Little Lucia: Go Avs!

Every day with our little Lu is special but today was an extra special day, a warm fuzzy day, a smile so much it starts to hurt kind of day. The Colorado Avalanche Charity brunch event with the players, their wives, the staff, all the invited families, the guests, our family and friends, the venue, and our beautiful Lucia enjoying every minute and looking like a princess was all truly amazing. Lucia had been invited by her nephrologist Dr. Mindy Banks and her ortho Dr. Laurel Benson to be in the fashion show for the charity about two months ago and then the details came about. Last Saturday we had our 'fitting appointment' at Dillards in Park Meadows and were given a $200!!! shopping allowance. Jason and I picked out a beautiful yellow and pink dress, matching bracelets-wrist and ankle, barrettes, a furry kitten purse, shoes, socks and even a bottle holder with matching bib. The day before the event Jason mentioned that he thought we should decorate Lucia's stroller...so I did!

The day started around 9:30AM where we were greeted, visited the other special kids and their families, ate a lavish brunch, and then met with the Avalanche players. Lucia was paired up with Cory Sarich-not only cute but so personable, caring and sweet. He and his wife asked all about Lu, the other players came by and said hi, signed autographs and then everyone went through a practice run - on the runway. I'm not much of a sports fan and have only been to a couple of Avalanche games and my biggest recollection was all the fighting...needless to say this was everything NOT to do with fighting. The Avs players-every one of them present were paired up with a child- 25 in all - and they were all so cool. They held hands with little girls, were buddies with little boys, danced and hammed it up on stage, smiled, and were genuinely having just as good of a time as the kids. It's pretty special to see 'famous celebrity type' grown men come to an event and get up close and personal with families and kids. Lucia could not have been in a better mood either- she knew it was a special day!
With friends and family there to support and cheer her on- Joey and Kim, my brother Andy, Lisa Priest, Laura and Adam Huff, Andy and Elyse Slayton, Kent and his girlfriend Sharon, Mario's sister Dee and her daughter Lisa and even Lu's doctor Mindy Banks-Lucia was not lacking with a cheering section. They all came to see LU!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

As Lucia made her debut I was overcome with tears of joy and love for my precious daughter. It is difficult, actually impossible, to describe the depth of love Jason and I have for her. She is beautiful, she is kind, she is innocent, she is happy, she is soft, so soft, she is pure angelic love. About an hour after the event Laura called and said how she feels so blessed to have Lu in her life. This God given little girl named Lu has touched us in so many ways, and days like today did not happen, in our lives, before Lu. The other special kids and families we have met because of Lu, the events where men missing teeth and scars from fighting are gentle giants with kids like Lu...
Thank you Lucia for being our beautiful bright princess today and teaching us about the sparkles and warm fuzzies of life. Kroenke Foundation and Avalanche Players, thank you for creating this event for so many families and children. The day was relaxing, so exciting, glamorous and one we will never ever forget. A quote that was on the stage during the event went something like this.." It's not about how many times you've touched the puck, but how many lives you've touched that matter." You no doubt have touched our family- Go Avs!