It is true that sometimes we do forget those around us......
This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a
very
special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench,
his
father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.
This
young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high
school.
But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear
that
he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young
man
loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try
his
best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a
senior.
All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but
remained
a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the
stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young
man went
to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a
"walk-on."
Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach
admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his
heart
and soul to every practice, and at the same time, provided the other
members with the spirit
and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut
thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called
his
father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets
for
all the college games.
This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four
years
at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end of
his
senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field
shortly
before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram.
The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent.
Swallowing
hard, he mumbled to the, "My father died
this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach
put his
arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week
off,
son.And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."
Then Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the
third
quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man
quietly
slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As
he ran
onto the sidelines, the coach and
his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so
soon.
"Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the
young
man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted
his
worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted,
and
finally feeling sorry for the kid,
the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in."
Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could
not
believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before
was
doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran,
he
passed, blocked and tackled like a star.
His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing
seconds
the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the
winning
touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their
shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard!
Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and
left
the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting
quietly
in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I
can't
believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did
you do
it?"
He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you
knew
my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man
swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but
today was
the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could
do
it!"
>>
>>SO, REMEMBER RIGHT NOW
>>Somebody is very proud of you.
>>Somebody is thinking of you.
>>Somebody is caring about you.
>>Somebody misses you.
>>Somebody wants to talk to you.
>>Somebody wants to be with you.
>>Somebody hopes you are not in trouble.
>>Somebody is thankful for the support you have provided.
>>Somebody wants to hold your hand.
>>Somebody hopes everything turns out all right.
>>Somebody wants you to be happy.
>>Somebody wants you to find him/her.
>>Somebody wants to give you a gift.
>>Somebody wants to hug you.
>>Somebody thinks you ARE a gift.
>>Somebody admires your strength.
>>Somebody wants to protect you.
>>Somebody can't wait to see you.
>>Somebody loves you for who you are.
>>Somebody treasures your spirit.
>>Somebody is glad that you are their friend.
>>Somebody wants to get to know you better.
>>Somebody wants to be near you.
>>Somebody wants you to know they are there for you.
>>Somebody would do anything for you.
>>Somebody wants to share their dreams with you.
>>Somebody is alive because of you.
>>Somebody needs your support.
>>Somebody will cry when they read this.
>>Somebody needs you to have faith in them.
>>Somebody trusts you.
>>
>>Somebody hears a song that reminds them of you.