Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
“This wasn’t in the original plans, but I love it,” I say. “What made you guys add it?”
Nathan smiles proudly. “When I was meeting with some of the local community leaders, they cited childhood hunger as an ongoing issue in this area. We’re going to work toward doing more than just snacks, maybe being a hub for local food banks. Our director is working on it now.”
“Eric would have loved this,” I say, leaning my head on Pax’s upper arm since I can’t reach his shoulder. “This is a dream come true, Nathan.”
“Perfectly said,” Eric’s mom says. “We’re so moved by all of this, Mr. Bishop.”
Nathan goes over and hugs both of Eric’s parents. He wrote a check to cover every dollar of this project, and he secured donations for a trust that will fund operations and maintenance in the future. Eric’s parents weren’t sure what to think of the idea when I first told them, but I can see in their faces that they feel the same way I do now.
“This isn’t about what this place cost,” Nathan says, clearing the emotion from his throat. “Eric was the one who paid the cost. He gave more than I could ever give with my checkbook.”
Pax and I share a look. He’s prouder of his dad for building this place than he is for any of his basketball achievements.
“Better keep going,” Nathan says, looking away to hide his tears. “We’ve got all kinds of reporters and politicians coming in soon, and I want you guys to see the whole thing before they get here.”
He takes us to a large room filled with desks and computers.
“The homework zone,” he announces. “We’ll have tutors available after school for anyone who needs help. And every kid who spends at least one hour every day for a week studying gets a voucher. Those vouchers can be used in our store to buy clothes, shoes, gift cards…all kinds of goodies.”
“I want to come here,” Jasmine tells my mom and Caroline. “Can I come back?”
“We’ll come by anytime we’re in town,” my mom says.
She always has the perfect answers to those questions.
Nathan takes us to a smaller gymnasium and then through the boys’ locker room to a massive in-ground pool. It wasn’t in the original plans, either, but give a billionaire a project and just watch it grow into something you never dreamed possible. Nathan wanted to add showers for kids who don’t have access to them at home, and then he figured he might as well put a pool in, too.
The final room on our tour is a weight room, complete with cardio machines and a yoga room.
“We’ll have a trainer here after school,” Nathan explains. “And the voucher system for homework also applies here. Get in a daily amount of exercise, I think it’s forty-five minutes, every day for a week and you get a voucher.”
“I love this, Dad,” Pax says. “I’m blown away by all the thought and work you put into this.”
Nathan nods. “Thank you. We had a few curveballs thrown our way, but nothing we couldn’t handle. I can’t wait to do it again.”
I gape at him. “What do you mean, again?”
He grins. “Did I forget to tell you? I’ve already started fundraising for the second Eric Thomas Recreation Center. It’s not public yet, so don’t tell anyone, but we’re looking at Los Angeles County.”
“You’re amazing,” I say, hugging him. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“It’s an honor, truly. And the best part is having you all here to share in this day. Caroline and I would like to take you all out for dinner when we finish here, which I know won’t be for a while.”
We spend the afternoon posing for pictures, shaking hands, and giving tours of the facility. The community response is greater than we were expecting, kids and parents filling every room. Nathan, Pike, and Pax spend a solid hour shooting hoops with kids, including Jasmine and Nolan.
That night over dinner, I say a silent prayer of gratitude for this day, these people, and this life. Having this place for kids in the community Eric and I grew up in, where people will grow and thrive every day, is keeping his memory alive in ways I couldn’t do before.
Jasmine seeing her dad’s name and photo on the wall today, knowing his sacrifice inspired others, brings me peace, too. She has opened up to Pax in every way now, sometimes preferring him to me. It’s him she wants taking her to hockey practice and driving her places with her friends. And I’m more than okay with it.
“He’s out,” Pax says softly, cradling Camden in his arms. “I’m going to see if he’ll sleep in his car seat.”
My husband has a magic touch. If I try to put down our sleeping baby, he wakes up every time. Pax somehow manages to keep him asleep at least half the time, though.