This is a rare occasion where I’m actually writing about a story that hasn’t aired yet.  I’m so excited about it that I figured “Why wait?”

    It’s about a church sponsored activity called “Club Hope.”  More than 100 inner city children in Indy meet each Friday night at Barnes United Methodist Church.  They play games, dance, eat and just hang out.  But those acitivites are just the “bait.”  They also have to listen to a motivational speaker talk about the benefits of staying on the “straight and narrow” road. 

   What’s really interesting is that the speakers know what they’re talking about because they’ve lived it.  From former gang members to reformed drug dealers AND users, everyone has a story to tell.  And it’s sobering to say the least.  It’s a message that resonates with the kids because these speakers have been there and know all to well the temptations of the streets.

  When I think about how we lose so many children to the streets and its dangers, I’m encouraged that, at least in one community, there is a Club Hope.  Like its title, it does provide hope to dozens of kids who are hearing a message from people who haven’t just read about shootings, arrests and drugs - often, they’ve lived it.

  This story will air sometime this week.  Hopefully it will encourage others.  After all, where there’s hope, there’s always a chance.

Anyone who knows me knows how hard it is for me to give up precious moments with my kids. 

Tonight, I sacrificed our nighttime story and tuck-in ritual for a cause that means an awful lot to me.

Simply put, when Make-a-Wish asks, I do whatever I can to help.

Tonight, they asked me to be a guest at their “Evening with the Stars” fundraiser, hosted by Dallas Clark.  Being so new in town, I’m shocked to be considered a “star” enough to warrant an invite, but Todd and I gladly accepted.

I know most people recognize this is a well-run charity with an important purpose, but I never really understood it until I was personally touched by the organization.

As a reporter in Champaign, I did a series of pieces over several years, following a family whose triplets had special needs.  One of the girls, Tanner, had life-threatening complications, and Make-A-Wish got involved. 

     A photographer and I followed the family on their dream-vacation to Disney World.  This wasn’t just a trip - it was a miracle for a family facing unbelievable challenges.  An escape like they’d never had before.  From the assistants the family needed just to get around, to the wheelchair-accessible van, to the gorgeous accomodations, the limos, etc., every tiny detail was meticulously planned to make this trip filled with joy, not stress.  Seeing those little faces light up, and the parents shed tears of joy for their kids, was absolutely life-changing.

    Even more recently, our little niece, Katie, was granted a similar Wish trip after battling leukemia.  My brother and sister-in-law were also in awe of how beautifully the trip went, and how much it meant to their family to be treated like royalty. I am very happy to say she is in remission and doing great today.

As the young lady I interviewed tonight pointed out, even when you’re going through a terrible time, it’s important to remember that “good things can happen.”  With this organization in charge, incredible things can happen, and do.

I’m glad tonight to have been one tiny part of making these miracles happen.

I wish you all a wonderful week!

TS

My baby is two today.

In her pigtails and blue flowered sundress, Clara opened a few gifts, ate a purple-frosted cupcake (okay, 3 of them), shared her new toys with a couple of baby friends, and proudly told her new age. “I’m Two!”

But my favorite moment was seeing her face when we sang “Happy Birthday.”

Any of you who are a “youngest child” can understand how infrequently you get to be the absolute center of attention, with an older sibling always stealing at least some of your spotlight. 

 As we sang, her little eyes scanned the group around the table, and the corners of her mouth curled up in a shy, incredulous smile.  This moment was all about her.

Happy Birthday, sweetie!

TS

 I wanted to share a few thoughts I had after our 11pm newscast Monday.

We had two stories involving military families - one soldier funeral, one happy homecoming for a group of airmen. 

These are the stories that help keep things in perspective.

Sometimes I catch myself feeling a bit overwhelmed  - my husband travels pretty often, and as many of you know, taking care of kids, pets, a house, and a career is a lot to handle on one’s own.  But if ever I start to feel sorry for myself,  I remember those families who have their spouse gone for a year or more in a war zone… or even worse, one who never comes home. 

    The heroics it takes for those military wives (and in some cases husbands) to stay strong and hold it together bring tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat.  I realize I have very little to complain about.

Thanks for listening and I welcome your thoughts.

Trisha