blaise picked Jason Cadee. After the game Dean went over and had a word to Gary and Jason and they happily came over, got to know the boys’ names, talked with them and posed for some photos.
What we saw from Jason and Gary was again spirit of going above and beyond what they needed to do. We’d finished taking the photos and I thought we’d say goodbye and then Jason said “would you guys like to meet the rest of the team?” As we were walking over to meet the rest of the team Gary called out to them “hey guys, come meet Ethan and Blaise!” I was so impressed that he remembered the boys’ names. Thanks Jason and Gary – going the extra mile to make someone else feel special is perhaps one of the greatest gifts you can give.
The rest of the team was extremely kind and gracious to us. The boys and I got high fives from all the players and the coach and once again they were happy to talk and pose for some photos.
We were then introduced to Steve Dunn, the CEO of the NBL and the commercial manager Michael. Once again they were the friendliest people who took a sincere interest in us and in Ethan. They went out of their way to organise a couple of 36ers basketballs for us later in the week which were signed by all the 36ers players (thanks also to 36ers team manager Junior)
We went to a few more games later in the week and enjoyed the same friendly interaction around the stadium with Dean and Steve and the players and coaches. They were all looking out for us and helping us – especially Ethan – have a special time.
Ethan was able to enjoy the games in short bursts. For most of the games he’d lie down on me or sit on my lap. Sometimes he’d just want to play a game on my phone, but for a few minutes of each quarter he’d be watching intently and clapping and cheering.
One of the most touching experiences came at one of the games later in the week. A very tall man came up to us and knelt on the ground next to where we where sitting so he was at eye level with us. He shook hands with me and the boys and introduced himself as Ray. It was then that I recognised that it was Ray Borner – the NBL Hall of Fame legend who played over 500 games as well as at four Olympic games. He was one of the players I grew up watching when I was Blaise and Ethan’s age.
He asked how Ethan was doing and he listened intently. He shared that he also had a son go through chemotherapy and he knew how difficult it was. This giant of a man paused, still down on one knee, and he turned slightly away but I could see the emotion in his eyes. Perhaps he was remembering his son’s time going through cancer and chemotherapy, perhaps he was feeling for us. Probably a combination of both.
I hope I am not sharing something too personal in this experience, but I want to give a glimpse into the goodness of these people. We have experienced much love from family and friends, but all the people I have mentioned in this post were strangers, but took the time to come and talk to us and within minutes we felt like their friends.
Thank you to all who helped Ethan and our whole family have some very special experiences.
Paul Harding says
Such a wonderful thing for you to share with your family my hopes and priers are with u
Chris Collinsworth says
This is an awesome article. Thank you for sharing it with everyone, Luke. Im sorry to hear about Ethan and I hope his health improves quickly! We will keep him in our prayers.
Lynda Kramer says
You are such a humble and gracious man Luke Howes. Well done you! And….how very incredibly cool for Ethan and Blaise. Fantastic experience, it warms the heart and helps renew the spirit. Thank you, x
james teale says
Another beautiful story of kindness when it matters most
Jeanette Hallam says
Luke, thank you for sharing… and if it was me I would play that sympathy card as well. To have special and happy memories through such a difficult time is a blessing for Ethan and I am sure for your whole family. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
Casper Yeow says
I’m in awe again! Awesomeness runs in the Howes family therefore I’m sure Ethan too is awesome! Thanks for sharing Luke.
Paul Thatcher says
What a great story! Made my day to hear of the goodness of these folks. Go 36ers!!
Carrie Hall says
What a special bunch of experiences. Thank you so much for sharing! It is inspiring to feel of your gratitude and faith. We continue to pray for Ethan and your whole family! xxx
Karin says
Luke, if the card was dealt to you, you have EVERY RIGHT to play it! Thanks for sharing this touching story!