Real Stars

I've never been overly in awe of "super stars" in our society (at least not during my adult life). Movie stars, singers, sports stars, and all the other 'stars' don't much impress me solely because of their 'star status.' Their talents are impressive- I won't knock that- but it doesn't necessarily make them overly impressive people in my opinion. Of course, I can and do appreciate that many of these people work hard at what they do and have an influence over a much larger mass of folks than I probably ever will.... but I do not in any way think that makes them better people than myself or my next door neighbor. I will admit that it would be very neat to meet Michael Jordan, Damon Stoudamire, Marc Broussard, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dakota Fanning, or Will Smith (a few of my favorite stars). But, I truly believe (and hope I'm not fooling myself) that meeting these people would not be any more special to me than meeting some of life's other 'stars' less recognized by the general public. Anyhow- I digress. My point was to say- that although I don't put huge stock in a person's social 'star status,' it does not mean that some of these individuals are not real stars.

Recently, I have been quite impressed with a soccer player named Danny Cruz. He's an MLS soccer player for the Houston Dynamo, and someone my son now calls a friend. Danny met B after a soccer game we attended when we were attempting to get some of the players autographs. B LOVES soccer and anything that goes along with it. He thought it was a great idea to get the players to sign his cards, but was a little shy when they actually showed up. Danny was so sweet to him, taking the time just to chat with him before moving on the the next kid. He was really kind to them all, but he and B just seemed to 'click.' This was BEFORE he found out Big B was a cancer survivor. So many people are extremely nice to B after finding out that news and although I greatly appreciate it, its hard for me to ever know whether they would have been otherwise. Doesn't much matter I guess, but part of me just wonders sometimes if it's a pity thing. We don't pity ourselves and would never want anyone else to. Danny later learned of B's history of cancer and offered his support a few months ago when B was sick with pneumonia. He's checked in on B, given him tickets to a game for our family and some friends, and has even given him an autographed pair of soccer cleats (which were special to Danny after the loss of his friend and former team-mate). Last week Danny was asked to join with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help raise money for cancer research through the Man of the Year campaign which has honored B as their 'Boy of the Year.' He quickly and enthusiastically accepted. Basically- he has cared about my kid and now cares about something close to our family's heart. But, its not just my kid. A friend of B's (we'll call him T)loves soccer too and is an even bigger Dynamo fan than B. For his birthday T got a group of friends together and took them to a Dynamo game. Danny took ALL the boys out to the field after the game as a surprise for B's friend, T. They had so much fun!
So, to the "stars" out there who use their status to help others and make a difference in the lives of random people and kids- I applaud you. I don't think that you are better people because you can play a sport or hold a tune, but if you use the position you have worked towards or been put in for the good of others- you deserve to be thought of as a STAR. And to those of you who will never be on TV or in front of cheering fans but who make a difference in the lives of those you can- you too are a star. Your name may never be in lights here on earth... but just wait!

To Danny- thank you for being so kind to my son and my family. You are his favorite athlete by far. BUT- not because of the things you have given him or your ability on the soccer field (although he sure does like that, too!), but because you take the time to talk to him, give him a hug, and to just care. I hope you do the same for many more kids just like him that need someone to look up to. B can't wait to work side by side with you to help others with cancer.