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Unique Morning Ritual: Kids Visit Great-Grandma on the Way to School

2024-12-10

Step inside Marilyn Bruggeman's apartment and it becomes immediately evident that family holds a cherished place in her heart. This was her Christmas present - a larger-than-life picture of three of her great-grandchildren printed on her bedspread. The blanket was a thoughtful gift from 7-year-old Maverick, 5-year-old Reese, and 2-year-old Brandon. But their connection goes beyond the holiday season. While Marilyn begins her day surrounded by her grandkids' artwork, a black sedan is already on its way.

Highlight of the Morning

Rachael Tschida, the assisted living director at Pleasant Vista Senior Living Community where Marilyn resides, shares, "It's a highlight of our morning." Rachael and her co-workers sit by their office windows, eagerly awaiting Marilyn to slide open her patio door as the car carrying Maverick and Reese pulls up in front of her. "Hi, Great Grammie!" Maverick shouts through the rear window. "Have a good day, I love you." Marilyn responds from her patio with a warm "Good morning!"

Seeing the Elementary School

From her building, Marilyn has a clear view of her great-grandkids' elementary school. Three years ago, Marilyn's grandson, Brian Bruggeman, had a simple thought: Why not? This simple decision led to these weekly "drive-hi" visits, which have become an integral part of Marilyn's life. These visits not only bring joy to Marilyn but also strengthen the bond between generations. The sight of her great-grandkids in the car and the sound of their voices through the window is a moment that she looks forward to every week. It shows the power of family and how even in the later years of life, these connections can bring so much happiness.

The Impact on Marilyn

Marilyn's face lights up when she sees her great-grandkids approaching. These visits give her a sense of purpose and belonging. She often shares stories about her own childhood and the values she holds dear with her grandkids. The conversations and interactions during these "drive-hi" visits are not just about catching up but also about passing on wisdom and love. It's a two-way street where Marilyn gives and receives just as much as her great-grandkids do. These weekly visits have become a source of strength for Marilyn, helping her to stay connected and engaged with the world around her.

The Significance of Family

Family is at the core of Marilyn's life. These "drive-hi" visits are a tangible example of how family can bring comfort and happiness in the later years. They show that no matter how old one gets, the love and support of family members are always there. Marilyn's story is a reminder that family bonds are precious and should be nurtured and cherished. It's not just about the presents or the gestures but about the time spent together and the memories created. These weekly "drive-hi" visits are a beautiful testament to the power of family.

On Monday night, the Toronto Raptors faced a tough defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks. Among the many events that unfolded during the game, one incident stood out - Scottie Barnes' ankle injury. Cole Burston/Getty Images captured the moment when Barnes hopped off the court with apparent pain in his ankle.

"The Impact of Scottie Barnes' Injury on the Raptors' Season"

Collision Details and Initial Reaction

During the third quarter at Scotiabank Arena, Scottie Barnes was attempting to block Karl-Anthony Towns at the rim from behind. Unfortunately, he was called for a foul and collided awkwardly with Towns as he came down. Both players fell to the ground, and Barnes immediately reached for his right foot, showing clear signs of significant pain. He was seen telling the trainers that he couldn't feel his foot while sitting on the court. He was then helped up and had to hop off the court to the locker room without putting any weight on his foot.This collision between Scottie Barnes and Karl-Anthony Towns had a profound impact on the game. It not only led to Barnes' injury but also affected the momentum of the Raptors. The team was clearly shaken by the incident and struggled to regain their composure.

Game Statistics and Impact on the Team

Despite the injury, Barnes managed to finish the game with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists in just 23 minutes. However, his absence was felt throughout the game. The team ruled him out with an ankle sprain, and further details about his injury are yet to be known.Barnes had been having an outstanding season before the injury. Entering Monday's game, he was averaging a career-high 21 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. His absence will be a significant blow to the Raptors, especially considering their current win-loss record of 7-18.The Knicks, on the other hand, took advantage of Barnes' absence and managed to secure a 113-108 victory. Towns led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson added 20 points and 11 assists. The Knicks' win pushed them to 15-9 on the season, with their recent streak of five wins in six games continuing.Barrett led the Raptors with 30 points and eight rebounds in the loss, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knicks' late-game surge. Jakob Poeltl added 10 points and 12 rebounds, and Ja'Kobe Walter finished with 19 points off the bench.

Uncertainty about the Duration of the Sidelining

It is still unclear how long Barnes will be sidelined with his latest injury. The Raptors have only one game over the next week - a matchup with the Miami Heat in South Florida on Thursday. This gives Barnes an opportunity to miss minimal game time and return to the court as soon as possible.The Raptors will be closely monitoring Barnes' recovery and will provide updates as soon as they are available. In the meantime, the team will need to find a way to fill the void left by Barnes' absence and continue to compete in the tough Eastern Conference.

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