Throughout this past basketball season, I have experienced something far more amazing than watching both the men’s and women’s basketball teams continue to make history.
It began one night in January; the first time I brought my client to watch the basketball game. Since he is in a wheelchair, I drive his handicap accessible van with a wheelchair lift.
I pulled into the parking lot outside of Memorial Gym, just in time to see a car pull into the handicap parking spot in front of me. I had no idea where to park his van, and told him that we might not be able to go because I did not know what to do.
I decided I would drop him off in the dead end drive in front of Somsen Hall and move the van to another location afterwards. While doing so, a man, who works for Winona State, approached me very kindly and informed us that we are more than welcome to park there and we can do that at any game.
The subsequent games that have followed since, this gentleman is always there to greet us with a warm smile. One time he even shoveled snow so that the lift would go flat on the ground.
He always makes a point to walk my client to the door and help him inside quickly, while I am putting the lift back up and into the van. The friendliness does not stop here.
The girls working the ticket window are always very accommodating as well and provide a chair for me so that I am able to sit next to my client.
This past weekend, one of the girls put a chair out before we even got into the gym.
I am very thankful for every gesture of kindness and every bit of help that we have been given while attending the games this season! My client and I are very proud of all of you; your work has not been unnoticed!
Thank you Winona State.