![](<img src="http://www.myscrapworks.com/mswdigi/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/packaging_crossroadsii_fly_qp.jpg" alt="Fly" />)
This inspiring story is quite a long read but definitely worth every minute of it.
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’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 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 into 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 gently 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.
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 playoff 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!”
Something to think about:
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength.
Loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
My friends, I feel so blessed that I have both strength and courage. Thank you for being a part of the source where I draw for and from both. Thank you for being with me. Now, go FLY and scrap about it.
My thoughts: The saddest thing you can ever do is to convince yourself that dreams are nothing more than fairytales against the backdrop of the daily grind you and I call a “living.” There still exists castles and dungeons, dragons and princesses, bad witches, ogres, happily ever afters and lots of flying!
Have a great week ahead.
Mabelle
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March 14, 2009 12:10 am
I can feel the tears welling up even now. What a wonderful story with a lot for all of us to think about and incorporate into our own lives.
Love the new look.
March 14, 2009 2:13 am
I’d heard that story before, and it brought tears to my eyes. I lost my father while you were “gone”… he died, unexpectedly, in October. I had not seen him in 7 years. I wanted to go back home to visit him last summer, and he kept insisting that we wait until Christmas, when the weather would be better there. I argued, but in the end, he won… and I lost the chance to see him one more time. But I know he loved me and is watching, somehow. Maybe this is a good time for me to try to write about it on a page. Actually, eventually, I want to do a small book of several pages.
Thank you again for making an effort to come back into our lives; we are all the richer for it.
March 14, 2009 3:31 am
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. I needed a story like that today. I was feeling a little out of sorts with the family. How did you know
???
Always wonderful to hear from you. Thank you for the lovely freebie …again!
March 14, 2009 6:58 am
I really needed that today. You have a gift for sharing not only yourself and your talent, but in expressing universal feelings, and making us want to be better people for knowing you. Thanks Mabelle.
March 14, 2009 7:41 am
Yep, you did it again. What a story. Thanks for sharing it and the qp.
March 14, 2009 8:29 am
Thank you for sharing.
March 14, 2009 10:43 am
I had never heard that story before but it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for giving us pause in our busy schedules to reflect on our dreams.
Bless you and thank you for the wonderful quickpage.
Tammy & Shelby
March 14, 2009 11:25 am
Wonderful story and a wonderful cry I had reading it. Very powerful…and true. You are such an inspirational and encouraging friend, Thanks!
March 14, 2009 1:09 pm
Thank you for the lovely story! Really makes me stop and think why I’m doing or not doing something. So glad you were able to stop and share. Thank you for the awesome QP!
March 14, 2009 1:31 pm
I’ve read that story before and it always seems to pop up in my life at a time when I need that boost. Thank you for sharing it and for the lovely QP.
March 14, 2009 2:10 pm
Thank you for your story and your gift!!
March 14, 2009 2:20 pm
Beautiful Mabelle, thank you for sharing the story.
March 14, 2009 9:31 pm
Great story, and the dad is a great inspiration for parents everywhere! Thanks!
March 14, 2009 9:37 pm
Hey Maybelle – so good to hear from you again! I scored a 41 – great little eye opener.
March 14, 2009 9:51 pm
Thanks for sharing the inspiring story. I, too, had heard it before, but it had been some time. It was nice to hear it again and be touched once more. Thanks for reminding us of the hope that can be in all of us that our goodbyes with our loved ones are not permanent for those who know the Lord.
March 14, 2009 10:16 pm
I could hardly get through your story and the last paragraph was amazing! Thank you so much for your faith and encouragement. You are a wonderful person. Oh! Thanks for the freebies too!
March 14, 2009 11:34 pm
Wonderful story Mabelle! I’ve read it before and it is very inspiring!
March 15, 2009 10:19 am
Wonderful story. Thank you for the lovely QP!
March 15, 2009 1:02 pm
*sob* what a heartbreaking story.. inspiring as well. thanks mabelle! u always post the most heartwarming stuff ever =)
March 16, 2009 9:06 am
Thanks for sharing this amazing story and of course, your wonderful freebie!
March 18, 2009 6:17 am
I dunno what to say.
It left me speechless… its soo sad
somehow i think i heard of it before