Breakfast, Lunch and Hugs

Ok... so far with this blog I have been fairly quiet so I thought I would share a quick story that really brought a lot of joy in my heart. A few days ago I discovered a YouTube clip that hit home and brought me so much hope for the future. No it wasn't a clip about kitties or anything that has recently gone viral it was much better. In Albuquerque, NM there is a restaurant called Tim's Place. It is touted as the Happiest restaurant that servers breakfast, lunch and Hugs. On the outside, Tim's Place looks like any other strip mall restaurant but once you step in you are greeted by the owner and a big hug. The owner is named Tim Harris and Tim has Down syndrome. Actually Tim is the only person who is rocking the 21st chromosome that owns his own restaurant. The YouTube clip is very cute and it shows the passion and love that Tim has for his restaurant and for the customers that come in. Not only is Tim a restaurant owner he is also a Special Olympic Medalist...In fact Tim holds more medals then Michael Phelps.
The smiles that this young man has and the smile that he brings to people's faces warmed my heart and brought a tear to my eyes. After watching Tim follow his dream to owning his own restaurant I know that one day my daughter will be able to follow her dreams and do whatever her heart desires.
After watching this clip with Lauren I decided to Google Tim's Place and check out his website. Down at the bottom of the page there was a place to "Contact Us", so I thought why not. So I put in my information and sent a quick message on how much Tim has brought hope to my wife and I. And to let Tim know that he is an inspiration to my family. I clicked send and went to bed.
The next morning I was at work managing my own restaurant when my phone rang. I looked at the caller ID and it was a 505 area code. I thought to myself, "this is strange but I should probably answer it because it might be something in regards to some orders I placed for the restaurant". So I answered it. When I answered it, I was greeted with, "Good morning Michael, This is Tim Harris from Tim's Place." Yes that's correct, Tim, the owner of Tim's Place was personally calling me after I sent him a message the night before. He wanted to personally call me to thank me for the letter I sent him. I instantly began to tear up so I went to my office to continue the conversation. It was fairly brief, mainly because I was a little awe struck and didn't know what to say. We talked briefly about my little one that is on the way and that he has given me hope and joy knowing that my daughter will one day be able to bring so much joy to people, just like he has. After our conversation I hung up the phone, wiped the tears from my eyes and smiled. Things were going to be alright and I knew that truly in my heart. My little special girl was going to bring so much joy and smiles to The Woodcock's and everyone she crosses paths with. Who knows, maybe one day she'll have more Olympic Medals than Michael Phelps and Tim Harris.
Of course I know that Tim's story is a special circumstance and that not all children with Down are able to do the things that he has, but I guarantee you one thing, As long as I am living and able I am going to do everything in my power to give my little girl every opportunity to follow her dreams.

If your interested I've attached a link to the YouTube clip that started this whole story off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6He0FWoFj0