Nine year old Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr. lives with his mother in a homeless shelter in New York City. A while ago, he sent a letter to his football players, Chad Johnson, now known as Chad Ochocino. When he received a signed jersey in return, he sent another letter:
“Mr. Johnson, you really make me happy. One of my goals in my future life is to be just like you when I grow up. I wonder who was your role model when you were little? I have three role model(s) in my life that’s my mom, Mr. President Barack Obama and my favorite football player Mr. Chad Johnson. To me you are the best football player in the NFL. May God bless you and your family happy holidays.”
The little boy’s quiet dignity and determination would have been difficult for anyone to resist, and the Cincinnati Bengals receiver was no exception. That’s why, when the Children Mending Hearts organization arranged for Ruben to go to football camp, Ochocinco agreed to appear at a fundraiser to present his biggest fan with the certificate in person.
The little boy, who had no idea his idol was in the wings, read his letter aloud to the crowd. When asked what he would think if someone told him he was going to get to go to football camp, Ruben said, “I would be amazed.”
When his favorite football player showed up to give him the camp certificate he looked a lot closer to stunned. He reached out and clasped hands with his idol in a rather mature handshake, but then proceeded to stand there, staring at the certificate in a daze as Ochocinco led the crowd in a round of “Happy Birthday” because it was also Ruben’s birthday. The best birthday he’s ever had, according to Ruben.
We wish you a lot more great birthdays Ruben, and a lot more dreams come true.
