My buddy and I are at the airport yesterday morning at 4:30 a.m. for a 5 a.m. flight to Denver. (We don’t live in Utah.) At the gate, I spy a dad and his girl (7-8ish years old). After a long-distance high five, I go over to chat with them.

Here’s their story:
Dad (late 30’s) runs his own business. He’s got his laptop open waiting for the flight to board. I know the feeling from my past…self-employed and trying to cram in as much work, every day, to keep the business going.

Dad tells me that as he wrapped up work at 10pm the night before, he tells his wife “I’d really like to go to the BYU game tomorrow” and adds that he should take one of their 4 kids. She tells him to do it.

So, he scrambles and books flights, buys game tix, and books hotels. Mom (I assume) packs a suitcase for Girl who’s asleep and has no idea of the great surprise that awaits her in just a few hours.

Dad wakes her up at 3:00 and gives her the news. She and dad are going to have 3 days of one-on-one time in Denver AND go to the BYU game. She’s there in the airport listening to dad tell me the story and she’s radiant and smiling from ear to ear. Her long hair is still unbrushed…I assume there was no time to brush it before they rushed to the airport and Dad probably promised Mom he’d brush it at the airport.

Girl was still smiling when they got off the aircraft (save a little bit of anxiety due to a fairly turbulent flight, but, happy nonetheless). We saw them an hour later at the train station downtown and the smile was still there…on both of their faces.

What a great experience for Dad and Girl. They will remember this week for the rest of their lives. I know they weren’t the good luck charm for BYU yesterday. I don't think God rewarded Dad for his choice. Because win or lose, it will be a great experience for them. This was a time that his (and his wife’s) choice was one that will have an influence for the rest of their lives…and beyond. So, it was up to the rest of us to be the good luck charms yesterday.

Yep, the win was great. I bask in the glow. But, along with that, I think I’ll always remember the side story of Dad and Girl and how such an event as a basketball game, will be the framework around which a wonderful, lasting memory was built for them and for me.