BYU Thursday Hero

BYU Thursday Hero = Paul Thomas Peterson

He is truly a hero to all of us!

Tommy's brother Dave nominated Paul for BYU's Thursday Hero and we were so excited and grateful that he was selected. We all know he's an incredible man, but it always nice to see him honored like this. Just a little back ground Paul gratudated from Air Force Academy, but later moved to Orem and became a BYU fan. So it has been a tradition for years that when BYU plays at Air Force some of the family tries to make the trip over. With Paul's cancer we knew this might be one of the last chances to attend this game with him, so all the family bought tickets a month ago, little did we know that Paul would have another brain surgery on Sept 3rd, game day was Sept 11th (8 days later). Good news is that all the siblings already had plans made to be out here for the game. So that's what brings us to Thursday Hero (Sept 9th), Paul had only been out of the hospital for 3 days by this point in time... yes Hero! BYU has such an amazing program to do something like this. They took us for a tour of the athlectic building, yes we did get to go inside Bronco's office and see the locker room and watch a short film of BYU highlights. Then in to the practice facility to watch the last 10 mins of practice. Then the team came over and did a big cheer for Paul and one of the players talked about how it's people like Paul that help them see what life is really about. They gave him a big bag of BYU goodies and let him lead them in the cheer. All the players gave high 5's and signed a flag for him. Coach Bronco stuck around along with a couple players and talked to us for a little bit. I was really humbled by the time they took to really hear his story and to find out what kind of an amazing man Paul is. It was such a great experience for all of us. I love BYU football even more now! But I love my family even more!!! I have been reminded once again that family is the most important. All the other things are great and fun, but the memories we create with our families, that's what lasts. We love you Paul... you are our hero!

Group shot (Noah, Grandpa Paul, Abe, Kristine, Roma, Jodi, Shelly, Tommy, Dave, Nate, and Owen)

Lavell... yes Lavell Edwards stopped by to say Hi.

Dave and Paul

Tommy and Paul

Walking in to watch the practice

Practice

Family picture (Cooper and Tyson got left at home with Kiara!)

Abe and Noah watching the practice

The Petersons

Paul leading the team in their cheer

The hat on Noah's head was on Bronco's head 3 mins before this. How cool is that! Bronco just took his hat off and gave it to Noah. As you can see he's a wee bit happy about it!

Bronco talking to Paul

The boys with Riley Nelson. He came up and just started chatting with Noah and Abe, I was so impressed by him. They were also really excited to see him play at the game on Saturday.

Family shot with Bronco!

I love this picture. Those little boys were so happy. I just wish their cousin Ethan could have been there too.

Me and Noah

Headed home. What a great evening!

Here's a link to an article about Paul and also a link to his blog:
http://www.vanquishthefoe.com/2010/9/10/1679216/byu-v-air-force-more-than-football
http://remeberwhoyouare.blogspot.com/