A Father's Gift

This teenager lived alone with his father,
and the two of them had a very special relationship.
Even though his 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 highschool. 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 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 into every practice and, at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to call his father. His father shared his exitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. The persistant young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was shourly before the big play off game, and as he trotted onto the practice field the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read it and became 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 arms around him and said "Take the rest of the week off son, and don't even plan to come to the game on Saturday."

Saturday arrived and the game was not going well. In the third quarter the team was 10 points behine, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. He ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players where astouned to see their faithful teamate back so soon.
"Coach you got to let me play. I've just got to play to play today" said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he would let his worst player onto the field. But the young man persisted and finally the coach felt sorry for him and gave in.
Before long the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This unknown kid, 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. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds the kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders.

Finally the stands emptied, the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed the young man sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said "Kid how'd you do this, I can't believe it you were fantastic! What got into you?"

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!"

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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 all the support you provided
Somebody wants you to be happy
Somebody wants to protect you
Somebody admires your strength
Somebody loves you for who you are
Somebody is glad that you are their friend
Somebody treasures you spirit
Somebody needs your support
Somebody trusts you
Somebody needs you to have faith in them

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"Many people will walk in and out of our life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart" - unknown