Among all of our amazing experiences in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games, there was one special experience which will leave a lasting print on our hearts. We could not believe this…
The Amazing Story
From the perspective of my wife, Laura: The 2008 Olympic Games were over. We were flying back to the
States. A.G. & I flew back to the US on different flights despite our
arrivals into Ohio at the same time. While I was in the Beijing airport waiting
to step onto the plane, I overheard some of our new vacation friends talking to
another family behind me. The conversation started because both families have little
boys named Trey. This American family indicated they came to Beijing to watch
the Olympics and when asked about which event(s) they saw, the mother indicated
their interest was to watch the men’s hammer throw! Our friends asked if they
had ever heard of A.G. Kruger and the mother says ‘oh yes, we were watching
him.’ So of course, this catches my attention! I turn around to look behind me
and our friends point out that ‘A.G.’s wife and mother are in front of you in line.’
This mother and I catch each other’s attention and introduce ourselves.
She was a wonderful, down-to-earth woman standing in line with her husband and
2 children.
After we continue conversation about the Beijing Olympics, I ask
about their interest in the men’s hammer throw and she tells me something I
didn’t expect- “My son was granted
His Wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish to go to the Beijing Olympics and watch the men’s hammer throw.” Are.You.Serious. Oh yes, I am speechless. I almost didn’t know what to say (if you know me at all, this is rare). This little boy must be one of the cutest, sweetest little boys I have ever seen. She continues, “We watched A.G. and even tried to meet him, but it didn’t work out.” Again, speechless. Of all times, how could A.G. & I be on different flights?!?!
His Wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish to go to the Beijing Olympics and watch the men’s hammer throw.” Are.You.Serious. Oh yes, I am speechless. I almost didn’t know what to say (if you know me at all, this is rare). This little boy must be one of the cutest, sweetest little boys I have ever seen. She continues, “We watched A.G. and even tried to meet him, but it didn’t work out.” Again, speechless. Of all times, how could A.G. & I be on different flights?!?!
With a large plane and many people trying to find their seat on
the plane (Beijing to Tokyo), it was hard to continue a long conversation with
this wonderful family. But once I got on the plane, I kept my eye on the
family’s location on the plane and then followed them with a pen & paper in
my hand. My goal: Get this family’s contact information so we can do something
for this little boy, named Trey, once we return to the USA. We exchange contact
information and engage in short conversations until it’s time to take our
seats.
Here’s some information I gathered…
About Trey
First, A.G. & I just can’t believe the sequence of events to
bring that family right behind me in line. We thank God for His blessings. The
weekend after arriving home, the mother and I were able to connect on the phone
to talk some more about Trey’s story (as of Aug 2008). What I find out is Trey
is an 11 year old, 6th grader who has leukemia. He was diagnosed in
September 2005 when he was 8 years old, and has been undergoing a series
of treatment. His leukemia is considered high risk because his white blood cell
counts over 100,000 (normal is 4.3-10.3). Trey has overcome hospitalization,
missing school for 6 months, and going through many, many tests to ensure
proper treatment.
The family lives in Arkansas and Trey has an older sister who
also joined him to Beijing. The family is blessed to have a supportive
community and school environment. The community came together, along with the
local bank and Make-A-Wish, to finance their trip. Trey’s classmates even cut
their hair when Trey was losing his hair.
Side note- Trey is a third generation (trey = 3, aka “the third”).
Well, A.G. is also a third generation. He is Alfred George Kruger III.
Why ‘the hammer?’
Yes, this was something we wondered about too. In February
2006 when Trey was very sick in the hospital, The Make-A-Wish Foundation came
to his room and asked Trey what wish he would want- any wish possible. In February
’06, the TV broadcasted the winter Olympics. Trey asked his mom questions about
the winter Olympics. She told him about the winter Olympics along with the
summer Olympics, where his questions continued- ‘What sports are in the summer
Olympics?’ Since Trey’s mom is a former discus thrower and currently a
track/volleyball coach, she was able to tell Trey about many sports at the
summer Olympics! ‘Basketball, volleyball, track, …’ Trey presses, ‘What events
in track?’ She explains, ‘running, hurdles, throwing- such as shot put, discus,
and hammer.’ Trey gets curious and inquires, ‘What’s the hammer?’ Mom explains
then Trey responds, “That’s what I want to see! The hammer throw at the
Olympics!’
What now
Since getting to know Trey and his family, A.G. has sent boxes
of Olympic gear to Trey over the years and we send them Christmas cards every
year. A.G. & I look forward to continuing a friendship with Trey. It
would be awesome if there was a track meet local to Trey so he could watch and
attend. We’ll see… !!
www.caringbridge.org/visit/treyhickey
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