Last night at Shep’s, in Brainerd, was the big drawing for the autographed Mario Lemieux jersey. And the big winner was Brian Hanson (AKA Grandpa Poopster, AKA my dad). And the bigger winner was Peter and family. The jersey was passed along to Ty to present to grandson Peter, but more importantly, I understand that the raffle raised over $5000. Thanks to Chuck Grillo, thanks to Shep, and thanks to all who purchased tickets. That is amazing.
Surely I can’t recreate the suspense and ferocity of the actual drawing, but I do have the winner’s account of the proceedings and I’ll embellish in moderation. Brian and wife, Barb, had purchased a string of raffle tickets a while ago. Last night, traveling to Shep’s from his home in nearby Crosslake with great grandpa Art, Brian incessantly rubbed the red tickets for luck until his thumb blistered and the ticket numbers faded. Finally they arrived, met Ty and the Grillo clan, and settled in for the action.
Minutes before the drawing, they had a last call for the raffle. Brian calculated that if he sprung for two more tickets, his odds would increase by at least a thousandth of one percentage point. That sounded pretty good to him, so he bought two more. The new tickets were green and joined his worn red tickets in array on his table.
It was time for the big drawing and it was so quiet in the bar that you could have heard a rat toot. Luckily Shep’s doesn’t have rats. The numbers were slowly read and repeated. Brian couldn’t believe his eyes. The numbers matched one of his new green tickets. It was then that he yelled out “Winner, winner, chicken dinner!” He made his way to the front of the room and danced the “chicken scratch” — a stunning dance of lore in Hanson lineage. Way to go, Dad.
Hi Eigners!
We are thinking of you all–every day– and we just had to send a comment about Peter and his proud poop moment for Grandma Mary…
Peter–that was such a funny comment (“Write it down!”) I think you should know that our three girls are also very proud of the lines they can lay down in the toilet…..”Whoa! Look at that one, mom!” In fact, if the toilet clogs, that’s all the better around here:) Although we haven’t yet met, Peter, your website is giving us a great picture of you and your family–your strength, positive attitude, humor and faith.
So, Peter, know that we are fighting with you in Rosemount–praying for God to give you strength, comfort and healing. You are a tough little man! (And your family is, too!)
Blessings- Kristi & Rob, Ali, Amanda and Amber O’Brien
Way to go Grampa Poopster!!! And way to go Peter. Your room is going to look like the Excel Center pretty soon!!!! All those great jerseys.
I’m glad you had a good day. How did Grampa’s hair cut go. Did you give him a mohawk?
It was a good day for my Packers. Finally they won. And it was a good day for the Twins but I’m sorry about the Vikings. I thought they were going to win but……………
Thanks for hanging out with me friday night and eating brownies and drinking milk. It was really fun.
You have a good night and give your sisters a hug for me.
Love ya Gramma Mary
Another big YEAH for the Eigners.
Peter, I am so happy that your Grandpa won the Jersey and that you in turn will be filling it out someday. I would say that right now your will, strength and determination are big enough alone to fill it out and then some. Wahoo for winning round two. Keep it up big guy. You are AMAZING dude! Baden went in to his big boy bed this weekend. He only fell out once and went right back in. Both Mom and Dad cried when Baden’s original crib was taken out of the room. Who knew that you little people would grow to be such big, big people. I didn’t and I know that you continue to amaze us all with your bigness. So here’s to getting bigger Peter!
Baden, Emily, Beth, and James
Well, it sounds like the Eigner tradition of winning has happened yet again!! Congrats on the Mario jersey, Pete! (and Grandpa Poopster!) Pete – I think mommy & daddy will have to build you a special museum when they build their new house someday. By the sounds of it, you have aquirred quite the array of jerseys, toys, stuffed animals, cards, letters, pictures, etc. You will certainly need a special room to display all your stuff! 🙂
We hope you had a nice weekend – it was pretty nice outside yesterday! Did you get a chance to play outside? We hope you enjoy the week at home and, as always, we will continue to keep you in our every thought and prayer.
With lots of love and happy thoughts –
Jen and Family
Pete
Congrats on the jersey. I can’t see you ever losing. You have the composure to compete under pressure and you certainly are focused for a young man. You have the make up of a real winner when you add in the class, character and charisma that give you an attitude and a swagger. Study a winning team and you will see all those characteristics.
I saw a lot of people this past week-end @ the UMHSL games in Grand Rapids that are pulling for you and wish you well. The hockey world is a small world; one that cares about its own. Keep it up big guy. You have all the characteristics of a champion!
-ole gringo-
Gee Pete I sure wish I would have seen your grandpa do the chicken scratch dance. Do you know how to do it? Maybe you can show us how it goes. Sometimes we dance here – Jake turns the music on way loud and pretty soon we’re all dancing!! Do you guys ever do that?? It’s so fun – try it one day – but remember the music has to be WAY LOUD!! Hope we see you soon – get lots of sleep and eats lots. In case you don’t know the stores are filled to bursting with halloween candy!!!
Thinking of you – your mom – your dad – and sisters every day – lots of hugs
joni