Our Friend Tony.
As I anxiously awaited the morning of our chance to meet Tony Hawk, I kept trying to hurry Sandler so we did not miss anything. With one foot out the door, my frustration with his slow pace and his utter silence alerted familiar feelings of curiosity. I checked in to see what was taking him so long. He sat diligently writing a letter with his depiction of skateboarder portraits that read, “To Tony and Miki, I think you are very nice, Love Sandler.” He was trying to attach the handwritten greeting to whoopee cushions—he felt it was a unique gift. After he got his presentation situated, he placed everything in his Chucky Doll lunch box (which doubles as his brief case).
We hopped on our bikes and rode down the coast until we came upon the lofty vert ramp set up in the parking lot. Sandler took one look and and was quite certain he would have no problem strapping on his pads and participating in the demo. Unfortunately, he was a little bummed when I explained he would not be riding his board for this occasion. As he moped around during the early stages of the venue, deflated by the fact he would not be skating, we ran into a couple friends who were helping with the event. The discovery not only peaked his interest, but also steered Sandler in the direction of Tony’s [Hawk] whereabouts. As Sandler carefully pulled out the treasures from his Chucky lunch box, his friends Miki and Brandy introduced him to Tony as he was padding up and getting ready to skate.
Per usual I stood at a distance as a precaution having no idea what Sandler was going to say or ask. He did not disappoint. He slowly handed off his present eased into a conversation with the legend. After happily receiving the whoopee cushion and letter with a smile, Tony thanked Sandler for such a cool gift and asked him if he likes whoopee cushions as well. Sandler adoringly said yes. You could see he was elated that this skater was talking his language. No longer feeling shy, Sandler realized he and his new buddy, Tony, shared a fondness for pranks and skateboarding. Sandler felt comfortable enough to ask the next big question, “Can I ‘wide’ your skateboard now.” Tony smiled again and said, “I’ve got to ride my board today and for one more event, but how about I give you this board after tomorrow and then you can ride it whenever you want?”
I always hope that whoever comes in contact with Sandler is not only understanding of his differences but appreciative of his authenticity. My faith in humanity is absolutely restored when one of the world’s greatest athletes not only takes the time to try to follow a conversation with Sandler and share a vested interest in whoopee cushions, but also offers up such a kind gesture of gifting his very own skateboard.
- Nikki