There's Snow in Texas

Yesterday we were remembering the tragic event that occurred 8 years ago in NYC. While we never want to forget those who were lost, life does move on. I've been saving this story for the right time and I think today is it.

In the sports world we hear about all the various athletes who are using steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. We hear about those athletes who favor criminal-type behavior that sometimes land them in trouble with the law. We hear about athletes who are married yet are philanderers causing havoc on their family and kids. We hear about those athletes who are just plain obnoxious and think the world revolves around them.

What we don't hear about are the athletes like Justin Snow.
Justin Snow plays for the Indianapolis Colts. He's #48. He's their long snapper and a tight end. Now mind you, I have no clue what those positions are because I am not a football gal. I'm willing to learn...but no one person has intrigued me enough to want to learn. :)

But back to Justin. Justin is from Texas (I know you're shocked!). He is from Abilene and attended Baylor University. He also already has his B.S. and M.S. in Speech Pathology. Now you're probably wondering how in the heck do I know all of this and why do I care? It starts back a few weeks ago while I was on a business trip to my company's other location near Fort Worth.

While working in my company's other location Granbury, I like to stay in a smaller town, Glen Rose, on the outskirts so I can relax and not run into any employees. The Holiday Inn Express there is awesome and the manager, Joe, treats me like family. Recently a large building was built by a local family who opened up a restaurant, bar and clothing store in it. I've been frequenting the restaurant and the bar quite a bit. One night a few weeks ago, I was in the bar eating and cavorting with the locals when a couple walked in I had never seen before. They sat down and after a while, we all began to talk. Once I divulged my career, of which the gal said she sorta figured it out, and the topic of athletes gone criminal (i.e., Vick) came up, this gal began telling me a story. She said she loved the Colts to which I asked why...I know you don't have to be from an area's sport's team to love them.(i.e. ME) She talked about how when her youngest son was in speech and she was taking him to the Baylor school for speech therapy. She said at the time, Justin Snow was in school and he was her son's teacher. She talked about how her son loved Justin and it was reciprocated by Justin. Apparently these lessons lasted I believe over a couple of years. Anyway, fast forward to this past spring when her son was going to graduate from Speech. They were putting on a huge ceremony for the kids because if any of you have been involved in Speech it IS a big deal. (believe it or not, I had to attend Speech therapy at a young age)

Anyway, this mother calls up the Colts because by this time Justin is playing for the Colts...yes a football player HAS his B.S. and M.S. in Speech Pathology!! She calls and talks to their P.R. staff person and just wants to relay this message. "Please give him my number and tell him why I'm calling. " Next thing you know Justin is calling her and they are making plans for him to come down to attend the ceremony to surprise her son. Justin lives in Texas north of Dallas so the drive was a short 3 or so hour one. (3 hours or less is a short drive to us Texans) I wish I knew this mother and son's name....but I never caught it.

So there they were getting ready for the ceremony when down the hall way comes walking her son....and from the other direction is walking Justin Snow. She said they both halted in their steps as they met....and the hugs that were exchanged were phenomenal. She said she was crying and it was so touching. During the ceremony Justin gave the boy his diploma AND a jersey with #48 and Snow on it. Mom said it was the most touching and beautiful thing she has experienced. Now what football player will take time out of his day to do something for one little kid? Mind you, there were no reporters around documenting this. No photographers trying to grab a story. It was going to be a surprise...no one knew.

So now you understand why that Texas mother roots for the Colts....and although I'm not gonna jump on the wagon for the whole team...I am definitely going to root for Justin Snow.