ADDISON's Retirement

This journey started several months ago. We knew (VERY reluctantly) that we needed to retire ADDISON. She is from 1982. They do not make parts for her anymore.. and it wasn’t safe for her to be on the road. We pushed it off for the last two years, only allowing Casey and Mike to drive her. We really wanted ADDISON to be at Rori’s Senior Year PINK OUT game.. as well as Quinn and Jackson’s freshman year at MCHS.

The timing needed to be absolutely perfect… between ADDISON’S last public event and to then be able to dismantle () her to give parts of her to the Locke family on October 17th (the annual West vs Central VB game). MCHS was WONDERFUL by working with me and allowing the PINK OUT Game to be held on October 4th. We then knew we had about 7-10 days to get her ready before the 17th.

We did a private farewell and send off for ADDISON on Saturday, October 5th with the Locke family and their family, friends and Pink Heals family. Thank you to all who joined us on that very special night.. and to WESCOM and to John with Band of Brothers, who gave ADDISON the most memorable sign off… ever. 

After that… was crunch time. We are truly so blessed to be surrounded by our GREAT friends and local business partners that worked their tails off to get ADDISON taken care of (and quickly). I am not sure I can accurately put into words how this worked out so perfectly and how everyone involved did what needed to be done for this to happen. 

First.. to my AMAZING (little) husband, Casey. This happened because of YOUR hard work and the willingness to move everything around (in the middle of your very busy schedule!!). This could not have been done without you. Thank you. SO MUCH. (More to share below)

Next.. to our AWESOME Partners with allamericanrecycles!!! On Monday, October 7th… Casey drove ADDISON (with no doors or mirrors) to AAR… where they took painstakingly great care of ADDISON. They removed the front of her that Addison and the Locke family signed. They did an AMAZING job!!! We are SO GRATEFUL for Pat and everyone at AAR!!! We knew that ADDISON was in the best possible hands. 

Once they were done, Casey went back later that week to pick up the front of ADDISON and drop off to our friends at FAB WERKS, INC in Crest Hill. WOW!! They cleaned up the front of ADDISON and made her A LOT lighter!! THANK YOU to Kenny, Rebecca and KC Krier for your wonderful support and partnership!! We are SO THANKFUL for you!! 

Once the front of ADDISON was back to CAMZ Communications, Inc., the hard work began. ADDISON needed to be reassembled with her lights and panels. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I watched how difficult that was…and knowing how much we needed it done… they never gave up!

While all this is going on… the bell that was on ADDISON was with our friend, Zach Sackman with SB CUSTOM FAB and WELDING, who made a beautiful base for ADDISON’S bell. THANK YOU!

Lastly, a HUGE THANK YOU to Tim at Harmonic Design Inc. who did the lettering last minute on the bell (when the engraved plaque I ordered didn’t look right). We are SO GRATEFUL for your partnership and friendship. THANK YOU!!

It all came together right before we needed to be at Joliet Central on October 17th.

A very SPECIAL SHOUT OUT and THANK YOU to our friends at Joliet Central… especially Terry and Kevin, who went above and beyond to allow all of this to happen. Terry… who got some of his students to help move the front of ADDISON (very heavy) out of Casey’s truck and keep the front hidden from everyone at the games. Terry was INCREDIBLE at keeping us (me) calm while we were waiting for the reveal and gift to the Locke family. 

ADDISON is now where she belongs… with her family. THANK YOU ADDISON for your 11 years of Service with PINK HEALS and our wonderful community. We were incredibly honored to carry your name and legacy.

THANK YOU ALL just does not seem like enough words to describe how blessed we are to have you all in our lives. #D4A

Love to all,

Angie