My very good friend Sean works at the Oregon School for the Blind. He emailed me this wonderful story today, and I felt I had to share it.

Hi Everyone!

 

      I just wanted to share a moving story that I was able to witness firsthand.  We have a student, Chris, who used to attend the Oregon School for the Blind.  Unfortunately, he was not able to return to school this year due to tumors found in his brain.  The attack on his body and subsequent treatments have left him extremely weak and it he probably only has a short time left in this life.

     Chris is a huge country music fan, and has always loved Toby Keith.  He wanted more than anything to have a phone call from him.  Chris' family tried to accomplish this via the Make a Wish Foundation, but found out that the foundation would not assist in making his wish come true because he is too old.  He is 19, and the Make A Wish Foundation provides "wishes" for children up to the age of 18.

     When Chris' mother passed along this information to the school (she calls frequently and keeps us updated on Chris' condition), the staff decided that they would jump into action.  Based on the "six degrees of separation" theory (any two people on the planet can be linked by a maximum of six aquantinces), they figured they could contact Toby Keith.  Sure enough, after a relatively short search, the staff was able to have someone contact Toby Keith and explain the situation to him.  The singer willingly obliged the request.  Chris was SO EXCITED to receive a phone call from his idol!  Toby talked with Chris and his family for a while, offering words of encouragement and comfort.

     The simple phone call meant so much to Chris that he immediately used the magic of music to express his gratitude to the star.  Chris wrote a song and dedicated it to Toby.  Chris plans to perform this song himself at a surprise party he is throwing for the staff and students at OSB on December 9, 2008.  (The surprise is for the students)  I don't know if Toby has heard the song himself, but I was deeply moved by the lyrics.  It is a simple, sweet song that truly expresses Chris' feelings.  I am forwarding Chris' song on to you and hope that you too are moved by it.

    Thank you, Toby Keith, for taking the time to grant the wish of a wonderful young man.  It truly makes you a hero in at least my eyes.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sean Southworth

Oregon School for the Blind

 

P.S.

   Feel free to forward this story on to help brighten someone's day!

***

November 26, 2008

For my friend, Toby Keith

This song is by me. I hope you like it.

My Shinning Star

When the stars come out at night, I'll be thinking of you.

The smile on your face and the things that you do.

I'll remember the day that you rushed from your flight

to call me and mama and "make it all right."

The time that we spent just talking on the phone...

Your presence with me.. so I didn't feel so alone.

The words that you spoke were so real and so kind.

You are the finest example of what is good in mankind.

You are a shinning star in my life...that will always be true.

Thank-you for reaching out to me and making my greatest wish come true!

Love,

Your friend,

Chris

Wishing you Happiness, Peace and Joy