This Handsome man is Chris's father. He played professional football for two years in the late 60's, until he had an injury that ended that dream for him. He loved football and so do both his sons! :) He passed away recently and it was very difficult on all of his family and friends that love him so much. He wanted to Celebrate his life and not have a sad funeral service. I was not able to attend, but everyone spoke of it highly and told how special it was....a great tribute in Fred's behalf. No dry eyes....every one that attended had been touched by Fred in some unique way. He is loved and missed very much by all of us.

The other day the mail lady pulled up and honked...she had a box for us..... I realized as I tore away the paper that it was an NFL original...with the signatures of Freds team players...along with his own signature! I was very moved. Since I was not able to go to California when he passed away, it was almost as if it wasn't really real..... I knew it was, but some how, not being there just didn't help me finalize it in my mind and heart. When I took this football in my hands and read Freds signature I began to cry. This made it very real to me....perhaps too real....as the other family members are trying to heal...I am just now beginning to truly realize he is not here...that we won't be able to make that trip and show off the kids...(and grandkids....that will come in our future to make him great-grandpa.) We always wanted to make that trip again, and realizing if we do....he will not be part of it, was really hard for me. I think I had to be strong during all this in the beginning trying to keep it all together for Chris and Marijane, who took this really - really hard, being so far from their dad all these years, so last week when I opened and held this football....it was very emotional for me.