the    sides

Amy is the most low-maintenance woman I know. So on her birthday, I wanted it to be special. I took her to Elway’s,, arguably the best steakhouse in Denver. We weren’t disappointed. The service was impeccable, the food was awesome, atmosphere was incredible.

After our appetizer, I went over to the bar area to look at John Elway’s MVP trophy and jersey. The bar is crowded so I stand off to the side, righ next to a table to get out of the way and start looking at the stuff a bit more intently. After a few seconds, I got the “somebody is watching me” feeling. I turn around and I’m 2 feet from John Elway and his mom. They were the ones sitting at this table I’m scrunched up against.

I’m utterly speechless. Here is the man that I worshipped from age 13 and I can’t get a sound out of my voice. Here is the icon of Denver, and all I can do is shakily return to the table where Amy and the Smiths are sitting.

I sit down and tell them:
“Ohmygoshyou’llneverbelievewhoisinthebar.
It’sJohnandIwasthisclosetohimandIcouldn’tevenputtogetherahiorhowareyouoranything.
I’msuchafreakin’idiot.”

At this point our waitress comes up to us and she is smiling. She’s been working there for a month. She’s a native of Colorado. She said she still shakes when she sees him around.

Amy and Kitty wander back next and confirm I’m not a delusional idiot. Okay, at least I’m not delusional.

We eat dinner and desert and on the way out, I figure I have to go back because I’m never going to get this chance again. I walk into the bar, right up to John Elway, grab him by the shoulder with one hand and stick out my other hand.

John looks at me and grins, grabs my hand.

“John, just wanted to tell you first of all this is an awesome restaurant. Tonight was my wife’s birthday and everything was perfect. Second, thank you for being an awesome Bronco and representing our city and state with class and honor.”

He never stopped grinning and said back…”Thank you so much. I’m glad you loved my restaurant, please come back and see us again.”

No autograph. No picture. I might regret that one day. I don’t know.

But I got to meet my childhood legend AND celebrate my wife’s birthday all in one night. That’s a great day.