Sunday, May 23, 2010

THE FATHER'S EYES

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 would 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 coach, "My father died this morning. Is it
all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm 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 play-off 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 of
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.

 SOMEBODY NEEDS YOU TO SEND THIS TO THEM.

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