Brian played for his school’s football team. You could not say that he was their star player, but he gave his best and so he stayed. It was the last football game of his senior year and a message came that his father had died.
When the coach found out, he decided to tell Brian before the game, knowing he probably would elect not to participate. But instead of reacting sorrowfully, Brian just took it all in stride and said, “I’ll leave right after the game”.
The coach had seen Brian and his father together a couple of times in the past years. There was no doubt that Brian loved his dad and both of them exhibited an unusual kind of intimacy. They would be seen walking around the campus holding hands.
The coach had heard Brian speak highly of his father and expected him to grieve. When he didn’t, the coach said, “Brian, you don’t have to play. This game isn’t that important anyway.” Brian ignored him and played the game anyway. And play he did! Brian was the star, winning the game like a man possessed.
In the locker room, some of the players offered condolences, but most were appalled at his lack of sorrow. Brian was casual and happy, as if nothing had gone wrong. The coach was mad and thought he had taught too much devotion to sports and not enough compassion.
He scolded Brian, “Why did you play the game? Your father is dead. I’m ashamed of you and myself.”
Brian replied, “Coach, this was our last game. I am a senior. I had to play. This was the firs time my dad has never seen me play and I had to play like I never played before.”
“But your father’s dead, “ The coach replied.
Brian choked back the tears and smiled at the coach. “I guess you didn’t know. My father was blind, and today, he saw me play for the first time.”
Give life's game your best shot! Our father is watching us play...everytime...
When the coach found out, he decided to tell Brian before the game, knowing he probably would elect not to participate. But instead of reacting sorrowfully, Brian just took it all in stride and said, “I’ll leave right after the game”.
The coach had seen Brian and his father together a couple of times in the past years. There was no doubt that Brian loved his dad and both of them exhibited an unusual kind of intimacy. They would be seen walking around the campus holding hands.
The coach had heard Brian speak highly of his father and expected him to grieve. When he didn’t, the coach said, “Brian, you don’t have to play. This game isn’t that important anyway.” Brian ignored him and played the game anyway. And play he did! Brian was the star, winning the game like a man possessed.
In the locker room, some of the players offered condolences, but most were appalled at his lack of sorrow. Brian was casual and happy, as if nothing had gone wrong. The coach was mad and thought he had taught too much devotion to sports and not enough compassion.
He scolded Brian, “Why did you play the game? Your father is dead. I’m ashamed of you and myself.”
Brian replied, “Coach, this was our last game. I am a senior. I had to play. This was the firs time my dad has never seen me play and I had to play like I never played before.”
“But your father’s dead, “ The coach replied.
Brian choked back the tears and smiled at the coach. “I guess you didn’t know. My father was blind, and today, he saw me play for the first time.”
Give life's game your best shot! Our father is watching us play...everytime...
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