Dad makes it possible for daughter in wheelchair to march with bandmates. Are you ready for your "feel good" story of the day?

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:26:33 -0500

Freakin Awesome Dad!

Eva Houston became a member of Westside High School's marching band when she entered her freshman year in the fall, but after sitting on the sidelines during the first two games of the season, she came home and told her parents she wanted to get more involved.

The 14-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, who has played the trumpet since 5th grade, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, which makes it impossible to march in formation with the rest of her bandmates.

"We emailed the band instructor to see what we could do for her and he said he'd be happy to get her into the drill, as long as someone can push her," Eva's dad, Kevin Houston, told TODAY.com.

"Eva came to me saying she really wanted me to do it, and how do you say no to that?"

Kevin, who works in the IT department of an insurance company, leaves the office four days a week to push his daughter's wheelchair as she plays the trumpet during practice. On Friday nights, you can find him on the field during halftime and in the stands next to his wife, Vicky, the rest of the time.

"At first I was doing it for Eva and didn't realize how much I'd enjoy it as well," Kevin said. "I've always been in bands throughout high school and college, so it brings back a lot of memories for me."

Kevin realized how much it meant to Eva after he attended his first practice. She turned to him with a big grin on her face and said, "That was so much fun!"

One of his favorite parts about the experience is that he now knows all of her friends and their personalities.

"When she says Megan did this, I can now actually picture Megan doing that," Kevin said.

"You drop your kids off at school and you don't get to experience their day with them, so I'm very grateful to be part of her life."

:)

Dad steps in to help daughter in wheelchair follow her musical passion

"You drop your kids off at school and you don't get to experience their day with them, so I'm very grateful to be part of her life."

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 10 at 2015 12:36 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:36:48 -0500

In today's world, it is stories like this that replenishes my faith in humanity. Thanks for sharing Curtis!!!

Response by TSgt David L. made Nov 10 at 2015 12:39 PM

TSgt David L. — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:39:18 -0500

This is a breath of fresh air after hearing endlessly about Klinton and elections and crap.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 10 at 2015 3:28 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:28:55 -0500

This is what fathers do, great job dad and thanks for sharing this story with us MSgt Curtis Ellis!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 10 at 2015 3:57 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:57:30 -0500

Yes I am ready for a good news story since there are so many bad news stories MSgt Curtis Ellis. Thanks for posting a story about a dad who helps his disabled daughter fulfill her dream.