Every Wednesday morning we gather at the APEX Center for our weekly Hockey Heals skate. The program began as a way to provide Van Stone with a safe environment to return to ice after a severe traumatic brain injury. From there it has evolved into a special family that is nonjudgmental, accepting, supportive and most importantly full of unconditional love.
That family continues to grow and a key part of that growth is the Auten clan! Truly a “goalie” family, the entire crew straps on the pillows and can often be found be found tending goal at our Hockey Heals skates.
One of the things I love about the boys is how polite and respectful they are. Every single time I see an Auten I’m greeted with a smile, a high five and usually a hug!
I also love the names of boys, all tributes to their family, as these boys go by Walter, Ernest and George! Inexplicably the boys parents are a boring Jake and Charlene. So I’ve decided to switch those to Jedidiah and Mildred to keep with the family theme!
Thank you Auten’s, you are Hockey Heals!!
