Skate4Smiles in Memory of Dawson Ellert

He had a way about him...

You could take him to Walmart or Toy R Us and you'd tell him before you went in there that you were just going to look - that today wasn't a day to buy. He'd say "OK" and you knew he truly meant it. One minute of staring at the Bakugan or Transformers or something like that would turn into ten, then fifteen. But he wouldn't ask you to buy him one.

Once in a while, you'd go in there and there'd been a new shipment. His eyes would widen and he'd get sooooooooo excited. "Dad, Dad - look - it's so and so - and then he'd spot another new one that was even better." But still, he wouldn't ask. And you'd pretend it was time to go but by this time, you were wrapped around his finger and knew that leaving would break his heart even if he didn't tell you. So you'd tell him he could have one, but he'd have to choose.

First, the happiness would take hold and the biggest smile you could imagine would form on his baby face. And then, the agonizing decision making process would begin. How could he possibly choose? But he'd try, and the minutes would pass. Finally, as much for fun as to actually get moving, you'd tell him to hurry up - he still hadn't guessed, but you were going to buy him both anyways.

More time would pass and finally, he'd put one down and hug the other - you'd look at him and ask him, "are you sure Dawson?". He'd gently nod - but there was a mix of happy and sad on his face. "Alright Bud, let's go" and he'd start walking to the checkout - still admiring the new toy in his hand.

A couple of feet behind him, you'd pick up the other toy - the one he left behind. At the checkout, he'd place his toy on the belt and you'd casually set the other right beside it. At that moment, he'd realize that you were getting him both and the expression on his face was one that would stick with you for the rest of your life. His mouth would be wide open - total surprise, pure joy, and yet, humility. "You did this for me?" "Why?" "Because we love you Dawsie - and you deserve it." And as the tears welled in his eyes, you'd get the biggest, longest hug you could hope for - it didn't matter who was watching or who might see.