The story behind my love for the Houston Rockets

We all have a love for something that is translated into passion. That passion may be a skill, craft, hobby, art or, in my case, sports.

A person’s passion can be derived from many different things. My enthusiasm and love for the Houston Rockets began during early childhood and its deep rooted sentiments continue to define who I am today.

My whole perspective of life is different than a normal person’s perspective. I enjoy and appreciate life to the fullest, make the best out of anything and everything, stay happy and optimistic every day because I’m not supposed to be here.

As a two-year-old, I had already gone through a liver transplant as a result of having the congenital liver disease biliary atresia.

Fast forward six years: my home had become Texas Children’s Hospital with most of my days were spent in ICU and operating rooms. Due to my immune system being weak, I caught a virus called the Epstein-Barr, which put me in a coma for months. I underwent 25-plus surgeries during my days at Texas Children’s Hospital while my family had to live through my pain knowing they couldn’t help me in any way except by praying.

Prayers were heavily answered. I was 24 hours away from not being alive when my parents agreed with the doctors to go ahead and take me off life support but, thanks to a miracle, I woke up the next day right before they were about to pull the plug.

God had listened to everyone’s prayers and answered in a big way.

Having family members and relatives visit me was normal, but one day wish granters from the Make-A-Wish Foundation came to speak with me. They asked me if I could have any experience in the world, what would it be? Without hesitation I answered, “I want to meet Michael Jordan.”

A couple of days later, the granters returned and told me it wouldn’t be possible to meet Jordan.

My heart was broken, and I was devastated. Jordan knew my health situation and knew how big of a fan I was of his and how badly I wanted to meet him, so he sent me multiple tokens as gifts, which included an 8×10 autographed picture, stickers, a couple of his books and, best of all, a personal letter addressed to me written by him.

I never got to meet Michael Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls, but a few days after I received the package from Jordan, I not only got a phone call from Charles Barkley, who then played for the Houston Rockets, but also an on-air post-game message.

As a seven-year-old who had lost hope, faith and passion for life, this made a massive difference in my whole attitude toward life. Every kid dreams of meeting and hanging out with celebrities and athletes. After a life filled with struggle and pain, this message brought joy, just pure authentic joy!

On Tuesday, Feb 11, 1997, my life changed forever. That was the day I met my first and only true love (after my family and friends): the Houston Rockets. Michael Jordan is an idol and a role model of mine, but the Houston Rockets will always be the love of my life.

I got to ride in a limousine, meet hall of famers in the locker room, sat in the owner’s seat, received autographed memorabilia, met the mascot “Clutch the Bear,” and heard my name get called on the PA system at The Summit in front of 16,000 people.

My love, passion and fandom for the Rockets began that night. The Rockets have become my solace and my safe haven; when nothing is going my way, they are always there. That day was more than a dream come true. For that one day, I was able to forget everything and just live it up as a seven-year-old – thanks to the Rockets.

To this day I am thankful to God and to the Rockets because when I have nobody to talk to, or to lean on, God and the Rockets are the only way I stay sane and keep from becoming depressed by the health obstacles life continues to throw my way.

The Toyota Center is my sanctuary. During a Rockets game, my internal pain goes away because of my passion for the game. People choose to drink to drown their sorrows, I have the Rockets as my alcohol. Others go to clubs to get away, I go to Rockets games.