Local youngster gets up close and personal with Lions

racie Wachhaus opened a youth account at the local WFCU Credit Union branch in September, she had no idea that she’d be spending time on the sidelines at Ford Field for the Detroit Lions’ final regular season game on Sunday, January 7.

The story behind the opening of the account holds a special meaning for Gracie and her family.

Her grandparents — Ken and Sharon Post — wanted the kids to get some of their inheritance early so they could watch them enjoy it, which turned into a bit of a blessing.

“We didn’t want them carrying around that much money,” said Gracie’s mom Cheri. “So we opened accounts for them. Lo and behold, we lost my mom on November 11.”

While Sharon’s sudden illness and passing was diffcult to deal with, about a month later, the family got the news that Gracie’s entry into the WFCU’s Kickoff Kid contest was a winner.

That meant that she received four tickets to the Lions game against the Minnesota Vikings, a parking pass, a Lions jersey and the opportunity to run out onto the field and pick up the kickoff tee when the Lions kicked off.

So her mom, dad and sister Peyton joined her Sunday at Ford Field for the big game — something her mom says thrilled them all — especially dad.

“He’s a huge Lions fan,” she said before the game. “We are all looking forward to this.”

The family made the trip on Sunday to watch the Lions defeat the Vikings 30-20.

“It was amazing,” said mom Cheri. “The whole experience was jaw-dropping.”

Spending time on the field prior to the game and enjoying the competition from their seats was a special highlight, all made possible by a generous gesture from Gracie’s grandparents.

For Cheri, it was special for another reason. She could feel her mom’s presence.

“We truly felt her blessing and love througout all of this,” she said.