The Packers play the Bears later today, a continuation of one of the longest and most intense rivalries in all of sport. The last time the two teams met, the Packers defeated the Bears to go the Super Bowl, perhaps the most meaningful win in this long and storied rivalry. It was the day after my dad's memorial service, and I still can't believe how it happened. I wrote about it back then, and I'd like to repost that piece in my dad's honor today:
My Dad Was Smiling Down
My dad loved the Green Bay Packers. He had to be smiling down yesterday. The Packers beat their archrival, the Chicago Bears, to reach the Super Bowl. It doesn't get much better than that. My brother and I got to watch the game together, and my dad's spirit was definitely there with us. The way the game unfolded would have been particularly satisfying for my dad.
My dad was a year round fan. One of the biggest weekends of the year for my dad was draft weekend. The last few years we watched the draft together, hours of talking about football and life. Those draft days are really great memories. Two years ago my dad predicted the Packers would draft a nose tackle from Boston College named BJ Raji. I'd never heard of the kid, but sure enough, the Packers drafted this guy. My dad was adamant Raji was going to be a great player for the Packers. My brother and I bought him a Raji jersey for Christmas. I was wearing the jersey yesterday in my dad's honor. I know it's corny to think my dad's spirit had anything to do with what happened yesterday, but I'm going to think it anyway.
My Dad Was Smiling Down
My dad loved the Green Bay Packers. He had to be smiling down yesterday. The Packers beat their archrival, the Chicago Bears, to reach the Super Bowl. It doesn't get much better than that. My brother and I got to watch the game together, and my dad's spirit was definitely there with us. The way the game unfolded would have been particularly satisfying for my dad.
My dad was a year round fan. One of the biggest weekends of the year for my dad was draft weekend. The last few years we watched the draft together, hours of talking about football and life. Those draft days are really great memories. Two years ago my dad predicted the Packers would draft a nose tackle from Boston College named BJ Raji. I'd never heard of the kid, but sure enough, the Packers drafted this guy. My dad was adamant Raji was going to be a great player for the Packers. My brother and I bought him a Raji jersey for Christmas. I was wearing the jersey yesterday in my dad's honor. I know it's corny to think my dad's spirit had anything to do with what happened yesterday, but I'm going to think it anyway.
I'm not a guy who cries about sports, but big ol' BJ Raji brought tears to my eyes yesterday.
There will probably be a few more today.
that bj is so big, yet so nimble. love his endzone dance...haha.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post about your father. It was so fun to see the Packers win the Super Bowl last year.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this again.
ReplyDeleteWere you wearing the jersey yesterday when the Pack beat the Bears?
ReplyDeleteNo comments on the Vikings, please. It's clearly a rebuilding year.
I love Raji! He is probably my favorite player on the Packers, I get a kick out of him. Very touching post about your Dad, I'm sure he was smiling down again at the result of Sunday's game. :)
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