The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RCN or any other agency, organization, employer or company.
I heard two sentences this week that really hit home. The words were even more poignant since this is Thanksgiving week.
The first sentence came from a gentleman in his 80’s. He said, “Growing old is good”. I thought about that since I am getting up there or, as my younger friends constantly remind me, I have already gotten there. But, so far, it is good. Every day is a new challenge but every day is welcomed.
Sunday night on 60 Minutes , a former NFL player who now suffers from ALS said that after listening to his optimistic outlook on life, despite being diagnosed with a shortened life, said that people very often end their encounter with him by saying, “God bless you”. His response is always the same, “He already has”.
For some reason, these two sentences meant a great deal to me. I know I often try to fill these pages with sports stories, but not this week. I have plenty to be thankful for. I, along with many others, I’m sure, rarely verbalize it. Since I have this venue, this is as good a time as any to say “Thank you”.
- Thanks to my wife of 55 years. She has always been my rock. I’m not as sure about me. People who know me and then see her often say to her, “You must be a Saint”. I can tell you she is.
- Thanks to my children and grandchildren. For my wife, Luba, and I, they are our pride and joy. They are all successful, caring, and nice people. And they are happy. What more could any parent or grandparent want?
- Thanks to RCN. My occupational ventures have taken me from the classroom to the broadcasting booth. The ride has been spectacular. I started with Twin-County, stayed on with C-Tec, and continue the journey with RCN. Vocationally, it is the best time of my life and they continue to allow this guy to represent them in public. I really appreciate that.
- Thanks to the viewers. They are appreciative. And sometimes they complain when we do not cover games, but even that is a compliment in a way. And when they offer criticism, we take it to heart and try to get better.
- Thanks to the athletic directors, the coaches, and the statisticians. This job would be a nightmare without their help. Luckily they ALL help.
- Thanks to the student-athletes. If you want to feel and stay young, hang around young people. I know every time I interview a Lafayette student, I come away thinking these are the citizens who will fix the world.
- Thanks to the RCN television team. There are so many workers (and, boy, do they work) who run the wires, set up the cameras, the audio, the graphics, and the booths for every game only to tear it all down and do it all over again many times each week.
- Thanks to Kristin Vitovitch. She will be embarrassed that her name is here, but she does all the rosters, helps keep me organized, and never frowns!
- Thanks to Joanne G. She has to read and edit this blog every week. I feel sorry for her, but at least I know one person has read it and corrected it. She keeps me out of trouble and I thank her for that.
By the way, making this list really felt good. You might want to make your own this week. In summary, “Growing old is good” and may God bless you.
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSING)
- Oh, the poor NFC East. With Washington losing on Sunday to the Texans and losing their quarterback for the year; the Eagles getting killed by the Saints; the Giants and Dallas winning, the NFC East is a mess. No team can seem to play their way out of a possible playoff berth as much as they try. All the teams are in it, but probably all should be out of it.
- How about Whitehall’s Saquon Barkley? I hope you chose him for your fantasy football team. He now has the fourth highest number of fantasy points after 10 games of any player in NFL history – 252.8. Only Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen, and Patrick Mahones have ever scored more points. The Eagles are next.
- The Philadelphia 76ers are going to have a great season. Jimmy Butler will fill both offensive and defensive pieces on a team that is starting to look like they could win the East. They are certainly taking some of the attention away from the woeful Eagles.
- I had one of the most enjoyable interviews of my career this past Friday. Chicago Cubs’ manager Joe Madden was in town for the Lafayette-Lehigh football game. He is so likable and intellectual and a great storyteller. Thus, he is the perfect interview.
- The PIAA State Football playoffs begin this week. On Friday night, we will have the Bethlehem Catholic – Pottsgrove game from Palisades at 7:00pm LIVE. Freedom won their very first District football AAAAAA championship this past Saturday and will take on St. Joe’s Prep on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia at 1:00pm. We will also bring that game LIVE.
Gary’s Guesses: NFL Picks (Last week: 9-4) (Overall: 102-57-2 64% )
Week TWELVE
DALLAS
NEW ORLEANS
PHILADELPHIA
CINCINNATI
INDIANAPOLIS
CHARGERS
HOUSTON
