I’d be a healthy man. If love could only stop this from happening.

This is Joe and I think I may have been the only person who didn’t wake up today feeling very #JoeStrong. I’m scared and I don’t want to do any of this. But as the day went on and the pictures filled my timeline and pages I have hope tomorrow will be a better day.

If only love could cure me.

This weekend was filled wish such good intentions and generosity.  I only wish I could properly thank everyone involved.  People donated money, plane tickets, hotel rooms, Blackhawk’s tickets, their time updating the computer :), kind words of encouragement, a beer, a parking spot, a dinner, and a bar tab – to name a few.  Now, if only you could stop this from happening.

“Reservation for Clark,” as we stare at the gentlemen at the counter of the Thompson Chicago Hotel.  After he scans through the computer screen he looks up and says, “Okay, you 2 are the most important people in the building.  You have been upgraded to our suite on the 18 floor, with a giant Jacuzzi and King-sized bed!”  Never having this happen before, Amanda look at each other.  Our eyes said, you know what…WE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TONIGHT!  We were all smiles.  We gladly reached over the counter for the keys.  The gentleman behind the desk made sure we knew where we were going, and stopped me just short of saying, “Now, only if you could stop this from happening.”

It had been a long day since we lost an hour on an early flight to Chicago.  Amanda and I were leaving the hotel for a nice dinner that we had reservations for.  When we arrived, the guy at the hostess desk exclaimed, “Joe…Joe Clark?  Right this way, and let me take your coats.”  Maybe he can stop it from happening?

We arrived at our seats where we shared some appetizers and a plate of lobster-ravioli.  We were so hungry that it just wasn’t enough.  The waitress came around and offered us some desserts, which we gladly took part in.  I swear to you, they were Dunkin Donut Munchkins!  2 things here…First, why had I never thought of Munchkins for dessert, and secondly, they were Dunkin Donut Munchkins!  phenomenal!  The waitress came back soon after with the check and said, “Um, this has already been taken care of.”  Amanda and I looked at each other again and couldn’t believe how incredible that was.  Wait…what?  We tipped the nice waitress and left.  Now, if only she could stop this from happening.

On the way to the Hawks game, we decided to meet outside the stadium at the bar for a drink.    We went to open the door, only to find out that it’s locked.  The person inside said they would not open any earlier than 4pm, which gave us about an hour to find something else to do.  We went across the street and waited it out at the coffee-shop.  Now, maybe the first guy can’t stop this….but possibly the nice Barista can?  I didn’t ask…

The Blackhawks game was a blur of emotion.  I just wanted to bring Amanda here and show her what all the fuss was about.  She loved it.  The opening ceremony brought a tear to her eye.  Everyone really came together to make this happen.  The gentleman who put us in touch with the team, could he stop this?  The people who offered tickets to us left and right, could they?  What about the nice guy who escorted me down to ice-level to shoot the puck?  He seemed to have a lot of control, maybe he could stop it.  Still…I didn’t ask.

And can you believe I put that little puck into that tiny hole?

Maybe I could ask some of you who showed up on Friday night for, what turned into a pretty major event!! 🙂  I would guess there was at least 250 people there throughout the night.  From high-school, to college, to old work friends and people I have never met, we had a great time meeting and catching up with all of you.  Some people had some of the nicest things to say about me.  Others, couldn’t stop raving about how wonderful Amanda is, or Mira.  Some people even came up to me and shoved cash into my pocket.  There was no stopping them.   Still, with all of that going on; With everyone focusing their attention on me, saying such nice things, giving us gifts and offering their unconditional love…I still couldn’t ask anyone if they can stop this from happening to me.

If only love could save me. I’d live forever.