Cabela's honors a 'Gift of the Day' request for a hospice patient
AVON, Ohio - Albert Janosik, 89, from Crossroads Hospice, was honored at Cabela's store in Avon after expressing a desire for one last shopping trip to the outdoor retail store.
Both Crossroads and Cabela's said the request was unusual, but both were happy to fulfill Janosik's wish.
As Janosik entered the store in a wheelchair, with Crossroads attendants around him as well as his daughter Jackie Mertz, it was clear he was surprised at the media presence. Marketing manager Gary Gerrone welcomed him and let him know there were gifts for him as well as a special shopping tour around the store.
A line of employees presented Janosik with Cabela's items including official gear such as an employees' shirt embroidered with his own name, a t-shirt and hat, sunglasses, fishing bobbers and the famous Cabela's fudge.
The rustic decor of Cabela's served Janosik, a long time outdoor man, well. Displays of stuffed animals give the impression of a hunt. Much of the merchandise pertains not only to hunting but to camping.
Janosik smiled frequently and joked and told his own "outdoor man" stories. One story related to a display of quail--how he shot them and cooked them, frying them in butter, garlic and onion. He noted how he went back over the bones several times because, "That's how good quail is," he said.
Ilona Rodgers, Gift of a Day coordinator at Crossroads Hospice, said they were all, including daughter Jackie, very grateful for the reception that Janosik received.
"We really couldn't ask for anything better than this," she said. "They have really been amazing."