In the realm of American football, there are many stories that transcend the sport itself. One such story is that of a journalist whose father’s memory lives on through his work and his words.
“My dad was born on September 20. He’s been gone for more than 26 years. I still think about him every day,” the journalist revealed, his voice tinged with longing and nostalgia. “I think about him even more at times like this. I still wish I could talk to him again, even if only for five minutes.”
The journalist’s father was a complex man – a gambler turned bookie who would have had strong opinions about his son’s current profession. “Any pride he’d feel would be balanced out by mortification. He always kept a low profile; obviously, I don’t,” the journalist mused, reflecting on the contrasts between himself and his father.
The journalist’s connection to his father goes beyond mere memories – it extends to the written word. “I also wish he could read ‘Father of Mine,’ a mob novel inspired by his outfit in my hometown. He’d like it, and he’d hate it. Same as ‘Son of Mine,'” the journalist shared, revealing the depth of emotion and complexity in their relationship.
The image of his father with thick reading glasses and black frames is etched in the journalist’s mind. “I can picture him, peering through the lenses and taking in the words. He’d laugh at times, hopefully. At others, he’d slam the book shut and say, ‘You can’t write that!'” the journalist recalled, a hint of humor in his tone.
As a tribute to his father, the journalist announced a giveaway of his books. “I’ll give away one of each this weekend, in honor of my old man. His original name, as family legend goes, was Armando. It became Herman. He was known as Butch. For me, he was simply Dad, or (once his grandchildren arrived) Pap,” the journalist shared, a touch of warmth and affection in his words.
For those interested in receiving a free, signed, personalized copy of either book, the journalist provided instructions. “If you want a free, signed, personalized copy of either book, send an email with your name, address, and preferred inscription to [email protected]. Use this subject line: ‘Father of Mine 9/20/24 Giveaway.’ I’ll send ‘Father of Mine’ to one winner, and ‘Son of Mine’ to another,” the journalist announced, extending the opportunity to his readers.
And for those looking to purchase a signed, personalized copy, the journalist provided a link with instructions. “The first wave was dropped in the mail today. It was a pain in the butt, and I’ll reserve the right to end the promotion at any time and refund the payments through PayPail,” the journalist cautioned, ensuring transparency and integrity in the process.
In the world of American football, where fierce competition and intense rivalries often dominate the discourse, it is refreshing to see a glimpse of humanity and connection through the lens of a journalist honoring his father’s legacy. The words and actions of the journalist serve as a reminder that beyond the game, there are stories that resonate on a deeper level, touching hearts and minds in unexpected ways.
