Bar Harbor Times Article - July '02
Trip to French Lick Indiana, "Larry Bird Country"
The Bar Harbor Times Article
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Curt Schilling Pitches for ALS
Special Medical Drama

            He will send his Angels to watch over you.

Trip to French Lick, Indiana
by Gloria Butler

Al and I have been in "Larry Bird" country! One of Al's customers, Mike and Linda Beattey,  live in Seal Harbor in the summer and Indianapolis, Indiana in the winter. Mike and Linda knew how much Al loves Larry Bird and always wanted to go to French Lick, Indiana to see his hometown. When they found out about Al's illness they stated that they didn't know anyone whose "life dream" is to go to Indiana, so they had to fly him out there.  Of course, I got to tag along, too.  We had a wonderful time and have lots of stories and pictures to show everyone. He didn't get to shake Larry's hand when we went to the "Pacer's" game, but a couple of personally "To AL" things signed by Larry. We sat in center court, second row seats. By half time a woman came over to Al and said, "Come with me Larry wants you to sit in the front row center court." Al was in heaven! The "Pacer's" won the game against the" Golden Warriors " It was so much fun. Al wore his Pacer jacket and hat plus a Celtics Larry Bird Stats shirt. In French Lick we had a private tour with a fellow who grew up and played basketball with Larry, he also worked for the couple that flew us out. It was great fun hearing stories about Larry and seeing his old and new home. Plus we went to his high school. We were" Larry Bird Stokers " for the weekend.  Thank you Mike and Linda for making a "dream come true", it was a wonderful time and we will always cherish the memories of our trip to French Lick, Indiana.