Brent

Just when I thought he couldn't amaze me anymore than he already does, he goes and does. Brent is very loving and giving. He started about a month ago putting into action a toy drive for the children's hospital in Houston.This was for his department at his college. At the time he believed there would be a alot of help, he was incorrect. That did not discourage him. He continued with his plan and turned into something unbelieveable.

Brent made the contacts at the hospital, set everything up and began his work. With the help of his graduate students who intern and his undergraduates that are in his classes, they collected hundreds of toys and almost $2,000. The students brought in toys and donations, helped Brent shop and organize the toys. Brent also worked with the local Walmart to get bicycles and more money from them. He tried very hard to get Sammy the Aircat and/or Bearcat to come but scheduling was not working out.

Yesterday was the day, they were to load the toys and travel to Houston. Before they left one of the students that went with Brent wanted to say prayer for a safe and succeessful trip. God is everywhere.

When they arrived Brent said the hospital personnel were just amazed at what they brought. There were signs up at the hospital saying come see Sammy Bearcat. Brent began to explain when a phone call came. Guess who was able to come, Aircat! Yeah, what a surprise. It was all falling into place. Gifts for children, Aircat and lots of love.

To hear Brent describe this experience brought tears to my eyes. They were able to go from floor to floor passing out presents because some children cannot leave their rooms or floors. They visited the transplant floor. Children they visited and played with practically lived at the hospital. Brent said to see the look in their eyes and to talk with their families really touches your heart. Brent's efforts brought Christmas to kids that would not have had anything because all of their family's money goes to hospital bills.

He told a few stories, and I want to share one. One boy was first in line at the game room when they arrived. He was about Cullen's age. He walked up and picked one little toy and smiled and said "Thank You." Brent began talking to him and to his mom. He has a rare disease and without a transplant he will die. He likes "Cars." So, Brent loaded him up. They were so appreciative. Later as they were going floor to floor they came across him and his mom again. He was very excited to see Brent. As they started to the next room, his nurse just cried and thanked Brent and told him there was going to be no Christmas for him and his sister who is 10 months old. She has the same disease. Brent went back to the room and gave them gifts for the sister, also. Into Brent's arms went the mother, and she just cried.

He wanted to visit the oncology floor but time ran out. They were there for about 4 hours and still did not pass out all the presents. The hospital will keep the presents that were not given out for Christmas Day. The employees will give those gifts to the kids who cannot go home. They try to have everyone home for Christmas but sometimes it is not possible.

When they left his students were all just humbled and wanted to make sure they could come next year and do it again.

My Brent, has amazed me again. His heart is so big. He reached so many children and families today and gave his students who helped something that will stay with them forever. I LOVE YOU and this is just one reason why I do!!!