Pyrates[TK] Posted July 10, 2017 Report Posted July 10, 2017 (edited) "Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate" - Jack Sparrow This saying couldn't have been more true the day of our trip to the Edmonton Ronald McDonald House. I was to embark on my first troop entirely meant for the kids. We were all secretly escorted to the change room, got kitted up, and anxiously awaited to be taken to the common area where we would be meeting all of the children staying at the house. The announcement came over the intercom, and we marched out of the room to jam pile in the elevator. One couldn't help but laugh as we relived the Ghostbusters elevator scene shifting to fit in as many troopers and one clone with an unlicensed nuclear accelerator on his back. The doors opened, and we almost burst out - luckily avoiding dog piling on one another. Composing ourselves, we continued to the main common area. The eyes lit up, and the jaws dropped. There was a few moments of dead silence, and everyone just standing around not doing anything. I'm not one for just standing around - I'm here to make smiles, so I just jumped right into action breaking the ice. "Where's the love for the Empire people? Lord Vader isn't here so what does everyone want to do?", everyone laughed. I began by making my way through the room introducing myself to each of the children and their parents. I came across a little tike who was shying away, and really didn't know what to make of us. Being a Dad is helpful in these situations. Taking a knee, I started my peek-a-boo routine with the little guy and asked him what he liked to do for fun. We started with some lightsaber training, then testing his force abilities with one of Jedi's to mentor him. He was a natural and maybe a little to strong with the force. After that I asked him if wanted to go to the playroom and check out the toys. Without hesitation he grabbed my hand and lead the way. We were playing with stuffed animals, playing on the slide, and then he started to open up and talk. Running around and dragging me everywhere that we could go. After an a hour, it was decided that it was time to head outside for a "cool-off"... everyone except for me lol. I made it 3 steps towards the door and my new friend grabbed me by the hand and we were off again. We decided to go to the reading room where I found the "Why I Love Hockey" book. We chilled out on the couch, where coincidentally there was a hockey game on TV, and started to read to the little man. Once the book was done, it was time to go back to the playroom. It was there that I was tapped on the shoulder by his Dad. I looked up at him to see a broad grin from ear to ear. He was a little choked up, and I stood up and put my hand on his shoulder. "Thank you trooper, you have no idea what you've done for my son, and for his Mom and me. He hasn't spoken to anyone for the last couple of weeks and he suffers from Subglottic Stenosis, which means his esophagus is the size of a dime when it should be the size of a quarter. I can't remember the last time he was so happy and active running around. It's like he's his normal self again... thank you for giving him this day." After hearing his words I was once again happy to have my bucket on my head as the tears made their way down my face, and I swallowed hard to relieve the lump from my throat. "Good sir, it is absolutely my pleasure" was all I could croak out as he came in for a hug. There was a tug at my holster, and there was my new little friend with a big smile on his face "Play?". I turned to his Dad with a nod, then back to the wee man "A trooper's work is never done, where to next little buddy?!" We made our way over to a Wookie sized stuffed bear. Laying on the floor, we tugged it over to the middle of the room where he flopped on top of it. He patted the spot next to him for me to join. "Oh boy, um ok let's try to do this" as I worked my way down to do the best that I could in armor. Then he seen the other Troopers playing Hop Scotch, yup we needed to do that too. After a few more photos, it was time for us Troopers to return to the Death Star, and my new little recruit wouldn't let me go. His Mom and Dad convinced him it was snack time, and he kept an eye on "his" trooper as they walked away. As soon as he was distracted in the other room, I made my way back to the elevator to join everyone else back in the change room. This few hours had been without question my best troop ever. When I was back in change room, I took a knee and just reflected. This is why we put on the armor, and none of the other troops prior can compare to the feeling of gratification of giving to those who need it most. Once we were kit down and back into "civie's", there was a knock at the door. Someone was looking for "his" trooper, and wanted to come in to look for him. He wandered in looking at each of us up and down. My bucket was still out so when he made his way over to me, he looked very suspiciously at it. I offered it to him to put it on, and without hesitation he put the bucket on his head. I quickly snapped some photos while he tried to look around. Absolutely priceless moment to add to the rest of the day. The last part of our troop was a tour of the rest of the house to see how things are run, some history, and the great many things that the Ronald McDonald house provides to those who stay. Back upstairs as the tour commenced, the most interesting thing happened. He had never