photo & story by: lisa petrarca
Walking down the stairs, large red passes hanging from our necks marked, "Guest," we headed below the Honda Center stadium in Anaheim, CA. We were unsure what awaited us, but felt very privileged to be sharing this moment with our dad.
We were taken to a holding room with several people. Pushing our way back trying to find a spot to stand, I put a call into the PR Rep, as instructed by the The Detroit Red Wings PR Executives. I was told they were in a press conference but would be done in a few minutes. I assumed, as did my family, that we would be staying in this area & mingling with the coaches and players along with all the other "guests."
This was a gift to my dad, first surviving inoperable 4th stage lung cancer and now getting to meet The Detroit Red Wings Hockey coach, Mike Babcock (also the gold medal winning Canadian Olympic Hockey coach) and the players.
My dad grew up in Michigan and was actually asked to try out for their farm team as a goalie. He chose to join the Marines and served his country. Upon returning, he played for the semi-pro team, The Reno Aces for several years.
I received another call a few minutes later. The PR rep came and took us down the hallway, as we entered a room, Mr. Babcock and the entire coaching staff were standing there to greet my dad. We were alone in the room visiting with them for about 15 minutes. They also invited my dad and mom to come to their practice in Phoenix and hang out with the team.
This was so much more than I ever expected! The special attention, time and treatment my dad received was such a blessing!
While driving to work the next morning, so full of gratitude, I turned to see a large sign on the side of a car, "Jesus' Detailing." How appropriate...at that moment, I thought of how Jesus sits at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf...even the special little details that we never expect.
Never give up hope...Jesus is interceding on your behalf and Heavenly Father is faithful to answer!
ROMANS 8
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered" 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
