The time was 5:30 p.m. and dinner was just coming out of the oven. The phone rings and it's Grandma Judith, "Are you guys coming?"
After sharing with her the story of Sarah and I scoring tickets, Grandma was on a mission to help Katherine I increase our odds at winning again. Brett was with Matthew at baseball. The big girls were at the church at a quartet rehearsal which left Katherine, Joseph, Samuel and myself as possible lottery hopefuls. We scarfed down our dinner in the car (don't tell Brett) and zoomed downtown to meet Grammy. Samuel and Joseph decided that they didn't want to see the mean green witch so we made a deal. If either of their names were drawn they could trade in their ticket for a trip to the toy store. As we weaved our way through the crowd we discussed folding options for our beloved ballots. Crinkle, fold, bend, curl... the possibilities were endless. Kate and I decided on a fan fold and the boys decided on snowballs, magic snowballs according to Samuel. We threw our ballots into the very full black caldron and found a spot to wait. The people just kept coming. Of all the nights I'd been there, I had never seen so many people. Must have been inspiration from seeing my picture in yesterday's paper;) Come to find out there were over 500 hopefuls. As we squeezed in tighter Samuel reached down where he was standing and found a penny. "Look mama, my lucky penny. I just know I'll win my Big Wheel Bike now," he said as he rubbed the penny on my face. Katherine held on tight to Grandma as I tried to keep the boys from knocking people over. Name # 1 was called, then name 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 it seemed like forever. I looked over at Kate and she smiled still hopeful. The nineth name was drawn and low and behold the name called out was "Samuel Nielson". We stood there in shock! Little Katherine's tears could not be contained. "I just knew it, mom. I just knew it", she said as we hugged.
I kept repeating to myself in the car, "I can't believe it. I can't believe it." Samuel joined in, "I can't believe I won a Big Wheel." Katherine and I just laughed the whole way home.
And so you see my friends, when you have a lucky penny, a magic snowball and a 12 year old sweetheart full of faith the odds are only in your favor.
7 comments:
that's such a great story! both of the Wicked posts. and i'm so glad katiegirl got to see the show. i was thinking i'd have to kidnap her and bunchkin and jet out to nyc if she didn't win one. this was a simpler solution :-) ♥
Still has me grinning. Can't wait to hear about everything!!
I had Kate tucked in with my arms around her when we heard the distinctive voice of the announcer call "Samuellll......Nieeeelson." Katherine shook and then the tears flowed as the dream came true. No person could be happier than she except maybe me "Grammy", and her mom. As we went in to the ticket office to get the sought after ticket, the keepers of the gate said "Look, she's crying!" They smiled knowingly at her. The tickets were purchased and on the way out Kate was still overcome. Surely everyone who saw her sweet face celebrated. Oh Happy Day, a child's prayer answered.
Oh happy day indeed!!! I just can't believe it but then again I can! Katherine just had the faith! Congratulations to you Miss Kate I am soooo Happy for you and your momma and I guess it does payoff to have a cute little brother! I sure hope he gets his big wheel bike!!!! And Clau since you are on a lucky streak how about we head down to Idaho and play some real lottery;) JUST KIDDING! Love you all!
Oh my heavens, I'm speechless. Unbelievable!
You deserve it! Congratulations :)
Wow! Who knew that kind of Disney magic could reach all the way to Utah! =-) So great that all the girls and you could go see the play.
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