On Monday, we flew into Hartford where the folks from Fidelco picked us up and made us feel welcome and special. After meeting up with Michael at the hotel, we had a quiet evening together and went to bed to rest and prepare for the coming week's schedule. Eliot Russman, Fidelco's CEO is a taskmaster and had us hopping the whole time. We really enjoyed ourselves and had fun but it was all at full speed (or so it seemed).
The trip started with Michael's invitation to speak at the Newman's Own Holiday party on Tuesday. Newman's Own has two separate divisions, one does all the food manufacturing and sales and the other takes the profits and donates them to selected charities and organizations. The CEO wanted the folks on the food side to see where their money goes so he chose Michael to be the Keynote speaker at their annual get together. It was held at a private club in the town where Paul Newman lived and started the company thirty years ago. We arrived and while Xxon did his stuff in the grass, we used a roller on Michael's uniform to get the loose hair off. We soon found that to be a recurring duty throughout the week. The inside of the club was lined with photos and posters celebrating the milestones in the Newman's Own business. A little idea that started at Paul Newman's kitchen table has grown into an organization that has donated well over 300 million dollars to various charities in the 30 years it's been around. (If you didn't know, they are the folks that funded Xxon and brought he and Michael together.) Michael did a great job and everyone was touched by his story and his heartfelt thanks for what the company had done for him. We returned to Hartford and spent another evening visiting and enjoying the time together.
Wednesday morning we were up and moving early for a trip to the Hartford Fox Television Network studio where Michael and Eliot were interviewed. They talked about guide dogs, Fidelco's mission, and their efforts to get these animals offered through the VA and/or Dept. of Defense, which they currently do not do. It was cool to get the "behind the scene" look at how a TV station works. We had the camera and took several pictures when Michael and Xxon didn't know we were looking. Xxon wasn't thrilled with the "Doggles" Michael put on him. Doggles are glasses the dogs in the military wear to protect their eyes the same as their human counterparts do in hostile environments.
From the TV station, we went to Fidelco and got the tour. The best part of that was getting to go into the puppy room and play with the new crop of pups. They were so darn cute and full of energy. We all got down on their level and played until we wore them out and they had to take naps. It was fun to see Michael with those little shepherd pups. He always did like puppies and these sure liked him back. We mentioned our desire to have a Fidelco dog should they have one needing a good home and asked to have our names added to the list of potential adopters.
After we got the puppy slobber cleaned off and changed our clothes back at the room, we were off again. This time we went to the "Hartford Club" to a cocktail party/social where a number of Fidelco sponsors, local dignitaries, and notable dignitaries came to be thanked and to hear Michael speak. As has been the norm, while he told his story, everyone was engaged and drawn to his humble and heartfelt approach to what happened and how happy he is with his life and how thankful he is for their support. It was nice to have so many 'important' people come up to us and thank us for Michael's service and attitude and our part in raising him.
Thursday it was back to Fidelco. We had lunch with the staff and had the chance to thank them for all they do in helping people. We let them know how important Xxon was to Michael and to us and how much better Michael's life is with him. We thanked them and encouraged them to be proud in whatever part they play in making these animals available to the blind. They have a truly important role
and are making a difference "one dog at a time" but the impact is far greater than one person at a time. After lunch, it was off to a portrait session for Michael (and us"). After the pictures were taken, we got to meet "Quaker", a dog that can't be a guide dog but is otherwise happy and healthy. If we play our cards right, he just might be able to come to New Mexico and become part of our family. How great would that be?
We went from there to the Fidelco Board of Directors meeting where we had the chance to thank the boardmembers for their service and tell them the impact their dog has had in our family. I don't think they get to hear that part of the story much and it felt good to let them know what it means to us.
Friday morning we were of to Simsbury, CT where Fidelco turned over several packages of toys and supplies they had collected for service dogs in the military overseas. The Simsbury police have an annual event and Fidelco participates in partnership with them. Michael was able to be the spokesman and offer the goods to the gathered Simsbury dignitaries (including Senator Blumenthal who Michael met in an earlier trip to Washington DC). From there, Michael was off to the airport where he headed for home. Roxann and I had a few hours so we were treated to a tour of the Mark Twain home prior to heading to the airport for our own flight back home.
Overall, the trip was an absolute pleasure. We met so many nice people that seemed genuinely interested in our son. It was wonderful to see Michael engaged in something he enjoys and see the impact his words have on people from all walks of life. We are humbled by the kindness shown to him and to us by all we met wherever we went. We are so grateful for the generosity of the Newman's Own organization and their continued support. We're also grateful to the dedication of the Fidelco people and the work they're doing. We're also grateful to those of you that read this blog and have taken an interest in Michael. We thank you for your kind thoughts and for the prayers you've offered in his behalf. Please don't stop! As always, I'll close with my hope that God will bless you for your goodness. I encourage you to become involved with something that benefits others, it will make your life more meaningful. Regardless of how much or how little you can do, do it! If nothing else, buy Newman's Own products every chance you get. They'll make sure you're part of doing something. Thank you letting me ramble and thanks for your support.
No comments:
Post a Comment