Ay-Ziggy-Zoomba.com

Karl's latest will explain in more detail...

http://www.ay-ziggy-zoomba.com/articles/1987alum/

Karl, it doesn't sound at all to me like you've let Noah down. As children, we often do not realize the magnitude of things that are happening around us, and often the only things that are real are the things we truly enjoy. While I'm sure it hurts to see Noah disappointed, I think you can take heart in two things: (1) you have established a father/son tradition that has obviously become a part of Noah's self-identity (somethingt that is no easy task), and (2) while Noah is disappointed now, he will one day appreciate the reasons for this trip not happening. It may not be tomorrow, next month or even next year, but Noah will one day appreciate the fact that you have had a very rough year and that not being able to make this trip happen has broken your heart even more than it has broken his. You two seem to have a truly remarkable relationship, and from an outsiders perspective it would take a lot more than a trip not happening to break that bond.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss in your family, too. It sounds like you have had a pretty bad year, and on that point I can definately relate. It has really become clear to me over this past year that, in life, when it seems like things can't possibly get worse in the moment, they often do. Still, I have faith that everything - both good and bad - will pass. Just as I am confident that I will find a job and find a new direction in my life, I am confident that things will begin looking up for you and yours soon. I know enough about you and Noah to know that you are too good of people for things not to.

I wish you nothing but the best, my friend.

I couldn't have said it any better, here's to a BG victory for Karl, Noah and his family on Saturday!

jpfalcon09 wrote:I couldn't have said it any better, here's to a BG victory for Karl, Noah and his family on Saturday!

I agree....What you did was difficult, Karl, but as parents, sometimes we have to do these things. That was a very touching column. I can totally relate.

I guarantee a BG win Saturday for you and Noah....God bless you all let us know if anything changes.

Karl...there's no worse feeling in the world as a parent than thinking that you've let your children down or hurt them in some other way.

FWIW, I don't think you let him down. You explained the priorities involved and you were there to help him deal with his disappointment. Sounds like you did an excellent job, dad....

Ok, I'm in tears.

That was really hard for me to read. I feel really bad, I wish I would have known earlier because I have 3 tickets for BG-UW and I can't go. I know that doesnt cover gas or food, but I still could have chipped in some extra $, also maybe you would have been able to sell the 3rd ticket to cover some of that... Life lesson of the day, don't take anything for granted!

What would it take for you and your family to make it to a game this year?

SaxyIrishTenor wrote:Ok, I'm in tears.

Right with you there Saxy. I love watching Noah at BGSU games and especially when he and the Freaklings get together.

What a great way to try to help him understand Dad.

Well this certainly didn't take long as one of my predictions for this season has come through.

As can be found in the seperate BG/UW Predictions thread below (currently @Aug 30th 3:40 pm).TEMPLE game is your day...ALL DAY




"and finally...
'87 will at some point write something that reminds me ( yet again) that it's not about the game as much as it is doing something with our son's"

redskins4ever wrote:What would it take for you and your family to make it to a game this year?

How about sell his Mustang to me?

It's a joke. Lighten up. You people are too serious around here.

I cried too...

It's amazing to me, while I don't post often, you read words from these people whom we may never meet, and those words form a bond in which you really feel like you know the person.

Karl, you are an amazing father. I don't think it's easy to be a parent, ever. But with the way our world is changing, I think it's even harder now.

Kudos to you...

Go BG!

Many thanks to all who have read and those who have responded with encouraging words. In the grand scheme of things, it shouldn't be that big of a deal, but with every day that passses, I am coming to realize just how fleeting his (and Catie's) childhood will be. I have not given up hope of getting us out there.

In the meantime, Noah is slowly coming around. Let me share a moment from last night's football practice ...

The boys were in a circle stretching and one of the assistants was having the boys yell out their favorite college football team after he yelled out their name. It was a steady stream of "Penn State ... Rutgers (a Dad works there) ... Princeton (another Dad works there) ... Notre Dame ..."

Then he turns and points at Noah, who is, as usual, wearing his bright orange #24 jersey from last year ... of course my son gives the loudest response "THE Bowling Green State University!" The coach stops and says, "Bowling Green?" Noah flips to the next stretch without missing a beat - "That's right, the Bowling Green Falcons!"

Again, thanks to all!