"you made entertainment happen"

once upon a time, Frank Roach who some of you may know said to me among other things of course ... "while we were being entertained, you made entertainment happen". this could not have been more true on a day like today. as a matter of fact, frank said this to me almost one year ago today as i was simply reminded of the why i do what i do yet again. today was the first day of Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music" at the Constant Center. [Tickets on sale now at COXTix.com, at the Constant Center Box Office, or by calling 888-3-COXTIX. 6 shows! ] big things let me tell ya! now, this show although slightly sticky to handle throughout the months of the marketing campaign brings one great day of community relations. today was that day. today, i was blessed enough to take Elmo and Cookie Monster...yes people, ELMO and COOKIE MONSTER (the real ones) to the area's children's hospital.

this hospital specializes in cancer, surgery and general medicine. this hospital to me is something a little more special as its the only place that has reminded me not once, but twice of why i do what i do for a living. it is at this hospital where i make entertainment happen, while others are being entertained elsewhere around the world. 

at around 2 pm began the visit. hospital ground rules, isolation prep, and a scary reminder that some hospital floors are not "good places right now" as in, some children are not well enough to have happiness brought to their door, and for those i say a little prayer. elsewhere in the hospital, big things were set to happen. around 2:30 elmo took floor 7 and cookie floor 8. as we went door to door stopping for hugs, or blowing kisses children all under the age of 7 sat up with bed head, and tired eyes to let out even the slightest of smiles. which to me already meant, my job was done. 

now, for background info... these visits are not done for good PR in the business...they are done to grab peoples attention. we invite media and we hope TV shows up to shoot something heart warming, which then invites people to buy tickets... off the record and completely removed from my line of work.. i was thankful today it was just me, the little ones that were sick, and the characters. today... it was more special than tv cameras could capture... 

close to the end of the visit we stopped by a little boys room who was just previously notified he would be going home today. this is big news for obvious reasons, as those who are in CHKD are usually serious patients. so, as elmo crouched on his knees, and the boy who in isolation stood at his door way and waved, a nurse said..."tell elmo you are going home today!" in a matter of a breath, all 8 people; staff, nurses, doctor, parents and handler included cheered. "YAY! YOU ARE GOING HOME!" we all cheered... this little boy began to cover his mouth, and clap his hands full of excitement as mom hugged him to her shoulder closely. my life in that moment was perfect. i was made aware of what is important. made aware of the fact that not all of those children will get to go home. made aware of the fact that not all moms will be smiling and hugging their little one at the sight of big blue eyes lighting up and stomping feet of excitement. this was not entertainment. this was a blessing. this was god working in a way to tell me... continue to do this, because while other people are being entertained... you are making entertainment happen. you are bringing joy to those who may not be able to experience it, and you are changing peoples lives one character door visit at a time. today, was a good day. today, i am thankful that little man gets to go home, that the others were able to smile and forget about why they were there, and today i am hopeful that i can bring more entertainment to those who deserve it most...and between you and i... it doesn't always need to be about selling that last ticket, because sometimes... life comes first.

Donna - This one was for you. love you. xxoo.