The miracle of sports

Jan 31, 2011, 8:22 PM

I'd classify the year I had in 2010 as a pretty poor one. I've had better years financially, better years spititually but in the catagory of personally...its been WAAAYY better. I lost my best friend and my Dad.
My Dad was old school Chicago. No trendy North side Cubs for him! My Dad was hard scrabble south side Sox. we'd go to Comiskey on clear blue days when it'd hurt your eyes to see the sky. Hot Dogs, popcorn and cold beer for Dad. He sparked the interest in sports for me like no other. i'd draw the mascots of the NFL teams based on the memory of the pennants he bought me. I proudly listed the cities and mascots to him as I showed him the drawings. He cheered every one.
Chief and I shared a love for Tiger football. each year would bring a joy filled with the prospect of another magical season that the dream of 81 had brought us as young men. We grew up 20 miles from Gods country and spent many fun days and blurry nights frequenting Bollwinkles and Bash Riprocks. Tigertown was a playground.
My Dad fought 2 long years with colon cancer. It took his dignity and then took his life. I saw my hero go from "the guy who could do anything" to a shadow that was shamed to the figure a disease left him with. My Dad shaped my life to one that sets a calendar by sports. Presently I am set to to the fact that pitchers and catchers report in a short 3 weeks and the Masters is around the corner. Personally...I know signing day signifies the start of 2011 Clemson Football.
Chief and I went many years where we lost touch. I saw him the last time in intensive care. The next...a Yankee and Clemson Tiger blanket draped over his casket. We shared so many great moments together as friends. Clemson athletics was at the core. When the Tigers excelled we rode the wave. The 80's were a great time for that.
I drove down85 south toward Greenville about a week ago and after a period of "numb" it really settled in on what was gone. The new year brought a sense of loss that I guess i turned my back on at the end of last year. Signing day comes and Chief...is gone. The Masters will come and my Dad won't give me his picks.
Not really sure(other than personal hterapy)why I want to put these words down. Maybe cause its really the ones you banter with that makes the sport worth the while?
Hope that your 2011 is filled with cheers and championships...and if its not...someone to drown the sorrows with if its not.

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The miracle of sports

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