There’s nothing quite like sharing a passion with your child. For years, I’ve been immersed in the sports card hobby, and in September, I had the joy of taking my daughter to our favorite card show, Shipshewana Card Fest. While I hoped it would be a fun experience for her, I never imagined it would turn into a moment neither of us will ever forget.
The show was buzzing with energy. Collectors and vendors filled the venue, and my daughter’s eyes lit up as she took in the sights: rows of cards, displays of memorabilia, and the lively energy of trading and pack ripping. Her excitement was contagious. My husband let her pick a few packs to open, and we went back to our table to see what treasures might lie inside.
The first couple of packs were fun to open, and my daughter marveled at the colorful characters and shiny inserts. Although I’m not a big Pokémon collector, her joy was infectious. Then came the moment. She opened her last pack, paused, and her eyes went wide.
“Mom, is this good?” she asked, holding up a card that even I knew had to be special. I wasn’t entirely sure how special it was, but I knew we needed an expert opinion.
It turned out to be more than just good—it was incredible. She had pulled a Giratina V, one of the most sought-after cards in the set. To be sure, we headed over to McCracken Cards, and Nick confirmed it: she had really hit something amazing!
Before we knew it, the buzz around our table grew as collectors and vendors gathered to admire her pull. People congratulated her on her incredible luck, and the excitement was palpable. We didn’t waste any time taking the card to TNT Sports Cards, sponsors of the Shipshewana show and known for their expertise in grading submissions.
My daughter, however, was just thrilled to see my excitement. What made the moment even more special was the pride on her face. She wasn’t just tagging along with me at the show—she had made her own unforgettable memory in the hobby.
It’s moments like these that remind me why I love collecting. It’s not just about the cards themselves but the memories they create and the bonds they strengthen. Sharing this hobby with my daughter is better than any card I could ever pull on my own.
We left Shipshewana not just with an incredible card but with an experience we’ll cherish forever. To top it all off, the card came back from grading as a PSA 10—a perfect symbol of an unforgettable day
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