As Bill approached his locker, he spotted a folded piece of paper in his memo clip. Looking over he saw one at Jakes locker as well but not the one next to it. Looking all around he saw two more and wondered what was going down.
Opening the note, he read the first line, “Make A Wish-Critical,” and breathed a sigh of relief as he continued to read. Coach Jackson was calling a meeting in one of the conference rooms starting in twenty minutes.
So that’s why practice was cut short.
Bill headed for the shower as Jake and several more players entered the locker room.
“Hustle up, Jake. Make A Wish meet,” said Bill, pointing at Jake’s note clip.
In the conference room Bill, Jake and two other members of the team that supported the charity joined the coach, an unknown female and one of the coach’s assistants. When near the table they were able to read the woman’s metal name badge.
Teisha Hayes
Make A Wish Foundation
Los Angeles
“Gentlemen take a seat please so we can get started. Our guest is Ms. Hayes, with the Make A Wish Foundation.”
Bill had heard her name and was glad he was now able to put a face with it. This Director was new and already making a name for herself. Communication was great and she had started a well-orchestrated drive for donations and endowment gifts.
Introductions were simple since large tent style name placards were in front of each attendee.
Ms. Hayes opened the meeting. “Gentlemen, thank you for attending on such short notice. I will keep it brief.”
She passed out a page sized photograph of a bald boy who appeared to be eight or nine years old. The impression that Bill picked up on in the image was one of sad confusion.
He looked over and met the eyes of his teammates, Coach Jackson, and the assistant, Bob, one at a time. Everyone in the room knew whatever this boy wanted they would move heaven and hell to get it done.
“Gentlemen, the boy’s name is Darrell Smith, and he has leukemia. His wish is to see the Dodgers in the World Series, with the Dodgers winning of course but he is being realistic. He is fading fast and knows he will not live that long.”
Ms. Hayes looked down and wiped a tear from her eye. Several of the men were moved and a few were looking down at the table.
“The really sad thing-“ Ms. Hayes had to stop and compose herself.
“Bottom line is that Darrell is likely to pass within the next six weeks.”
“Damn it,” said Jake, pushing his chair away from the table.
Bill and the others looked at him in agreement.
“What do you have in mind, Ms. Hayes,” asked Coach Jackson gently.
“I was hoping we could brainstorm and come up with something special. We don’t have much time.”
“Okay, gentlemen, you heard the Director. Does anyone have any commitments they need to cancel tonight?”
Calls were made and food was ordered.
“Bob, get the communications director down here.”
Bills phone buzzed with an incoming text.
Megan: Hi Bill. Please let me know when you can come to Seattle so we can talk face to face. Megan.
Bill angled his phone so Jake could see it. He gave Bill a smile and a nod.