I had a crazy weekend – I was busy beyond belief, running
from event to event, making sure that timing was spot-on just to get everywhere
I needed to be and also to be able to get my children where they needed to be.
One event made me stop and think about taking time to enjoy the
blessings of the moment.
I covered the Little Angels Pledge Run sponsored by the
Elgin Area Organization of Motorcycle Riders and Woodstock Harley-Davidson.
Knowing that I had a busy weekend, and recognizing that I
would not be able to attend the event in its entirety, I did some research
ahead of time – and I am so thankful that I did. I met some of the most
incredibly kind and generous people.
Mary Jean Adkins, donor engagement director for Marklund
Wasmond Center at Little Angels, took the time to really talk about the needs
the center has – as well as the incredible care the organization gives to
individuals with profound medical needs.
She explained that, with inadequate state funding, the Little
Angels Pledge Run is a huge asset for the organization. The run has raised
almost 5 million dollars in 30 years – and continues to thrive. That money has
gone toward helping to build a new facility and new medical equipment acquisitions
among other things.
For those who, like me, might be unfamiliar with motorcycle
runs, this run both kicked off at and returned to Woodstock Harley-Davidson – a
dealership well known for its charitable support of many organizations. Bikers
paid to join the 80-mile ride, but they also collected pledges outside of that
fee as well. All of the proceeds go
toward supporting Little Angels. Everyone I spoke with that day talked about
the generosity of the bike community – and how their support has changed lives.
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| A line of motorcyclists supporting the Little Angels Pledge Run waits for the ride to kick off. |
I saw some of that firsthand. As the bikers left, they waved
to the residents who were able to attend – and the smiles on their faces left
no doubt that were excited to be there. I met a young man named Darren. He held
my hand, and, though he struggled to find the voice to say hello, he kept
receiving encouragement from a Little Angels staff member and eventually his
word rang out, loud and clear.
I was overwhelmed with emotion just being with this young
man whose joy was so innocent and whose willingness to spend some time with me
– to reach out for my hand and have a conversation with almost no words – was
genuine.
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| Joy and thanksgiving for the motorcyclists who support Little Angels. |
Beth Norman who organized the event also knows how much joy
these residents bring to others. A member of EAO, she spoke about how incredible the motorcyclists are every year and how
wonderful Doug Jackson (part owner of Woodstock HD) and Woodstock Harley-Davidson had been – graciously
hosting the event and being a staunch supporter of this organization. She also
talked about what I was witnessing: the incredible generosity of the biker
community.
Then I met a gentleman who was volunteering to work security
for the event. We talked casually, and he revealed that he was not a biker, but
that he was there to support his friend who had a son at Little Angels. This
man – Chuck Haas – was incredibly helpful. After speaking with him, I knew I
was in the right place for pictures. But then, Haas deflected attention from
himself to his friend. He insisted that I should make mention of his friend in
the article.
I explained that I couldn’t include someone’s name –
particularly a person with a resident at Little Angels – without his or her
permission.
He assured me that it would be OK, but he also said that I
could go speak with him … if I high-tailed it across the sea of 500 motorcycles
… and found one Mr. Roland Harper.
Now, apparently my knowledge of motorcycles is tantamount to
my knowledge of football. Haas kindly explained that Roland Harper was none
other than the Chicago Bears running back who blocked for Walter Payton. Yep … I didn’t know! (And I’m a little
embarrassed about that.)
Anyway, I decided to make a break from the spot I had staked
out for photographs and try to track down what I assumed would be a needle in a
haystack. After a couple of wrong attempts, I found a group of gentlemen who
looked as though they might fit the bill.
Now my husband said this is my “extreme extrovertedness”
coming out, but I casually stood in front of this group and asked if anyone
knew Haas. One gentleman came forth, and I asked if he happened to be Roland
Harper. Task complete!
I apologized for my clear football knowledge deficit, but
Harper didn’t seem fazed by my lack of recognition. He was as kind and as genuine
and as honest as Haas had described. He shared his son’s story. He allowed me
to take his photo and he laughed with me and even jokingly smirked a little
when I told him I had taught Bryan Bulaga of Green Bay Packers fame.
The one thing I noticed about Harper was that he didn’t seem
to want to be the center of attention. And the photo I like best is him with
his riding companions. To me, it seemed fitting that he be represented as a man
who welcomes others. I wish I had more time to talk with him – but the ride was
about to start, and I was trying to be respectful of what I perceived to be
his desire to have the focus on the Little Angels organization and not on him.
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| Bears running back Roland Harper with his crew of Little Angels supporters before heading out on the ride. |
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| Little Angels residents and staff cheering on the riders. |
So I ran back to the residents … and watched the joy on
their faces and in their hearts … and I left longing for more – more time with
these residents, more time with the incredible staff, and more time with the biking
community whose often gruff exterior notably belies a gentle heart.
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| Roland Harper on the way out ... with a little editing, just because I thought this would be cool;) |
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