Quote:
Originally Posted by Trevo_410
looks like the kid who dressed up as pinkel for Halloween.
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The story is about to go national. Here is how it started: From PowerMizzou-
By now, many of you have seen the story about the mini-Gary Pinkel Halloween costume pic tweeted to me last night. As a winner of our contest, I offered the lady who tweeted it to me a few free months on PowerMizzou. Following is the email I received from here, which I got her permission to share with the board. I withheld her name, she can share it later if she would like:
"Black and gold runs deep in the veins of our family. My dad graduated in 1968, my mom (late bloomer) in 1996, sister in 1996, and me in 1993. (My husband, while not a graduate, may be even more of a MIZZOU fanatic than the rest of us!) Our family has held season tickets on the 50 yard line in section KK on the students' side for nearly 40 years and are die hard fans. My father is a distinguished Alumni, TSF and Jefferson Club member as well as in the Engineering Hall of Fame, etc etc .... All this to explain how our love for all things MIZZOU endures!
My son Mason was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 at MU's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The Thompson Center is now a national leader in research and outreach... a true jewel of MIZZOU and vital to my son. While he is considered non-verbal he is able to say a word here and there sometimes. Last night "Trick or Treat" came out as "Tttttttttt" as he knew candy was on the other end of any attempt to say it. But the best was that he welcomed dressing up and thought he was so "cool" as Coach Pinkel. Mason LOVES watching the TIGERS play. We can't really know how much of football he understands, but he lights up when we cheer and "dances" as he sees those young men running up and down the field. It is a blessing to see it give him great joy and for him to want to share it with us his family. He has an older brother, Thomas, who is 11. It's really nice to see the fine group of young men Coach Pinkel has assembled and to use them as an example for my boys. Their commitment to one another as teammates is a metaphor for how our family rallies around Mason. We have a son whose daily show of determination moves us all to be better. A nice parallel with this year's team.
Let's take it to the Vols this weekend! Let me know what information you need from me and we'll "see" you on Power Mizzou!"
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Here is what happened: Members of PowerMizzou, the Missouri AD, Pinkel & staff, players, etc. came together to give Mason a great day at Mizzou. From his mom:
Our family is still on a "high" from the dream day Mason experienced! A huge thanks to Gabe who started all this with his costume contest and recognition of Mason! The following is from the email I sent him earlier today:
"It was an incredible day! Best. Day. EVER! Mason was grinning from ear to ear the entire time ... and jumping up and down with excitement! He had just run to the 50 yd line and back to the end zone before greeting Coach Pinkel for pictures. He was thrilled to be on the field, see Truman, and "hug" the goal post. He takes the world in with all his senses and it was exhilarating to watch.
From beginning to end, the University treated us to a day of surprises ... capped off by a big Tiger WIN! We toured the Athletic Training Center, were given high fives and handshakes by the players and Coach Pinkel at Tiger Walk, then interviewed by Kathryn Lucchesi, introduced to Mike Alden, Coach Haith and a host of others ... They all were extremely gracious. Mike Alden got right down on bent knee to Mason's level and looked into his eyes to tell him he was so happy Mason was there! After the game we were taken down to the field for pictures. Mason's excitement had built to such a high at this point I am not sure he could take it any longer and had to let out squeals of joy while sprinting to mid-field. I don't think we've ever seen him move that fast! His big brother Thomas went to get him and I was overcome with emotion watching them running hand in hand back to the end zone where Truman was waiting to greet them and their daddy yelled, "TOUCHDOWN!" Mason's few moments of feeling completely free from a body whose systems fight to work in tandem are rare. What a gift!!
Our family will never forget the last 48 hours. From Halloween contests to fans on social media to meeting with a coach whose team just went 8-1 and yet all he was focused on was Mason - it is ALL emblazoned on our hearts. I'm sure Mason had many sweet dreams. He smiles when I show him the pictures. The icing on the cake may have been as we exited the field through the tunnel and walked by the rope line of fans waiting to see players. Along the walk many folks recognized Mason! They wanted high fives from our special guy! I mean we've always known he is a rock star and bravest soul we know, but for one incredible day he WAS a star!! We are humbled by the attention and would just ask that anyone who's enjoyed following Mason's story take the time to be aware and be understanding of all those with special needs. They may be different, but they are never less. "
It's a very exciting time to be a TIGER! The talent these young men exhibit isn't just what is seen on the field. They are a family rooting for one another to achieve in football, but more importantly in life. The metaphor of the game is not lost one them. They seemed as genuinely excited to see Mason as he was them. And all of that starts at the top. Coach Pinkel has assembled this group and promotes a culture of devotion ... to oneself, to team, to University, and to understanding that it's always worth taking time to make a special little boy very happy. I've never been so proud to be a TIGER!
Thank you everyone!
Jennifer Gray