Football and my Dad

My Dad loved football. My brothers played starting at about age 10. Jim had to stop due to his hearing aids. Mark and Steve played a few more years but none made it into high school teams. However, on Monday nights and Sunday's the tv was dialed into a game. It didn't matter who was playing, though he was partial to the Pennsylvania Steelers (me too). I knew the difference between a touchdown and a touchback. I knew what a safety was and the value of a good place kicker. I wasn't a member of the church then so Sunday football wasn't taboo. When I joined the church, I stopped watching football on Sunday's. Later I married and to be honest, we couldn't afford cable so I didn't watch it then either. I've still loved the game, especially when Dallas or the Steelers were playing. None of my sons were interested in the game so for a long time it's been a memory. Tonight I watched a wonderful movie called "My All-American". It is a movie based on the life of Freddie Steinmark. He played college ball for the Texas Longhorns. He was an incredible player and man. He was a good man. During the movie, I felt my Dad. The feeling of him being next to me was so overwhelming I broke into tears. It has been a long time since I watched a game with my Dad, even if it was a movie of football. It was a tender moment. I've had experiences like this one before, with my Mom and with my Nana and my brother Steve. I know that the veil between this world and the spirit world is thin. I know that they are aware of us and if we paying attention, sometimes we can become aware of them too. Those are special occasions, moments to be treasured and remembered. They remind me of what is to come, an eternity with family. I'm sure my Dad's version of heaven includes football. One day I'll find out for myself. Until then, I'll do my best to keep my covenants, keep my faith and to live a good life, one that I'd be pleased to report to my parents about one day.