More Thrills at Conroe
By: Art Pasley
As the Houston Shriners Hospital Vans pulled into the April Plaza Marina parking lot, they were greeted by Barbara Schlabra, Gary Smith, Elisha Taylor and a host of volunteer boaters and friends, for another great day at Lake Conroe.
The kids from Houston Shriners Hospital always touch everyone's hearts. They are the most appreciative group of kids you could ever meet. Early that morning they were moved from their hospital beds to a waiting van, and driven about 50 miles, for a day on the lake fishing.
Once they arrived, they each receive a hat, t-shirt, rod and reel, tackle box and snacks and were fitted with a life jacket. After being paired with their boater Captain, the greatest of care was used to load them into bass boats or on a pontoon boat and they were soon off for a day of fishing. That's when the smiles begin. It's like a switch is flipped and suddenly the pain is gone. "I love these kids" stated Barbara Schlabra. "I can't imagine us not being here for them. It's just so much fun for everyone, especially the kids" she concluded.
As they started to return to April Plaza Marina, it was obvious that the catching was a little less than years past. "It didn't matter that we didn't catch that many fish" stated long time Boater Captain Al Hicks. "My partner wanted to go boat riding and that's what we spent most of our time doing. I love this event. As hard as I try to hold it back, it's always a very teary trip home" I will never miss the chance to be here for the kids. My partner was wonderful and I loved spending the day with her and her mother and Ms. Sealy" he concluded.
As Skeeter the Clown painted faces and everyone enjoyed a Texas favorite Chili Dogs, the plaques were prepared to be handed out. Once the lunch was over, the Boater Captain's were called to the stage to present the plaques to their partners, as they received a well deserved applause from the crowd.
Gary Smith thanked everyone for their participation with the event and reflected his feelings of appreciation to the families of the kids. "It's hard for us to imagine what you must go through having to face the difficulties you have each day. You are the true heroes and we are all honored that you have allowed us to share a day here at Conroe with you and your families" he concluded, as everyone agreed. After many heart felt good byes and promises to see them again next time, the kids boarded the vans and soon were on their way back to Houston.
Due to various difficulties there were only 12 kids able to attend this years Conroe event. People often ask what kind of impact do we have on the kid's lives at a C.A.S.T. event but the "Special Thrill Makers" from Conroe will be the first to tell you, it's the kids that have the impact on our lives. Thanks again kids, for another great day at Conroe. Your memory will live with us forever.
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