Last week there was a limo event for a group in Star Valley on Thursday night. I was to pick them up at the Star Valley Ranch RV Park at 7:00 and bring them back around 11:00. I was a little hesitant at first because it’s a two hour drive to get there. That would get me home around 1:00am and I have basketball in the morning. But I told them I would be happy to do it. And do you know why? That’s right, because I’m the World’s Best Limo Driver! That, and I can still foul people even when I’m tired.
When I arrived at the address, a young man came out and told me it was his Dad’s 80th birthday and they wanted to do something special for him. His mother came out and told me how her sons, daughter and their spouses surprised them by showing up at their place today. “They told us they wanted to do something special for my husband’s birthday, but we had no idea they were going to get a limo,” she said. When her husband came out, I told him “Your family wanted to make sure your birthday was special, so they made sure to ask for the best limo driver for you.”
They started their evening by having me take them to dinner in Thayne. After that, they wanted me to take them to Afton so they could surprise one of their friends. It was so heartwarming to listen to them talk. I could tell this family had a very strong bond and they were so happy to be together.
When we arrived at the house in Afton, some people came out of the house to see who just pulled up in a limo. There were about 4 younger children that came over to look at the limo. “You guys can take a look inside if you want,” I told them. They were excited an got in to take a closer look. I went over where the group was talking and said, “If you guys are going to be here for a while I would be happy to take the kids and anyone else for a ride in the limo if you wanted.” One of the adults said, “Oh my word, they would love that! Are you sure?” “It’s no problem at all. I love to take little kids for their first limo ride. Besides, that’s what makes me the World’s Best Limo Driver,” I reminded them.
The kids and a few adults got in the limo and wanted to know if I could take them to the store so they could pick up a few things. I told them that would be great, and we headed into town. On the way to the store, I could hear the kids in the back saying they couldn’t believe they were actually riding in a limo. The excitement in their voices was so cute. One of the adults was talking to me and I found out the kids were his grandchildren. “I only get to see these kids once a year when they come out here. I can’t believe how lucky we were they were here so they could go in your limo,” he said. “I’m glad it worked out this way,” I told him. At that point I heard one of the other adults asked the kids if they were having fun. In their loudest voice and excitement they all replied, “BEST DAY EVER!” I can’t tell you how happy that made me.
When we got back to the house, one of the kids said, “Thanks for the limo ride Grandpa.” The Grandpa replied “Don’t thank me, thank the driver. He’s the one that did it all.” Then all the kids replied loudly “Thanks limo driver! BEST DAY EVER!” That made my whole day. I told them it was my pleasure to be able to drive such a great family, and that us Grandpa’s stick together. “If you make one grandkid happy, you make all Grandpa’s happy,” I told them.
It is events like this that remind me of the joy of making wonderful family memories and keeping family bonds strong. It reminds how blessed I am for my family. Thanks for reading.
Next week: A new Foundation opportunity.
P.S. Yesterday I received a $100 donation to the Foundation from the family. I am so grateful to have the chance to meet great families like this.