Utah offensive guard/tight end Michael Richardson says he got far more out of his encounter following the BYU game with a Cougar fan confined to a wheelchair and celebrating his 25th birthday at a Provo McDonald's than did anyone else.
"I got much more happiness out of it than he did. It just makes you feel so good to be a human being," says Richardson, who had stopped after the game with his wife and brother for a quick meal and to wait out the traffic. He says he was "invited" to the birthday-party table because those who were celebrating with Jade thought he'd like to meet a real-live football player, even if he was from the "other" team.Greta Wharff of Salt Lake City wrote the following heartfelt letter to the editor of the Salt Lake Tribune last week, praising Richardson for his kindness:
This simple but meaningful occurrence that I will soon relate deviates from the ever-more-common newspaper articles of our societal corruption and debauchery.
Last Saturday, shortly after the "Big Game," my family was at a certain fast food in Provo celebrating my brother's-in-law 25th birthday. You may not think that going to a fast food joint is any type of special birthday celebration, but for Jade, who has required a wheelchair for nearly 23 years, this is his favorite eating establishment.With a bunch a colorful balloons tied to his purple wheelchair, he was quite the sight as we teased him about his favorite football team losing the game. Jade has very limited speech ability but can be very animated when protecting his favorite BYU team.
Jade was proudly wearing his blue and white Cougar sweatshirt, when to our surprise, a large University of Utah football player clad in his red and white warmup gear came limping past our table. Thinking that it would be exciting for Jade to have his picture taken with a real football player, we asked the obviously exhausted and pained football player to pose with him.
The athlete's pained expression immediately turned to a radiant smile as he agreed and walked over to Jade. Without hesitation, the football player bent down to one knee and placed his arm around Jade. I was unable to determine whose smile was larger, but I could tell that Jade was ecstatic.
The football player introduced himself as Mike Richardson. He told Jade that he was sorry that he had to beat his team but the rivalry makes the games more fun. Also, Mike took the time to tell us about the game and a little about himself.
Jade motioned to the balloons on the back of his wheelchair and pointed to a red one that he wanted Mike to have. Mike seemed touched with the gesture and gratefully accepted the gift. Later, when Mike left the restaurant with a red balloon tied to his wrist and a smile on his face, he wished Jade a happy birthday. Jade also left the restaurant with a smile on his face and it was a happy birthday thanks to the U. football player who took a moment of his time to bring an enormous amount of joy to a young man he did not even know.
I want Mike Richardson to know how much those few moments of time meant to Jade and to us. Good luck, No. 56.
Greta Wharff
Salt Lake City
Richardson was surprised by the letter and says he wishes he could find Wharff to thank her for doing it.
Richardson said he loves talking with people but got special pleasure out of the animated Jade, who has limited speech but communicates with enthusiastic gestures. "He was a bright, sunny guy," Richardson says. "Just a real happy guy whose arms were flying all over the place. It made me feel really good."
© 1999 Deseret News Publishing Co.