Good Times in Stillwater, Oklahoma

Well, we are back...........from Stillwater, Oklahoma that is. Michelle and I were out at the Special Olympic Summer Games in Stillwater, Oklahoma last week. We sold 35 copies of I Sit in a Wheelchair....But I Will Be Okay. Michelle and I both had a BLAST

On Wednesday, we started selling at 2:00 P.M. Here is a valuable lesson we learned. Make sure you do not forget your table. We did happen to forget it. I spent Wednesday afternoon holding the book up and canvassing up and down the vendor area. By the time we quit at 4:30 P.M. I had only sold 3 books, but handed out a dozen or so order forms. Michelle and I packed up our stuff and we all headed to Eskimo Joes.

WOW!!!! What a bust place that was. There was three buses of kids in addition to the Sperry Pirates. Michelle was none too excited that it was going to be a two hour wait, but oh well.......after we ate, Michelle and I along with her cool Aunt Cheryl went and brought a table.

Thursday was a successful day!!! We sold 25 books, and passed out nearly two dozen order forms. (So what if we nearly froze to death!!!) We met many interesting and inspiring people that day, but one guy really sticks in my mind. He looked to be about 25 or so, and you cold tell he was "challenged" He had an aide. They stopped by my table to look. This guy made up his mind he wanted a book, and he was not going to take no for an answer. The aide kept saying, "You don't have any money......we will come back." This went on for about 20 minutes. Finally, I reached in my pocketbook, pulled out a twenty, and let him buy a copy. Tears formed in his eyes. The guy was so happy! Then, he came and gave me a hug.

This episode gave me a tingly feeling inside. I mean, most of these kids don't get a chance to do what others can. I believe it is important to help them out whenever possible.

The Sperry Pirate team, coached by Michelle's Mom Deanna Oakley, did AWESOME!!!! A few gold medals, a few silver, and a few bronze. The kids were so happy. The Pirates are an awesome group, and I enjoyed getting to know them.

Friday disappointed me a little. We could not set up due to the heavy rains and high volume of water. We might have sold a few more copies, but I sold three as soon as I got back to Sperry, so it was all worth it. (I am just glad we didn't get any of the tornadoes that Tulsa got)

All in all, it was a great experience. Will we sell books next year? Yes. in addition, The Special Olympics has inspired me to participate in the walk. it will be an awesome feeling. Over and Out!