One of the things I love about my blog is how I can pour out and post up my ideas and feelings at a moment’s notice. No editors or censors and if others read it great; but the most important thing is to just get it written. So here we go.
So long #51. Bears legend Dick Butkus died in his sleep yesterday at the age of 80. This was a shock because he was just seen at the Bears home opener a couple weeks back. So many things can be said about Dick Butkus’ years in football and his post-football career as a TV star and beer pitchman. What most of us my age or older will remember is just how awesome and FEARED Dick Butkus was. Strong, smart, fierce and dedicated to stopping the other team’s offense from going anywhere. Back in Butkus’ day, there were no ‘sack dances’ or other on field showboating by the defense. It was hit em hard and move on to the next play. I even recall the time Dick Butkus caught a touchdown pass when he lined up as a tight end on a goal line play. Butkus was the best and a great template for all other linebackers to follow. So sorry such an icon is gone.
Like retired sportswriter Barry Rozner posted, Payton, Sayers and Butkus. Without those guys, there is no Bears Mt. Rushmore!
On the same day of Dick Butkus’ passing away, I learned of the death of a former high school classmate. Tim Grosser died this past Tuesday in a car accident down in Tennessee where he was living. He was a year older than me in school and we met as part of the York High School Yearbook Staff. Tim was one of our photographers and a very well-liked guy among his classmates. He had a sly sense of humor and nobody ever had a bad thing to say about Tim. I knew Tim’s family as my older sister dated his older brother Roger for a time. In the mid-70’s, the Grosser family bought the Candy Bar candy & notions store on Spring Road. Lord knows how many 3 Musketeer bars and wiffle balls I bought from that place! Mrs. Grosser ran the place and on the morning of my 8th grade graduation I came in to buy cigarettes for my mom who was waiting in the car out front. (This was our common practice) Anyway, I was in my graduation suit and Mrs. G knew it was grad day and told me to pick out whatever candy bar I wanted for free. Just a top notch family and I’m so sorry that Tim is no longer with us. The York class of 78 also just lost another alum, as Karen Reynolds Gomoll died after a battle with A.L.S. The class of 78 has a 45th year reunion happening next month and both Tim and Karen will be fondly remembered by many there.
THINKING OF THE YORK HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1978 AS THEY MOURN THE RECENT PASSING OF TWO CLASSMATES.
My dear friend Tom Hassler who I’ve known since I was 5 and he was 10 has brain cancer and is putting up a big fight. In the Spring, he had successful surgery and is doing both chemotherapy and radiation. Tom’s wife Linda updated me on the toll these treatments are taking on him but he soldliers on. Tom and his brother Pete who is just 3 months older than me were my first 2 best friends. We all still stay in touch often with other guys from the Swain & Mitchell neighborhood. Tom was my first and most influential sports playing and sports fan mentor and gave me my nickname of ‘Mick’ when I was very little. My daily and nightly prayers are with Tom and his family.
MY FRIEND FOR OVER 57 YEARS, TOM HASSLER SURROUNDED BY HIS BROTHER PETE AND PALS ERIC HARRISON, BILL SPICER AND SCOTT STAVRAKAS. THIS WAS AT THE RECENT WEDDING OF ONE OF TOM’S DAUGHTERS.
Among all this tough news to take, here’s a bright spot. Our school held its annual Parent-Teacher night this week. I met with parents and talked to them about their kids’ progress. One mom, after looking over her high schooler’s graded papers was thrilled over the work completion and spot on accuracy that was happening with her child. She cried happy tears, quickly grabbing a tissue from the table where we sat. THIS is why we do this teaching in Special Education. I’ve had other parents overcome with this same sweet emotion and it just confirms that I’m doing O.K. and in the right place.
Teaching kids with behavior and learning issues is not easy but it’s needed, I can do it and I love the challenge. In the song “Calling All Angels” by Train, they sing “I won’t give up if you don’t give up.” Well I don’t give up, even when our students have. There’s nothing more to say than that.
Next Blog- Looking back on some old places.