Don't know if this was ever represented here on this forum. My sister sent it to me. A little long but worth the read.
This is written by a sports anchor, Jen Lada, from Fox 6 in Milwaukee . It
doesn't get any better than this.
"Save Me a Spot"
This job affords me some incredible opportunities. Being a member of the FOX 6
Sports team means I've been able to witness and report on events and people that
many can only admire from a distance. I never take these situations for granted
and sincerely appreciate being involved in whatever capacity each permits.
Monday marked just the most recent case as I had the unparalleled privilege to
be a part of Aaron Rodgers charity event to benefit the MACC Fund, a charity
towards eradicating childhood cancer and blood disorders.
Scattered throughout the crowd of rabid Packers aficionados, were the people who
I consider the event's real MVPs. They are the families who've been forced to
deal with one of life's toughest sentences - the loss of a child.
Those who sprung for the tickets were not disappointed. In a world where many
athletes regurgitate canned and rehearsed responses, the Packers quarterback was
refreshingly candid. Aaron addressed a number of topics with in-depth, honest
reaction - even some that if reprinted and mass distributed might raise some
eyebrows.
Aaron stressed the importance of availability and accountability. In his
opinion, it is a player's responsibility to attend all of the team activities as
they are all intended to better the team as a whole. And then, similarly, he
addressed the importance of taking the heat/criticism when one falls short of
expectations and duties.
He is never nervous to take the field. Aaron is supremely confident in the
preparation he's put in during the week leading up to Sunday's match up. The way
the 2009 season ended was disappointing but his self-confidence was not affected
by the outcome. One of the toughest realizations was that that combination of
players would never take the field together again. He likened the team to a
family and admitted that conflict can and does occasionally exist but they try
to handle such situations with maturity and civility.
He talked music and his love for tunes at a young age revealing that his mom
used to sing and play lullabies and country music when he was a child. Aaron's
record label Suspended Sunrise is a product of this passion but also a
contingency plan for life after football. His favorite song is Ben Harper's
'Forever' and he's envious of John Mayer's guitar skills though not his tabloid
reputation. He appreciated my affinity for Keith Urban but gave the audience a
thumbs-down when I mentioned fellow country crooner Kenny Chesney.
His favorite book is The Bible and he tries to read it every day not just when
life's challenges and struggles surface.
His favorite movie is The Princess Bride which he admits he's caught flack for
but says he and his childhood friends can recite every line from the film and it
is simply a great story.
Rodgers' answers to questions on this night were certainly admirable. And I
honestly didn't think I could respect Aaron more. But I was wrong.
My friend, the father of that young girl who passed away named Cheri, was there
that night. He was one of several attendees brought up on stage where he caught
a football thrown by the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.
He asked Aaron to sign the football he'd caught. He wondered if he'd make it out
to his daughter Cheri. It isn't shocking that Rodgers obliged. What caught me
off guard was the dedication he made. It wasn't until after Aaron left that I
first saw the autograph... and the simple yet sweet message that brought tears
to this father's eyes:
"To Cheri the angel. Save me a spot. - Aaron Rodgers"
I hope that Packers fans realize how lucky they are to have such an upstanding
young man leading their team on the field every weekend. I hope they appreciate
the challenges that were thrust upon him and acknowledge the maturity with which
he handled them. I hope they stand behind the kid and respect him not only for
his incredible talent but for his intelligence and honesty, poise and
compassion.
My job has afforded me the chance to watch Aaron Rodgers play football for the
last few seasons. But I am truly thankful for the opportunity to see the other
side of this impressive young man. And pass on some of what I witnessed to you.
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