McKinney Mom: Bush Center Warrior Open

I don't even know how to blog this event and give it the justice it deserves, but I will try... and mostly I will just show some pictures.

Back story: One of Jay's very best friends from childhood (Scott) was badly wounded in Baghdad on April 15, 2007. Scott was riding in the turret of a humvee when a roadside bomb went off to the left of the vehicle. As a result of the blast, Scott suffered major head trauma. In fact, a piece of shrapnel is still embedded in the right side of his brain. If I remember correctly, Scott was in ICU for months... he told me he was unconscious for 3 days, and finally woke up when he first heard his mothers voice (so sweet!)... His prognosis was bad, but he made it! He is such and amazing person and friend, and we are so glad he is still with us.

Scott and Jay at our wedding in 2005

President Bush visited Scott while he was still recovering from his injury, and Scott quickly became a friend of his, as well as somewhat of a "posterboy" for many wounded warrior programs he does. Jay and I got to participate in one recently. A 36 hole golf tournament honoring those who serve and sacrifice to defend our country at Las Colinas Country Club. The tournament featured 20 badly wounded soldiers. I can't say enough how AMAZING these men were. Many were double amputees. I have never seen such happy people... you know why? They were just happy to be alive. They have faced terror many of us will never know, and now appreciate life more than ever. It was so inspiring. I am sure they come home from war wondering why we are all so concerned with petty things like: who will be competing on DWTS, or what the cast of Jersey Shore is up to.

Scott asked Jay to be his caddy during the golf tournament, which was a huge honor for him. That also meant we got to participate in the events sponsored by the Bush Center this past Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. It was exhausting, but so much fun, and definitely a once in a lifetime experience!!

Scott with wife Candy (who is expecting about one week ahead of me), and Jay at a dinner honoring the warriors Monday night.

I got to meet former First Lady Laura Bush!!! This was all I cared about all weekend, because I am truly a huge fan of hers. She was so incredibly nice!!! Probably talked to me for 15 minutes, and was genuinly interested in me and what I had to say! I love her even more now.

On that note (and politics aside)... say what you will about the Bush's, but they are some of the nicest and most genuine/down to earth people I have ever met. You can tell how much these soldiers mean to them, and President Bush really cares about these men and women. Scott can attest to that... and I will take Scott's political opinion as a veteran and friend of President George Bush over some celebrity any day!

Another amazing person we got to meet was our "chauffer" for the evening. All of the warriors got chauffered Mercedes or Navigators to take them from the tournament to the hotel/dinner or wherever. Our chauffer to dinner on Monday night was in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. Wow... and she was telling Scott she couldn't believe what he had been through!!! Crazy. They have both been through horrific experiences and survived with their spirits intact. Amazing. Really made me realize how incredibly blessed I am.