Hockey Night

I want to write this words down so they are never lost or memories forgotten. I spent the last week in utter anxiety and nervousness over the events that would happen tonight. Finally, after all of that anticipation it was here. The night I would meet Jonathan Toews and Corey Crawford.

We hopped in our car and set out to The Old Town Pour House in downtown Chicago. I could feel my stomach lurching with excitement the closer that we got. When we finally arrived we paid our meter and walked inside. It was packed! I couldn't believe it!

After running into some old WGN friends we headed upstairs. The balcony that was only set for 20 was full and there were no seats or tables left to sit at. After becoming frustrated, an older man came up to us and so generously offered for us to sit with him and his daughter who was probably my age or older. It just amazes me how kind people can be sometimes. Kaleen and I spent that time checking ourselves in our mirrors and takin pics while we discussed whether or not we would go in for the hug when we met the guys. After hearing some commotion we walked over to the balcony.

There they were.

The most beautiful men in hockey ready to take pictures with their fans. It became real in that moment. Finally they called our group to go down and line up. Now we were REALLY freaking out. Reluctantly I let my sister and Mom go ahead of me so that I could take pictures for them while they were meeting them. It was so fast! Finally it was my turn.

I walked up to Jonathan Toews and smiled. "It's so nice to meet you!" I said as I went in for the hug. (Daring I know!) "Hi! Nice to see you!" was his response. I don't quite remember what I did in that moment after, but I remember giving my phone to Kaleen to take pictures. I then went over to Corey. With outstretched arms I went in for the hug. "Hi Corey! It's nice to meet you!" "Hey how are you?" All of a sudden the room darkened. "Oh we're changing the mood for this picture huh". I laughed. Next thing I know I had my arms around them both and was smiling for the photographer.

I wish I would have professed my undying love for them just one more time before I left. I think I just walked off in utter shock and excitement. I was handed my autographed picture of the both of them and we were off to walk back upstairs. (Enter a sigh of relief) I could finally eat and not feel so pressured. It was so wonderful! The food was so good! And on top of that we got to listen to a fun live broadcast with the players. It was really nice to see everyone from WGN as well.

What a night. It's all so surreal. I don't think it's hit me yet. I love those boys.