More than Just a Trip (part I): Uncle Dennis, Aunt Susan, Elder Rogers and San Diego State, Part I
Last week I flew to Utah to watch a basketball game--or at least that's what people think. It's true that I was excited to see my cousin and BYU play; Jimmer scores more points per game than anyone else in the nation, he's arguably the best overall player in Division I basketball and as a team BYU is incredible. So of course I love to watch their games. But the heart of the matter--the real truth--is that I missed my family. I missed standing in Uncle Den & Aunt Sue's kitchen, talking late into the night. I missed family gatherings on Sunday afternoons, and I missed belonging to someone and something greater than myself. So I bought a plane ticket and went to Utah.
The trip was all I'd hoped for. I saw one of the best basketball games played in America this season. I visited old friends at BYU and attended the Provo temple again. I visited with my aunt and uncle. I spent a lot of time reflecting on how blessed I have been and on what a special time my years in Utah were. I came home tired, but renewed. Here are the highlights:
At the ballgame:
-Before the game I noticed three black men sitting a few rows in front of me. I'd been given a ticket that technically belonged to an ex-NBA player, so I assumed some of the people in my section were affiliated with the NBA. I assumed maybe the three guys were scouts, and I watched them for quite awhile; they were wearing dark suits, huge diamond studs in their ears, and one even had shades on. They clearly were not BYU students, and I was curious, if a little intimidated (by the shades especially). I left my seat to get some popcorn (ie. dinner) and when I returned, someone was in my spot. It turned out that I hadn't been in the correct spot; my spot was next to them. I sat down by the guy I'd later learn is called "too hard to guard" in streetball. After a couple of minutes my curiousity overcame me, and I looked at the three guys and said, "Who are you here to see?" When they replied "Jimmer" I said, "me too"--and they laughed! I wasn't about the be laughed at by three guys who obviously did NOT belong at my Alma Mater. I mean, if they were gonna be there, they hadta have some respect for the family, right? So I said, "No, seriously--he's my cousin". Well, the guy in the middle (Kamar) grinned from ear to ear and almost jumped out of his seat. "Really? I played ball with his brother." Then it was my turn to be stunned. "With TJ? At ACC?" Kamar replied, "I was the guard at Adirondack." Well, this was cool. This was beyond cool. I was 2300 miles from home, sitting by friends of TJ's who were supportive enough to fly to Provo and watch Jimmer! And not only that, they could say "Adirondack" correctly! I had a great time talking with Kamar, who was high-fiving everyone around him by game's end, and his friend Ardis DeLeon, aka "Too Hard to Guard". They were supportive, fun, and encouraging, and I'll always rember them and the time I spent with them. They later found TJ and came to Village Inn with us. Whenever I reflect upon my time with them, I'm reminded that we're all children of God. When we are united and treat each other as we should, we honor our Heavenly Father. Ultimately, our love and regard for one another will allow those of us who have the gospel to bring others of his children back to him. If that process begins at a ballgame, so be it.
After the game I had several neat opportunities. While waiting for the players, I was able to talk with Logan Magnusson's mom, Lori, who had been at CSU the previous week. I met Jimmer's girlfriend, Whitney. I was able to talk with Jackson Emery and tell him how much we've enjoyed watching him play. I watched Uncle Al do an interview with ESPN. And in the tunnel, after the game, I met LaMont Morgan, who really touched me with his kindness by giving me his copy the game CD. I also hand-delivered a note to coach Rose. All of those things were fun, but the best experience was one I hadn't known might exist before my trip. As the players began coming out of the locker room and onto the court, Aunt Susan pointed to Stephen Rogers and said, "Do you know him?" I replied that I knew who he was, but didn't know him. She said, "His dad was the missionary that taught your mom and Al." At that moment time stood still. I was overcome with an emotion more poweful than anything I'd experienced on my trip thus far. After a few minutes I pulled myself together, walked onto the court, and shook Stephen's hand. I know my voice was shaking as I told him that what his dad had done was better than any ballgame. After that neither of us really knew what to say, and our conversation ended almost as quickly as it had begun. I find myself reflecting on that experience, on the fact that he and Jimmer are playing together and that Elder Kim Rogers has spoken with Al recently, and I stand amazed at the transforming power of the Gospel. I hope I will be able to thank Stephen's dad one day, too.
