As Anthony Bolner and I hightailed it to Fort Worth one January day, his contagious smile and bright blue eyes greeted me with a question, “What if we held a dinner to thank all of your drivers?” I loved that idea! A great way to express my love and gratitude towards those who made my Neurokinetix attendance possible. We could call it The Angel’s Lift Gratitude Dinner.
We gathered my drivers, friends and family at The Fifth: Fireside Patio and Bar on June 25, 2023. One of three restaurants Anthony and Carla, his wife, co – own with a handful of other friends. We were all excited about this much anticipated gratitude dinner.
Earlier that week, Anthony hinted I should say a few words to the guests. But unlike Anthony, I do not work my best under pressure and I am not an off the cuff, take control of the crowd speaker. I’m a much better writer and like to have my thoughts on paper. So I grabbed my iPad and prepared a short heartfelt thank you on Google Docs the night before the party.
The day before the event was also the afternoon that my best friend, Liz Bowman, flew into town from Greenville, South Carolina. Despite not being an official driver, she was there every step of the way, providing unparalleled love and support. Her once a year visits were always special, but this one was extra special. It was the first time in a few years that even the thought of getting ready for a get together with friends didn’t make my stomach turn.
Liz was in town and I was about to see 50 of my favorite people. Could life get any better? That morning, I put the finishing touches on the brief speech I had prepared for that evening. Purposefully, I printed the font extra large to help me see it and read it easily without my 4 plus reading glasses. I placed it on top of my bedroom dresser as I was telling Liz how imperative it was for me to remember my speech.
Although the invitation stated a 6:30 PM arrival time, I wanted to be at the restaurant by 6 PM to greet the guests. Luckily, I had planned my time accordingly, allowing Liz, my parents, and myself to hit the road by 5:30 PM. On the drive to the restaurant, I recognized that the usual pressure of being rushed was lacking, replacing it with a foreign sense of calm. As I relished in my zen vibes, my thoughts drifted towards another topic, telling my mouth to say a word that starts with the Leiter C and ends with an R-A-P! Turning towards Liz, I asked if she happened to remember my speech. Similar words out of her mouth soon followed.
As she frantically searched through our purses, I wasn’t panicked yet. I asked Liz to search Google docs on my iPhone, praying that the speech had successfully transferred from my iPad, to the iCloud, back to my iPhone… and it did! Whew! Grateful to have a speech, we continued on our merry way.
Perfect timing graced us as we simultaneously entered The Fifth’s doorway with Carla and Anthony. Carla was carefully balancing two large containers with enough mason jars to place on every table. Flowers filled each of the jars, which were meticulously arranged by Carla and Harvey, her 90-year-old father. Gorgeous summer flowers such as yellow and hot pink roses, purple Gerber daisies, and white hydrangeas filled the jars. These thoughtful centerpieces were Harvey’s beautiful gift since he could not attend the dinner. They added to the patio’s already inviting ambience, giving it the ultimate personal touch. This sweet gesture was noticed by all! I felt truly blessed by Harvey’s kindness.
Not far behind us, guests started trickling into the restaurant’s patio. Giant blowers prevented the blazing Texas heat from spoiling our fun, keeping the outdoor space at a comfortable temperature. Meanwhile, Carla and Anthony were unveiling another surprise. I smiled as they were adorning the fireplace with a giant rope necklace. The necklace dangled 29, 8 x 10 gigantic charms. Printed on every charm was each driver’s photo, making it easy for everyone at the dinner to identify an Angel’s Lift driver. They truly thought of everything!
Guests had arrived, mingled, and taken their designated seats at their table. The menu did not scrimp as people picked from their choice of salmon, ribs, or Caesar salad with jumbo shrimp. Guests perused the menu as the master of ceremonies, Anthony, asked Russ McFadden to lead a blessing over our food and friends. Russ’ eloquent words of thanksgiving reflected the gratitude felt in the hearts of every dinner attendee.
Next, Anthony introduced me and invited me to say a few words. He brought the microphone over so I could remain at my table, then sat down to my right. To my left, Liz was briefly setting up my speech on my iPhone. She pointed the iPhone towards me, so I could see the speech. But, I could not see my speech. Just black smudges across the screen. Thank goodness I always keep an extra pair of reading glasses in the front pocket of my purse. Yet, sadly, Liz reported my glasses were not to be found in the front pocket of my purse, or anywhere else.
It seems I had also forgotten my reading glasses. Humorously, my friends came to my rescue, pulling readers left and right out of their pockets and purses, raising their offerings toward the sky. Never was I so happy to have friends over the age of 50. I felt like an auctioneer trying to keep up with all the paddles. Although no one there offered 4 plus glasses, I graciously accepted a pair from a room full of 2 pluses in order to help me continue on. As Liz handled the iPhone, Anthony corralled the microphone. I started speaking. In unison and unrehearsed, they whispered my slightly blurry speech into each ear, ensuring my success. Oh, the irony! Once again, the friends who helped me be successful at Neurokinetix were the same people who ensured my success at a dinner honoring them. Not surprising!
Below is my speech which can never express enough love and gratitude…
“Welcome Fros Fisters, Funcles and Faunts. Although it stands for fake brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts–there’s nothing fake about you!
The first week my wonderful drivers were Bob Thorsell, Jen Richard, and Anthony Bolner. We were off to a great start. Next, John Lund came from Georgia, volunteering to drive indefinitely. I was grateful for whatever time he was willing to give me. After a month and by no fault of his own, he had to return to Georgia, leaving me only two weeks to figure out my transportation plan. With a long list of people clamoring for my Neurokinetix spot, I found myself under friendly interrogation in the medical director’s office. He needed to know how I was going to continue with Neurokinetix three times a week, on time. If not, he would have to give my spot away. I faked it until I could make it. I promised I would be there. Then I picked up the phone and called Anthony Bolner. Hence, Angel’s Lift was born.
On my not so great days, I made a vow to myself that no matter the circumstances or how bad I felt, I would go to Neurokinetix and power through with a smile on my face. I would think of all my drivers for inspiration, and how their priceless gift of time was so generously donated. Your love and selflessness have given me the motivation to keep pushing forward.
Health wise, I have seen more improvement in a one-year period than I’ve seen in a total of 13 years! The only thing I can attribute that to is each of you – my extended family.
My family has grown exponentially over the past year because of the caring faces I see looking back at me right now. Thank you will never be enough, but thank you for everything.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Carla and Anthony for our 30 year friendship and for always believing in me.
I especially want to thank mom and dad for their devotion and unconditional love while paving the road for me to succeed, no matter how difficult. I love you both.
Honoring my drivers on such a beautiful night is such a joy. I am so grateful! It’s this gratitude that allows me to stay positive, giving hope for the future and its infinite possibilities. I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite Bible quotes shared with me by Beth Smith. As stated in Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance in what we cannot see.” – In essence, the best is yet to come!… as long as I continue on with faith, Strides of Faith.”
As I concluded my speech, the whispers in my ears silenced. I looked up. I could feel the power of friendship and connection surrounding me. I could feel how much I was loved. I hoped everyone in the room felt the same energetic connection and recognized that they, too, were part of this powerful collectivenes.
Lastly, Carla and Anthony presented the perfect party favors to conclude the Angel’s Lift Gratitude Dinner. Angel halos for all! Feathery, glowing, angel halo headbands rekindled the party for 20 more minutes as guests grabbed another round of photos to commemorate the evening. I guess the best really was to come… always with Strifes of Faith.
