Here is a the rest of the story. He was raised in a small town in Michigan. He was the all American kid. He served his country during Vietnam. He later married, helped raise two kids, and worked a lot of hours. He believes in doing things right and doing the right thing. He cares about other people and loves to talk to people every where he goes.
As his son got older and started getting into sports he supported him all the way. He went out of his way to be involved with his son and his teams. He coached him in almost every sport. He usually spent most of his free time throwing a ball around the yard with his boy than anything else. One time he tore his ACL. It happened in the 80's when arthroscopic surgery was still somewhat new. During October, football season for his son and for NFL, his son’s birthday fell on a beautiful October Saturday. He spent almost the entire day playing all time QB and throwing passes to all his son’s party guests as they played two hand touch football, all while having a cast from his foot to his hip on. It is these days that are always remembered so fondly.
His son was a wrestler as well. He wrestled for so many years it was a second family. In wrestling there is a lot of travel involved much like hockey parents. The weigh-in times are always very early so it meant getting up even earlier on Saturday’s and Sunday mornings. The thing was he was a truck driver who had difficult hours. He was very low in seniority so he had the toughest of everything. Some days on call he would go back 8 hours after his last shift. This means he somehow found a way.
He went to the practices, went to every tournament, and coached all the other kids as well. He made it so many times without any sleep but never complained once. He was very vocal and passionate as a coach as well. All the other wrestlers liked him. Almost twenty years later his son still gets asked how his dad is doing every time he runs into someone from the past. He has left an impact on so many lives and doesn’t really know it directly.
Earlier this year he was diagnosed with Cancer. But like the man he has always been he kept his head up. Instead of saying "why me!" he said "Why not me?". He had insurance, some money, a good job, a supporting wife, a supporting family, and he isn’t very old. He has chemotherapy every other week and they only get harder as they go. The chemicals really impact the body. The numbness in the fingers and extreme sensitivity to the cold and touching colder objects along with the laundry list of other side effects.
He has always been there for smart advice, coaching his son, keeping his class clown of a son in line, supporting his family, and is now a very proud grandpa! He is my father Dan Green! I wanted to put this out for Fathers Day because I go to wrestling camp on fathers day and I know I will be thinking of many fond memories on the mats as I now take his place in kids lives through coaching. Thank you dad for making me the man I am today!
Awesome writing Bob. I commend you for showing your love and admiration to all, in a day where so many think it's a weakness. I've never backed down from telling anyone a story like that.
Is nice to read a story of what's gone right, instead of the constant what's gone wrong story. Your Dad examplifies the role model I strive to be to my kids. God bless him for getting it right. It wasn't perchance. It was by effort. Happy Father's Day to your Dad!
I truly enjoyed reading this Bob... Even if we aren't related, I would be proud to call your branch of the Greens mine... Give the old man a hug, it's never too late!
I just wanted to come back and say that I agree with ricko. It doesn't matter how many comments you get here, this is an outstanding blog. I sure do wish I could say "Happy Father's Day" to my Dad. Again, you are a good person and I am glad you could do this for your Dad before it is too late. Thank you for the smile you gave me today and the thoughts I had about my Dad.
bob'
This is a fantastic tribute and a well deserved one to someone who's probably been a role model in your life.
My own memories of my father wasn't always a pleasant one. As he left my mother and my younger siblings when we were at a young age.
My step-father became the father figure I sorely missed as a teen.
Though he's advanced in age he's still the person I look up to.
See my latest post titled Larry Is In But It Could've Been So Much More !
Let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece ? I'll look forward to reading your comments as and when you're ready.
Bob, I can only hope that someday my boys will write a heartfelt tribute like this one. Your dad must be proud of you as well. Sounds like he raised a fine man who is following in his footsteps. Happy fathers day to you both.
Flint Michigan -
Ask me a question about your team by email- bob260505@yah oo.com
Three time defending (division 2) four square champion
1993 United States Hacky-Sack Champion (runner up in 92 and 94) - finishing move "the Stall"
MVP of 1986 Whiffleball World Series - WWS was played in the side yard and had longer home runs.
2006 1st place league Champion fantasy baseball, 2003 and 2004 second place in fantasy football, 2003 second place in fantasy baseball and hockey, The last person out in Dodgeball in a record 17 of 22 games played in 1992 and led the gym class with over 175 kills in 92 - 93 (averaged 8.18 kills per game)
bob260505@yah oo.com
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