Pre-Speech Pranks and an Unexpected Essay: How Mitchell and I Keep Things Interesting

Right before I stepped up to give my big speech, I wanted to share a quick laugh with Mitchell — you know, to shake off the nerves and keep things light. So, in true mischievous fashion, I let out a loud, unmistakable fart that echoed through the room, the kind of sound that only comes from someone who’s been holding it in way too long. It was a real showstopper — a deep, rumbling blast that seemed to fill every corner of the room. Mitchell’s eyes went wide, and he gave me that classic “You’ve got to be kidding me” look, nose wrinkled but a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Not one to let a moment go to waste, I joked that Mitchell should write me an essay on what the smell reminded him of. True to his creative spirit, while I was up on stage delivering my speech, Mitchell got to work — scribbling away with focus and determination. But instead of a straightforward description, he spun a wild tale about cows, donkeys, and all sorts of farmyard antics, turning my prank into a full-blown creative project that only Mitchell could pull off.

Meanwhile, I was focused, delivering my speech with passion and confidence. I spoke about the journey that brought me here — the late nights, the hard work, the fundraising efforts, and the support from friends like Mitchell who kept me grounded. The crowd was engaged, nodding along, and when I finished, the room erupted into a standing ovation. That moment of recognition made all the prep, the nerves, and even the pre-speech pranks totally worth it.

Backstage, Mitchell and I shared a grin, knowing that no matter how serious things get, a little humor and friendship always make the journey better. As we packed up, I couldn’t help but joke that the Lion King Little Movers should definitely come in his size — because if anyone’s earned a set of those for all his moves and antics, it’s Mitchell.