Dewey Goes Pink, a day dedicated to somebody and everybody

Cherry O Baby - I wore a Temple cherry shirt at Dewey Goes Pink Oct. 7. I spent 14 hours combined, taking photos and processing them, with six albums’ worth available on Facebook. I dedicated the day to my first niece Michelle, who was recently diagnosed and has set sail into the turbulent waters of therapies and surgeries, the feeling sick while resourcing a spiritual hope and faith that is personal. Michelle is a 50-year-old mother of five, and she is “only nice” - there is no other side. Belief in a higher power matters and miracles happen every hour, so there is consolation when someone has internal faith that skipped over you inside the family circle.

Roll on or walk on by -  I saw a woman in a wheelchair prior to the Dewey Goes Pink starting horn. She wore a Blue-Gold All-Star game cap. She was weak, but I put my hand on her wrist and asked, “What is your name and do you know my friend Jerry McNesby?” She smiled. I asked, “What are you doing in that chair?” Her young caretaker said, “She’s doing the 1.5K.” “I meant she’s in a wheelchair. What is the reason?” My dad was wheelchair-bound and so I always ask. I’ve never once gotten a smart answer like, “I’m doing the limbo, what do you think I’m doing?” I never did find out. I saw survivors supported by friends also cross the finish. And, man, it was hot out there sitting in my blue chair.

Continuum of connections - Tim Scott played football for Dale Steele at Indian River High School, so last week when he messaged me and asked, “Are you going to the Georgetown game at Beacon?” I knew I was going. Although prior to Tim’s message, I wasn’t. Then there’s Haywood Burton and Ellis Gaulden, coaching the Beacon team, and we are connected through respect and experience. My son Dave is principal at Beacon, and I can’t help that; I told him not to go into administration. The game was great. Young Timmy Scott of Georgetown scored the first touchdown. Beacon’s Jordan Baines had 137 yards and two touchdowns, plus a 60-yard punt return for another touchdown. Roniere Parker rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown. Both are future high school stars. Beacon led 14-12 at the half. Georgetown’s Mir Gardner had a pair of touchdowns and was running like water, according to Burton. Beacon won 29-18. I reflected on history, “Dale Steele was a state championship coach at Indian River because Cape let him go in spite of great success at Rehoboth Junior High.” Haywood Burton should be in the mix when considering a head coach to replace Bill Collick. Haywood works in the district - he’s Beau Smith’s wingman at Beacon - was an all-conference linebacker at Cape - played with Mark Moore - he is smart with deep Cape loyalties. After the Beacon win, Burton went home to break down film and extract statistics. Then on Friday night, he worked the chain crew while watching his son Aarin play in the game. Ask the Beacon parents, they know what time it is.   

Don’t downtown people - The Green Bay at Dallas back-and-forth game Sunday showcased quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Aaron Rodgers. The game was fun to watch, featuring two storied franchises with great traditions and Hall of Fame coaches and players. I’m struck by the number of “sports fans” who use words like “hate” and “suck” when referring to an NFL team. In fact, Dallas may be “America’s Team” because the most people run to extreme reactions at the mention of their name, while more people love Green Bay outside their own home team and thoroughly enjoy watching the California Kid Mr. Discount Double Check torture defenses. My prevent defense versus Green Bay with the game in the balance would be simple: Red dog every play. Blitz off the corners and up the middle and find the white guy and knock him down. 

Snippets - If you are a meddlesome sports parent, you need to back up the Jeep because what you are trying to accomplish has the exact opposite effect. And that is just the way it always works. Support your kid, but allow them to figure it out. That is always the best way to help them. Go on now, git!