Refreshing! If you read my blogs you know that I’m more a fan of the game than a player ‘fanatic’. After all of these years I’ve come to see players as the kids (although well paid and talented in their profession) they really are. They are so much like the rest of us were at that age that I catch myself laughing at their antics and insecurities-reminders of my own early twenties!
A lot of folks come up to me and let me know how lucky I am to be able to be around the players and rub shoulders with them, almost as if some magic aura surrounds ‘the players’ and it rubs off with proximity. For the record, the only thing that rubs off is perspiration and its own unique ‘magic’. That’s one of the reasons I still love this game so much, even at the professional, corporate level of the NHL. No matter how showbiz and contrived the circus around hockey can become, the kids are still just good kids.
So, when I say it was my privilege to spend much of last Saturday with Bryan and Andree (Gilbert) Toews, I don’t want you to think that its because they’re the parents of the young man who will probably be the best all around player I’ve ever known. I want you to know that it’s because they’re folks who make me feel good! This isn’t because of their parenting skills (the proof of which is in their kids), or their dedication to the game (ditto). It isn’t even because Andree compliments my art with such enthusiasm (and that’s usually all it takes for me). The reason I felt privileged was their attitude and smiles. If you ever get to meet Jonathan’s folks, you’ll probably discover two things. First, you’ll find yourself smiling a lot, even if you’re having a ‘not-so-great’ day-as I was. They’re genuine and warm, and you feel happy that THEY are happy! Second, you’ll catch yourself being mesmerized by Andree’s expressions. Her face is the canvas for her heart and every emotion seems to be reflected in it!
My wife and I spent our time with these proud folks watching their son practice his skills after achieving yet another unique milestone-a natural hat trick-but we didn’t even notice when practice had ended. In fact, we didn’t even talk much about hockey. We talked about universal healthcare, politics, art, the economy-even Tazer’s youth!
Maybe the best compliment you can pay the parents of a star athlete is that it’s a privilege to spend the day with them, despite who their son is!
…..and that’s the rest of the story-
in memoriam to Paul Harvey
Go Hawks!!!
tib