After our family was escorted into the tunnel and escaped the Marriott Center with Jimmer and a couple of security guards, we went to Village Inn to eat. By then it was midnight and I was tired, but I enjoyed visiting a little with Uncle Al and TJ and Jimmer. I fell into bed at 2:30am, exhausted but grateful for my Fredette relatives and for BYU.
*I really didn't take too many pictures at the game, and the ones I have are on my camera, so after I buy the correct equipment I'll see about uploading them.
The trip was all I'd hoped for. I saw one of the best basketball games played in America this season. I visited old friends at BYU and attended the Provo temple again. I visited with my aunt and uncle. I spent a lot of time reflecting on how blessed I have been and on what a special time my years in Utah were. I came home tired, but renewed. Here are the highlights:
At the ballgame:
-Before the game I noticed three black men sitting a few rows in front of me. I'd been given a ticket that technically belonged to an ex-NBA player, so I assumed some of the people in my section were affiliated with the NBA. I assumed maybe the three guys were scouts, and I watched them for quite awhile; they were wearing dark suits, huge diamond studs in their ears, and one even had shades on. They clearly were not BYU students, and I was curious, if a little intimidated (by the shades especially). I left my seat to get some popcorn (ie. dinner) and when I returned, someone was in my spot. It turned out that I hadn't been in the correct spot; my spot was next to them. I sat down by the guy I'd later learn is called "too hard to guard" in streetball. After a couple of minutes my curiousity overcame me, and I looked at the three guys and said, "Who are you here to see?" When they replied "Jimmer" I said, "me too"--and they laughed! I wasn't about the be laughed at by three guys who obviously did NOT belong at my Alma Mater. I mean, if they were gonna be there, they hadta have some respect for the family, right? So I said, "No, seriously--he's my cousin". Well, the guy in the middle (Kamar) grinned from ear to ear and almost jumped out of his seat. "Really? I played ball with his brother." Then it was my turn to be stunned. "With TJ? At ACC?" Kamar replied, "I was the guard at Adirondack." Well, this was cool. This was beyond cool. I was 2300 miles from home, sitting by friends of TJ's who were supportive enough to fly to Provo and watch Jimmer! And not only that, they could say "Adirondack" correctly! I had a great time talking with Kamar, who was high-fiving everyone around him by game's end, and his friend Ardis DeLeon, aka "Too Hard to Guard". They were supportive, fun, and encouraging, and I'll always rember them and the time I spent with them. They later found TJ and came to Village Inn with us. Whenever I reflect upon my time with them, I'm reminded that we're all children of God. When we are united and treat each other as we should, we honor our Heavenly Father. Ultimately, our love and regard for one another will allow those of us who have the gospel to bring others of his children back to him. If that process begins at a ballgame, so be it.
After the game I had several neat opportunities. While waiting for the players, I was able to talk with Logan Magnusson's mom, Lori, who had been at CSU the previous week. I met Jimmer's girlfriend, Whitney. I was able to talk with Jackson Emery and tell him how much we've enjoyed watching him play. I watched Uncle Al do an interview with ESPN. And in the tunnel, after the game, I met LaMont Morgan, who really touched me with his kindness by giving me his copy the game CD. I also hand-delivered a note to coach Rose. All of those things were fun, but the best experience was one I hadn't known might exist before my trip. As the players began coming out of the locker room and onto the court, Aunt Susan pointed to Stephen Rogers and said, "Do you know him?" I replied that I knew who he was, but didn't know him. She said, "His dad was the missionary that taught your mom and Al." At that moment time stood still. I was overcome with an emotion more poweful than anything I'd experienced on my trip thus far. After a few minutes I pulled myself together, walked onto the court, and shook Stephen's hand. I know my voice was shaking as I told him that what his dad had done was better than any ballgame. After that neither of us really knew what to say, and our conversation ended almost as quickly as it had begun. I find myself reflecting on that experience, on the fact that he and Jimmer are playing together and that Elder Kim Rogers has spoken with Al recently, and I stand amazed at the transforming power of the Gospel. I hope I will be able to thank Stephen's dad one day, too.
After our family was escorted into the tunnel and escaped the Marriott Center with Jimmer and a couple of security guards, we went to Village Inn to eat. By then it was midnight and I was tired, but I enjoyed visiting a little with Uncle Al and TJ and Jimmer. I fell into bed at 2:30am, exhausted but grateful for my Fredette relatives and for BYU.
*I really didn't take too many pictures at the game, and the ones I have are on my camera, so after I buy the correct equipment I'll see about uploading them.
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