A Rockets Christmas Story

Hayesfan · Dec 20, 2008

really really well written piece by Jason (Fritz)

Here's the link and the beginning of the article

http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/A_Rocketsrsquo_Christmas_Sto-293944-34.html

Houston - Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

A jaded, cynical adult becomes utterly disenchanted with all things Christmas-related due to the rampant commercialism and materialism now associated with the holiday season. Let’s call this person Ebenezer. Or just Jason. But then something miraculous happens: That same cold-hearted person instantly melts upon spending just a short amount of time around those less fortunate and – voila! – suddenly the Christmas spirit is alive and well once more.

By now we’ve heard so many variations of that story that we’ve almost become immune to its power. Call it a Christmas cliché. But like all clichés, it’s also steeped in the truth. I had to find out the hard way - which also happens to be the best way, just in case you were wondering.

Thursday evening the Houston Rockets and Southwest Airlines teamed up for their annual visit to the Ronald McDonald House here in Houston. If you don’t know the Ronald McDonald House is home to families with children undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses. The event actually served as a Grand Re-Opening of sorts, since it was the first large-scale social gathering held at the House since Hurricane Ike. Much of the RMH facility required reconstruction after being ravaged by the storm, so this was not just a celebration of Christmas, but also of the building returning to full functionality.

I had no idea what to expect from this evening’s activities so, upon entering, I found a quiet place to watch and observe. I’m not sure if I moved once over the hour that followed. What I do know is that I never stopped smiling. Not even once.

Clutch kicked things off – with an assist from the Rocket Power Dancers – as only he can. It’s amazing how much kids love that bear. He got them all involved and left them in stitches from start to finish.

With the audience suitably warmed up and buzzing, the players then took center stage. Ron Artest, Carl Landry, Luther Head and Joey Dorsey were introduced one-by-one, starting line-up style, then proceeded to take turns playing Santa Claus; handing out giant bags filled with gifts for each and every child in the room.

There are no words in the English language – at least none which I possess – to properly describe the way a child’s face lights up when receiving presents from their larger-than-life heroes. It seems like something akin to awe, wonder and pure, unadulterated joy, but I’m really just guessing here. What I do know with absolute certainty, however, is that there’s simply no way there was anything in those gift bags which could ever hold a candle to the smiles and laughter which had overtaken the room.
Click to expand...

I encourage you all to go read the end of the article as it has a really moving bit about one of the kids in the house.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to all those who celebrate and Happy Holidays and New Year to those that don't!

GlassHalfFull · Dec 20, 2008

Great story, thanks for sharing.

Pringles · Dec 20, 2008

Half time show is on this.

Great find, pretty interesting how Luther been doing this for the past 3 years.

Marsarinian · Dec 20, 2008

Ahh, if every fan were like Hayesfan... This board would be heaven.

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