I want to take a break for a sec from the talk of pegwarmers, up-sloped chins, too many generics, bad distribution, Regular TH’s no one wants, and all the other goofy things that we collectors tend to get caught up in.
And for that little break, I want to show this photo, taken by a very good friend of mine:
This is my friend’s son Ethan. Ethan is 3-years-old, and has been through a lot the last couple of weeks. What started out as a perceived minor illness quickly escalated into something much worse, and in the last 10 days Ethan has endured several surgeries, a helicopter ride, numerous visits by world-renowned specialists, some life-threatening moments, and countless pokes, prods, and tubes going in and out of his little body.
According to his parents, he has endured it all with amazing resilience, showing bravery and toughness that most of us wouldn’t know. When it is time for a procedure, Ethan is ready. When more strangers arrive to help, Ethan patiently lets them do what they need to. In some ways, his endurance has helped his exhausted, loving parents deal with all they have been through as well.
Through all this, though, Ethan has one strict rule, that all that visitors must adhere to: DON’T mess with this cars. Beside his parents, Ethan’s most loyal companion has been this ever-growing parking lot of Hot Wheels and other toy cars that has assembled on his pillow:
Some came from friends, others from the hospital itself. The hospital staff makes sure he is totally out before even attempting to remove the cars from his hands before surgery, and they make sure they are back in his hands before he awakes. In fact, Ethan expects a new car to be waiting for him as he returns from each surgery, and the hospital has obliged by grabbing another from their stash of donated Hot Wheels. The parking lot continues to grow.
And it isn’t just the parking lot. Ethan’s most trusted companion is a blue Hot Wheels Camaro that was given to him early in this ordeal, and it rarely leaves his hand. And we mean RARELY leaves his hand. That includes when he is sleeping:
I can’t imagine what Ethan and his family have had to endure. They are not out of the woods yet, but they are working towards a recovery.
And as a collector with a lot of opinions, who just spent several days watching the wheeling and dealing of these little toys cars at the Hot Wheels Convention in Kentucky, what a special contrast it has been to see why these darn things exist in the first place. Their role in Ethan’s ordeal has probably happened millions of times throughout the years, and no matter what toys come and go, nothing can replace a simple toy car.
Get better soon Ethan, and don’t let those cars go…
Get well soon Ethan. My prayers are with you.
Stew
Great story. You sure hit the nail on the head about those little things. Little kids love those love cars. Thanks for the story. Get well little man.
This story hits home if you put yourself in the shoes of Ethan's parents. But even if you're not a parent, no child should ever go through such sickness.
Get strong kiddo and keep those little wonders close by.
Thanks John!
Thank you, for this story. I hope all goes well for he and his family.
I fell you made a great point. These cars are ment to be enjoyed, not kept on a shelf never to be played with. I,ve gotten caught in that trap manny a time. Enough about me, my thoughts and prayers are with Eathen and his family.
In France, a family with a 2,5 year old little boy also playing with hot wheels cars, hope all goes good for you little Ethan. We pray for you. All our thoughts are with you. Accroche toi ! Tu es fort !!!
Is there some way we could send him cars?
Email me – lamleygroup@gmail.com
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Even though we have been blessed with three great kids (and six grandkids), I can't begin to imagine what Ethan and his parents are going through. Hang in there, kiddo, and hold on tight to that Camaro! Even though I'm nearly 50 years older than you are, I can remember what my Hot Wheels meant to me when I was a kid.
Eathan little man you hang in there buddy. To your parents thoughts and prayers. All children should be spared of these awful things. Growing up is hard enough. Thank you Hot Wheels. When I was a little one that is also what comforted me through all lifes stresses. Ethan your tied to them forever may they make everything a little easier. John thank you for sharing this personal story. I wish all the prayers and thoughts. May everything get better for the little guy. John I predict one day Eathan will be collecting these little comforts. He has already started.
What a tough little guy. Get well soon dude. We need you to help keep this hobby going. Thought and prayers with you and your family.
Really puts things into perspective when people are more concerned with peddling cars and making a buck out of a treasure hunt along with complaining about such inconsequential things.
Amen
i am a father and collector in utah i would like to know does he want new or used? and i also would like to deliever them since it is over 100 hot wheels are great and this story is great thanks for posting it.
jason b. utah
Jason were you able to deliver them?
im delivering them this weekend they want them clean and told me new or used they take both and yes you can drop them off thanks
jason b. utah
Beautiful paintings i think every kid must involve in such type of activities for conscious parents it is best to buy Barneprodukter from best online shop in Norway.
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