Hi Friends~ ~ ~This is one of those feel good pictures. Mr. Scott Hamilton of Olympic ice skating fame.
Did I ever tell you the story of the time I met Scott Hamilton?
There was a skating event in town, I believe it was Skate America, a few years ago.
I met Scott at the fixings bar at the Starbucks!
When we walked in I was amazed to see him and a few other skaters ordering coffee.
They stood around chatting and laughing quietly and then it happened~ ~as I approached the fixings bar so did Scott. We stood side by side and added cream to our coffee and I'm thinking "Should I talk to him or not? I'm sure he has so many people stop him to chat that he would rather not be bothered. Should I , Should I?" So I turned to him and said, "Scott I want to thank you for the many hours of enjoyment you have given to me over the years. I cheered with you and cried with you and I feel like I know you as a friend. It's so nice to meet you."
I was truly star stuck and was amazed that I got all the works out and that they sounded relatively intelligent and I didn't throw up.
He responded in the kindest and most gracious manner. He said, "Thank you, I sincerely appreciate it. It has been an honor and my greatest joy."
We nodded, smiled and parted and I thought, What an amazing human being.
I was struck by how gentle he was and how very petite, only as tall as me. As he walked out of the Starbucks I saw him gliding gracefully over the ice and thought~ ~What an amazing life.
I found this picture of Scott and his wife. What a lovely couple.
Thanks for listening. With the Winter Olympics in full swing I thought this was an appropriate story to share.
Make it a great day.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
9 comments:
What a neat experience! I just love ice skating and can watch hours of it. How wonderful that Mr. Hamilton is as nice in person as he appears on TV. There doesn't seem to be as much ice skating on TV anymore and I really miss seeing the professional shows on TV. I don't know why I like ice skating so much I can't even stand up on ice skates. LOL!
Teacup Lane (Sandy)
It has been far too long since I last visited you!
I am glued to our TV watching as much Olympic coverage as possible. I get chills every time the medal ceremonies begin ~ no matter who has won! Your Scott Hamilton story was so much fun to read! I had a similar experience (star struck) at the Los Angeles airport once with Jimmy Connors, tennis great! He too was gracious and very approachable. I am a HUGE tennis fan and I was thrilled!
Enjoy your day ..........
I love hearing that a celebrity is so nice. You read so much about the bad role models-this is a joy!
xoxo Pattie
I know the feeling, Arisha. My experience was of a political nature. I walked into my neighborhood drug store several years ago and there at the pharmacy window stood William F. Buckley. No one was talking to him and in my excitement, I forgot about propriety and bounced up to him with my hand outstretched and said, "Mr. Buckley, it's such a pleasure to meet you." He turned and smiled and gave me the most rugged, strong handshake I've ever felt. Immediately, the pharmacy associates, who had previously been too shy to say anything to him, began to tell him how they loved his books, citing specific passages in specific books! I was impressed and I believe, so was he.
Turns out, he was on his way to Nantucket and had stopped in Falmouth Harbour to fill a prescription that he needed. He was absolutely delightful and charming and seemed truly happy that everyone was chatting freely with him. When I left, I told him that my husband was going to be sooooo very impressed that I had chatted with the one and only William F. Buckley.
Anyway...I know how you feel meeting Scott Hamilton. Some public figures just stick with you and meeting them under positive circumstances just embeds them in your heart.
Fondly,
Joanne
Very Cool! My daughter skated for 13 years and I have a post coming up on another male skater. Scott Hamilton is my all time favorite male skater! Thanks for sharing, Cindy
Very cool! I love Scott Hamilton and I am having such a good time watching him at the Olympics this time as a commentator. He always has seemed to be such a great guy!
Ahrisha, thank you for the visit and comment. I LOVE tatting-it's actually one of my favorites. Unfortunately, it seems to be a dying art
xoxo Pattie
Scott Hamilton certainly deserved the wonderful comments and kudos you gifted to him. He has definitely given many people courage to climb mountains they were to frightened to attempt. His battle with cancer showed huge bravery even in a small package. His strength of character makes him a giant in my book.
As for William F. Buckley, my father took me to hear him speak probably about my junior or senior year in high school. Mr. Buckley was a guest speaker at Texas A&M University. His message was a little over my head but his delivery as he stood at the podium was perfect in spite of keeping his hand pressed against his back... a result of a chronic problem with his back. I believe he was always in a lot of pain... which may explain why he was in that pharmacy. He pushed past his pain to present his message. I was so in awe.
In both cases these men have risen above pain to make the world a better place. Talk about setting the bar high!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
What a great story! What you said to Scott Hamilton was perfect ~ I don't think I could've thought of something to say that quickly. He is so talented and I don't think he deserved the mean treatment he received on "The Apprentice".
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