seen me before, as I kept my helmet on the entire time, and kept eyeballing me. Once again he started hovering at my legs. Peter (who was a handler for the event) looked over at him with a smile, then looked at me and said "He knows who "his" trooper is." As soon as leaned down, looked at him and said "What's up bud?" his eyes lit up and big smile stretched from ear to ear. He joined us for the remainder of the tour, the whole time walking beside and looking up. The day after I was contacted by one of our recruits who was also staying at the house to ask permission if the parents could contact me. I agreed wholeheartedly, and since then have been receiving updates on the little man's surgery and recovery. I am happy to report that even though there were a few bumps on the way, he has almost made a full recovery and the family is doing well. I love being a trooper and the precious moments that come with this title - WHOOO-WAHHH! Edited July 12, 2017 by Pyrates 6 Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 10, 2017 Author Report Posted July 10, 2017 Awww drat! Going to have to upload the photos a different way - sorry mates Quote
tkrestonva[TK] Posted July 11, 2017 Report Posted July 11, 2017 What a great read. You all did good that day. Bravo, troopers. 2 Quote
Malace Posted July 11, 2017 Report Posted July 11, 2017 Great story...thanks for sharing!! Can't wait to wear the white and participate in troops like this. 1 Quote
starsaber25[Admin] Posted July 11, 2017 Report Posted July 11, 2017 Great job Aaron! Sounds like an awesome troop! 1 Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 11, 2017 Author Report Posted July 11, 2017 14 hours ago, tkrestonva said: What a great read. You all did good that day. Bravo, troopers. Much appreciation mate! Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 11, 2017 Author Report Posted July 11, 2017 6 hours ago, Malace said: Great story...thanks for sharing!! Can't wait to wear the white and participate in troops like this. Thank you - trooping is a truly epic experience! Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 11, 2017 Author Report Posted July 11, 2017 5 hours ago, starsaber25 said: Great job Aaron! Sounds like an awesome troop! Cheers Steve - I'm still getting used to the new upgrade without Tapatalk, I will try and get those photos changed out soon to show the event. Fist bump brother! 1 Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 11, 2017 Author Report Posted July 11, 2017 23 hours ago, magni said: I'm not crying! You're crying! Right?! Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 12, 2017 Author Report Posted July 12, 2017 So a huge special thanks once again to "MechaPumpkin" for helping us Troopers get photos on the FISD after the new upgrade to the system. If you need to find out how, here's his link: Quote
gmrhodes13[Staff] Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 Nice work, looked like a lot of fun 1 Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 13, 2017 Author Report Posted July 13, 2017 3 hours ago, Pretzel said: Fantastic brother! Well done! Many thanks Preston! Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 13, 2017 Author Report Posted July 13, 2017 1 hour ago, gmrhodes13 said: Nice work, looked like a lot of fun It was a epic time - cheers mate! Quote
Sly11[Admin] Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 Wow, what a great troop, and you have gained a new friend for life Great work guys. Quote
Soulart[TK] Posted July 13, 2017 Report Posted July 13, 2017 It was a great day. I opted to not be in armor, and handle and photograph as I wanted you all to recall these moments. Having been a Mom that's stayed in a RMH with a sick Child, I know how important it is to have outside distractions, and know people care. The joy that was brought to the children and their families this day, was memorable. Unforgettable For each and every person there. I just wanted to witness it with clear vision. Bently certainly has found his Hero in you, and I'm glad you were given the chance to experience this feeling. Xo dear TK twin. Great account of your day there. 1 Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 13, 2017 Author Report Posted July 13, 2017 11 hours ago, Soulart said: It was a great day. I opted to not be in armor, and handle and photograph as I wanted you all to recall these moments. Having been a Mom that's stayed in a RMH with a sick Child, I know how important it is to have outside distractions, and know people care. The joy that was brought to the children and their families this day, was memorable. Unforgettable For each and every person there. I just wanted to witness it with clear vision. Bently certainly has found his Hero in you, and I'm glad you were given the chance to experience this feeling. Xo dear TK twin. Great account of your day there. Many humble thanks Teresa - rock on Trooper! Oh and thank you all the great photos you took that day too - fist bump!!! Quote
68Brick[TK] Posted July 18, 2017 Report Posted July 18, 2017 Well Done Sir. Heartwarming troops those are. 1 Quote
Pyrates[TK] Posted July 20, 2017 Author Report Posted July 20, 2017 On 2017-07-18 at 7:17 AM, 68Brick said: Well Done Sir. Heartwarming troops those are. Thanks my friend - it was Quote
TheSwede[TK] Posted July 20, 2017 Report Posted July 20, 2017 What a wondeful troop..bad guys doing extremely good! 1 Quote
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