A Big Night For A Little Bruin
Bumped. Another example of what makes being a Bruin so special. GO BRUINS. -N
Like any Bruin, one of Tyler's favorite things in the world is going to UCLA basketball games. He's already in prime Bruin Den form: screaming his lungs out on defense, raising a finger for free throws, and always, always staying to dance to "Rover" at the end of victories. Unfortunately because of his chemotherapy treatments, he hasn't been able to go to as many games as either of us would have liked. This week, he had a long, full day of treatment Wednesday; and while I had already purchased a pair of tickets for the UCLA-Cal game, I really wasn't expecting Tyler to be up to going. I don't know why I ever doubted my Gutty Little Bruin, as he was decked out in UCLA gear and ready to go about 8 hours before tip off.
As you know, the Bruins put on quite a show last night, and Tyler had a great time watching UCLA put away the Bears. As an added bonus, the UCLA Dance Team (which is aware of Ty's situation) invited Tyler to join them for the Alma Mater and for his favorite, Rover. He was a tad nervous at first, but once "Rover" started playing, he cut loose and had a blast:
Full Flickr photoset here.
A huge thank you to the UCLA Dance Team. They turned what was already a fun night into a cherished memory.
Tyler was obviously thrilled with getting to be on the court at Pauley Pavilion. He kept singing "Rover" and dancing as we walked out to our car. Then, just as we got to the car Tyler said, "Dad, you know what else was great about tonight? I was really pleased with UCLA's defense!"
I can't imagine being any prouder.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
28 comments
|
10 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Amazing!
Wow, that is an awesome boy you have there.
I’m proud to be in his (and your) Bruin family!
That's awesome!
It looks like you’ve got yourself a great kid.
As always, best wishes to your boy and your whole family.
by Ryan Rosenblatt on Jan 30, 2009 7:09 PM PST reply actions
Inspiring!
With tears of joy I am thankful to be able to see the beautiful pictures and read your great story. Thank you. Tyler is in my prayers.
by Desert Brewin' Fan on Jan 30, 2009 7:17 PM PST reply actions
Tyler Rules!
What a beautiful day for a beautiful boy. We continue to stay relentlessly optimistic for Tyler and his deservedly proud family.
greg in denver - UCLA guy for life
Keep 'em coming!
I love reading about Tyler. I for one, would like to be kept up to date on his health. I wish you and Tyler all the best God has to offer.
A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden
Heartwarming!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful memory. Tyler, get well soon! We’re pulling for you!
I just got back from coaching a varsity basketball game....
we lost on a last second 3 pointer at the buzzer. I was angry, upset, and pissed off. Thank you for reminding me what is important. I have yet to experience the joy of being a father; but you have me excited for that day. An amazing story, God Bless you and your family. He looks like such an awesome child, I will be saying a prayer for Ty tonight.
by Nakatomi Plaza on Jan 30, 2009 10:21 PM PST reply actions
Wow!
That brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much for sharing. What a sweet, smart beautiful little man you have. Get well soon, Tyler and have fun cheering for the Bruins! We need fans like you at Pauley!
I totally remember seeing him at the end of the game!
I even mentioned to my friend what a lucky kid that is, hanging with the dance team!
Brilliant!
It looks like Tyler’s got some moves too! I don’t think I’d be that at ease up dancing with all those ladies!
Best wishes to yourself, Tyler and your whole family Insomniac.
Wonderful story and pictures
Tyler’s courage dealing with what he deals with is inspiring and most of all, should be very very very useful in helping keep everyone well-grounded and humble. Sports is sports, and Tyler’s fight is, oh, just about 5 billion times more important than whatever happens on any particular gameday. Make that 10 billion.
Best wishes, always.
A wonderful story
As a double cancer survivor, I wish all the best to Tyler and his dad. I think his dance with the team should be at least an annual event, all the way through his college career at Westwood. Keep it up, Tyler! We’re all with you.
Oh, Man, Insommniac
That is just the best thing ever. I’m sitting here with tears just rolling down my face—good ones, like Jimmy V. talks about….
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS.
Bless you and your Gutty Little Bruin…he’s a total winner.
Love My Bruins
FREAKING AWESOME!
Thanks for the update on Tyler, lounge. We can only imagine how rough it is for him and the rest of the family, but it warms our hearts to know you all are still finding times of joy and celebration in the midst of the day-to-day efforts.
And, can I say. while I married a beautiful Bruin Co-ed of my own, I have to give major props to your boy for being a major-league-playa at an early age. Not a single guy here that wouldn’t want to say they got to groove with the ENTIRE. UCLA. DANCE. TEAM.
That’s like NBA All-Star coolness, right there.
MIM
"In this program your passion bucket must be full to play SC." -- CRN, to Dan Patrick, 1/2008
Thank you everyone for the kind words
And you’re right- I have been blessed with one amazing kid.
Thank you all for your support and helping me maintain relentless optimism through everything.
by insomniacslounge on Feb 1, 2009 10:09 AM PST reply actions
Great day for Tyler
I admire your son’s smile in the midst of what must be an incredibly challenging situation for him. He is a little guy but has the heart and spirit of a power forward.
Nice post
Just like his jersey depicts, Ty is #1.
What a great kid!
He looks great in the action photos too! A champ!
But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.
Very cool!
What a great day!
Thanks so much for posting that. I’ve been wondering how Tyler was doing.
I know when my wife was undergoing treatments for leukemia, we’d look forward to great days like that. She just celebrated six years in remission. I know Tyler will win his battle too.
I may work with the Waves, but I'm still a Bruin!
Gutty little bruin!
In my book, Tyler just joined the ranks and darted to the top of the list of gutty little bruins.
Not the strongest, not the fastest, not the best paid , but a winner!
Go get em Tyler
Go Bruins
TRM

by 

























