Our Guys Night to Shine!
It is amazing how things transpire and “fall in your lap” and this is just what happened for Tommy to be able to attend this event. It was a night to remember!
You have followed along long enough to know that Tommy loves music and loves to dance! That apple didn’t fall far ☺️
I had heard about Tim Tebows foundation putting on this amazing night but never really knew how to get Tommy there! With some last minute determination from a friend and my work family a spot for Tommy was secured! I began to prepare Tommy with some calendar reminders and talked to him about an upcoming dance party! I stirred his interest even more when I gave him about six choices to his attire and you can see that he chose perfectly! This was one sharp dressed guy!
As “Mom” I have to admit, him attending something without me being there through the whole process was a little unnerving. Now, I felt absolutely comfortable with his “buddy” that had volunteered just to go with him! She is a great friend and has been around Tommy forever, but being in the next room wondering if he is doing alright is stressful! She kept Heath and I informed through texting and a few pictures as we “the caregivers” were entertained and fed!
We arrived early, but it worked out well! Tommy didn’t have to wait in long lines and was eager to see what exactly he would be doing! He did some practice dancing as we waited to register! LOL
The church hosting the event was Ridgewood Church in Port Arthur. Everything looked beautiful! The “red carpet” entrance was lined with football players from local schools along with their drill teams and many volunteers. All there to cheer on the attendees. The “Kings and Queens” of the night as Tim refers to them! We got our credentials, and Tommy met some beautiful princesses on the way to his photo op!
Knowing Tommy is knowing that he is COMPLETELY IN HIS ELEMENT AND LOVING THIS SITUATION! The looks on his face all night were priceless!
At this point we were separated. Tommy went with Debbie, his buddy to see what was next and we went in the sanctuary to wait until it was his turn for the “red carpet” entrance.
He received a boutonniere and ran into a few more princesses. Then proceeded to get his hair styled and his shoes shined before stepping into the “party bus” for his trip around town ending up at the red carpet!
His Premiere…
He looked so handsome and happy.
I was videoing above my head and just happened to catch one mishap when they first got off the party bus… He immediately wanted to go but there were others in front of him. He is learning to wait his turn, but as his buddy tried to assist, he wasn’t really “on board” with the waiting. He acted out towards her, but she pointed and mouthed, “look there’s Mom” and you could see his whole domineer change. He took a deep breath and fell in line and waited his turn!
Momma’s bluff still works MOST of the time!! LOL
The main event!
The party was hopping as they left our sight and walked into the “under the sea” themed area. Debbie said he headed straight to the dance floor. I warned her that she would probably be in the middle of it all night! He met up with even more princesses and a clown providing balloon animals.
As Heath and I were awaiting our next instructions in the sanctuary, I received a text asking if there was a song that Tommy really liked and knew to sing because they were going to try Karaoke! LOL, I told her she was brave. I was trying to think of something, and she said never mind, they figured it out… Let’s see if you know this song and Tommy’s love for it!
WAS THAT NOT THE BEST!!
The night rolled on, we were treated so special. They referred to us as hero’s most of the night! Wanting us to relax and enjoy our night just as our children were. And we did! The food was great, the conversation was great, and the comedian was funny! There were door prizes along with a gift for each family.
Tommy being the picky eater that he is, I made them aware that he would probably not eat and to not be concerned. He did eat some red and green grapes, drank some water and enjoyed the m&m’s from the top of his cookie! He seemed to enjoy the photo booth as well. Think he stole Elton Johns glasses for one of these! LOL
Every volunteer that we came in contact with was very nice. You could tell they wanted to be there! That makes such a difference when working with special needs children and adults. Not only did he have his buddy he had others that wanted to enjoy dancing with him. Hope these videos are not too much, cause when you see him enjoying himself you will understand why I had to share!
The Crowning…
The caregivers were invited into the end of the dance in order to see our king or queen “crowned!” Debbie and Tommy came to us so that we could video this part as well as the ending of the event., which included a massive balloon drop that you can tell everyone LOVED!!
We had one very happy boy and enjoyed a wonderful night and cannot thank Tim enough for his willingness to provide a night for these teens/adults that they enjoy! When the night is over they start looking and planning for the next years “Night to Shine!”
Another volunteer enjoyed a dance with Tommy - You will see his face as he agrees to dance and then his superb ending!
They closed with a few songs. He and Debbie enjoyed their last dance! So thankful that she wanted to experience this with him and that they had a great time…
- GOD BLESS, WE LOVE YOU ALL
