The Houston Texans Cheerleading squad has a huge social media presence. Through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and all of our HTC shows we have truly connected with our fan base. One of my Twitter followers asked me just last week, “what made this season special for you?” This question had me thinking about the countless memories made this year.
The year couldn’t have begun with a bigger surprise; as President H.W. Bush strolls in to present each 2013 Houston Texans Cheerleader with a rose to induct us into the family. What an honor it was to have #41 take the time out of his schedule to make our level of joy reach even higher echelons. To top it off I found my new lucky number; my tryout number was #41 to match his Presidential reign. Just days later an experience that I would have never fathomed presented itself to three cheerleaders and myself; we would have the privilege to be a part of Barbara Bush’s annual fundraising event, “A Celebration of Reading,” for her Foundation of Family Literacy. For a few remarkable hours we were welcomed into the fun-loving and witty family, the Bush’s.
To listen and see the ease of banter between such a powerful family was evoking. Barbara and HW Bush have been married for years and they still are exceptionally light-hearted and down to earth with each other, joking back and forth about what it takes to make a marriage last through the years.
To start the event, Barbara Bush showed a series of pictures with President HW Bush and some of his visits with the most powerful people to the most helpless individuals in the world. In each photo he wore a different pair of unique socks. The last picture that was presented was from a few nights before when we were inducted as Texans Cheerleaders for the 2013 season. He was wearing his National Flag socks with a big ole smile! As this picture was shown, we wheeled him on to stage with his crazy socks to keep up his reputation that he is known for strutting. Then we were welcomed with a standing ovation from the crowd. Barbara said they were supposed to go on a date that night and he said he got ‘busy’ at a meeting, and was going to be late to dinner. She woke up in the morning to find the picture with him and the 34 Texan Cheerleaders in the newspaper and realized what delayed him. It goes to show, they still have such a great sense of humor with each other.
After the announcement of making the team, Coach Alto asked me if I would appear on NFL Network. I couldn’t believe it! I didn’t have much time to prepare, but couldn’t wait for the chance. I figured they would ask about the draft or our season, but I wasn’t quite sure. They ended up asking me about how I thought our season would go and which games would be the most difficult.
After hours of studying the night before, I nailed the questions. I even let the good ole southern girl shine through without knowing,and used some Texas slang; ‘dad gum.’ The jargon caught on and after answering my last question, they said, “That was a ‘dad gum’ good interview.” I was smiling from ear to ear, a recollection that still stands strong.
One of the most humbling experiences we get to be involved with is visiting the high spirits of those in the hospitals. I have had the pleasure of visiting so many remarkably strong people. One little girl and her mother bring more smiles to the world than a playground does to a group of young children, “Kyssi Strong” is their motto and they live by it. They won’t give up hope; they flex those biceps to show no matter what is thrown at them they will keep pushing. They have made so many connections with other families in the hospitals, superstars, and anyone they can get a hold of. She is the face of MD Anderson, she has her own webpage, Facebook page and arm band.
She will even give you an autograph with her picture if you ask politely. But she isn’t the only one; Louis (LJ) and his mother are working through their second run of cancer too. They push and push and make sure to not only be strong for themselves, but the other young ones in the rooms next to them. One little girl didn’t have family to stay with her in the hospital, so they reached out to her, to be her extended family and friends. LJ also has his own Facebook Page and Instagram to raise awareness.
You can see who is favorite player is, by the wreath, made by his grandmother, hanging on the door. The wreath is covered in JJ Watt’s photos from college ball in Wisconsin to playing in the NFL with the Texans. LJ’s room represents Texans completely including his Texans blanket and LJ would do anything to be back out on that football field playing again. These people see no boundaries, if you think you have it hard, you have no idea. I’ll never forget my visit with a gentleman and his family at Tier. He had a smile from ear to ear for his proudest accomplishment, walking on the Chris Reeves machine for 45 minutes that day. The stories from each person and family are all breathtaking. Every moment spent with these resilient souls is so touching and is something that I will carry with me forever.
Houston hosted the Grand Prix for the first time in six years and three of us from the squad were fortunate to ride in the Pace Car to start the races. With the Houston heat, the track was having difficulties setting, so we were able to walk around and meet all of the people that make the race possible.
Everyone is from different corners of the country and are constantly traveling from venue to venue. They have great stories to tell about their journeys. We were able to check out the control rooms and listen in through the ear head phones. Riding in the pace car with Wally Dallenbach, an American racecar driver who formerly competed in NASCAR Winston Cup Series, was exhilarating.
If you watched the video on NBC or ‘Cheer Chat’ you can hear the excitement in our giggles, and you can catch me say, “rollercoaster rides have nothing on this!” The turns were tight and the0-85mph was thrilling. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime.
Coach Alto started a new web show this year called ‘Freestyle Friday’, which consists of the entire Texans Cheerleading squad doing a soul train line in the most random places. We started off with a surprise visit to the local Kroger to release the Texans Cheerleader Calendar and Coors light display. We used everything from fruits and veggies to popcorn and magazines in our dance routines.
The Kroger staff even participated in the soul train. We hit a candy shop, Sonic, a pool party, a tennis court, danced with the Pep band, junior cheerleaders, super fans and even a camel (a cheerleader on Sunday is as happy as a camel on humpday). We even had a proposal during Freestyle Friday to our sweet cheerleader, Rebecca, but my most favorite of all was at the Independent Living Home.
We were able to dance down the line with our elders, some who had dementia, some on walkers and some who were still in fantastic shape. They were so full of life, giving advice and talking of their greatest adventures. James was my dance partner and he was jiving, got down low and did the twist, one sweet lady even let go of her walker and was shaking it, and we had some ladies doing high kicks. The laughter was roaring out of the room.
Unfortunately, the family of one of our Texans Cheerleaders Texana, had their house burn down. The experience was horrible, but to see what transpired as soon as the community found out was awe-inspiring. Texans Hollie, The Battle Red Freaks, tons of Super Fans and the support of the Texans organization came out in full force.
The fans started a foundation to raise money to help replace some of the items lost. Alto, the cheerleaders and the Texans provided as many of the basics as they possibly could and the news stations broadcasted the foundation to gain as much support as possible. I can remember walking all the items out to Texana’s mother’s car with the other girls, and seeing Texana’s mother break out in tears of joy. I don’t know how else to explain the hope and generosity of this family, this community, this organization, but the love is infinite. This is not just a sports team we support on Sundays in the fall; it’s an “I’ve got your back” and “shoulder to lean on” family.
So to answer the Texans Fans’ question in short; there are so many reasons this year was so special to me. There were moments of joy, laughter, tears and hope, which made it an unforgettable year. This family is one that I will hold close to my heart forever. Go Texans!
Morgan (Moe) Dean
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