OrangeBowlMagic
CEO
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2014
- Messages
- 21,432
Unfortunately, on Sunday morning, my old man passed away at the age of 79 years young. No word yet on whether the Lofton catch/no-catch is ultimately what did him in, but we're digging into it.
Seriously though, he was in declining health for a while, and didn't even watch the game on Saturday, as he was nearing the end of his life. But I wanted to post this here just as a reminder to think big picture, even for just a few seconds, and appreciate what you have, and what we have.
My dad was a MASSIVE Canes fan. He taught me everything I know about life, and ball (he coached me from the time I was 6 until I started HS football), and ensured that I was well versed in everything Miami Hurricanes football. We went to countless games together, he was a season-ticket holder for a long time at the Orange Bowl, and Hard Rock. As a matter of fact, my handle on here is 100% derived from him. There were many times we left the OB after an incredible comeback, or missed FG (or two, hello 2000 and 2002 vs FSU), and he'd just shrug and look at me and say "Orange Bowl Magic, baby". For probably 30 years, we spoke before, at halftime, and after every single game that we weren't together to attend or watch. It was a tradition. We had a pretty close relationship overall (I have 3 older brothers, so obviously I didn't get every ounce of his attention all the time), but what really solidified it was the love and support of this program. It was absolutely the thing that we both loved the most, and loved about each other the most. The bond this program and this sport brought us.
I didn't want to post this for sympathy or condolences, although I'm sure some of you will offer them, and I will VERY sincerely and humbly accept. But more importantly, I wanted to post this because we just lost a hard-fought football game, and some of us are moping around and kicking the dog and telling each other we're not that good, and we're gonna lose again, etc. And maybe that's true. But, just for a minute, please, do me a personal favor and take one minute of your life to think about everything that drew you to this program. The bonds you've created, with family, or friends, that are solidified by Miami Hurricanes Football. Maybe someone who introduced you to this roller coaster, a lifelong friend you've made simply because you and someone else support the Orange and Green, and some of the memories you've made with people over the years. Yes, we're in the middle of a very important and potentially historical season. But stop and think big picture for just a moment, think about and appreciate everything and everyone you've made your memories with over the years, and just appreciate how absolutely insane it that we all share the passion and love and emotional insanity that this team sometimes brings. If you do that, I couldn't think of anything more fitting to honor my pop, because that man LOVED his Miami Hurricanes. It'll be very emotional for me the rest of this season, knowing I'm there or I'm watching on TV, and he's not. But I'll always be indebted to him, because without him, I wouldn't be wrapped up with the rest of you lunatics on this board and the thousands of people I met and smiled at and gave high-fives too in South Bend this weekend, and over the last 30+ years. This is a family, and I owe him everything for bringing me into it.
Oh, and if you're lucky enough to have your mom or dad in your life, give them a call today. Even if it's for a minute. Don't text, call, and whether or not they have any clue about anything Miami football, just tell them you love them.
Rest easy, Bobby. And, as always, it's ALL About The U. Go Canes.
Seriously though, he was in declining health for a while, and didn't even watch the game on Saturday, as he was nearing the end of his life. But I wanted to post this here just as a reminder to think big picture, even for just a few seconds, and appreciate what you have, and what we have.
My dad was a MASSIVE Canes fan. He taught me everything I know about life, and ball (he coached me from the time I was 6 until I started HS football), and ensured that I was well versed in everything Miami Hurricanes football. We went to countless games together, he was a season-ticket holder for a long time at the Orange Bowl, and Hard Rock. As a matter of fact, my handle on here is 100% derived from him. There were many times we left the OB after an incredible comeback, or missed FG (or two, hello 2000 and 2002 vs FSU), and he'd just shrug and look at me and say "Orange Bowl Magic, baby". For probably 30 years, we spoke before, at halftime, and after every single game that we weren't together to attend or watch. It was a tradition. We had a pretty close relationship overall (I have 3 older brothers, so obviously I didn't get every ounce of his attention all the time), but what really solidified it was the love and support of this program. It was absolutely the thing that we both loved the most, and loved about each other the most. The bond this program and this sport brought us.
I didn't want to post this for sympathy or condolences, although I'm sure some of you will offer them, and I will VERY sincerely and humbly accept. But more importantly, I wanted to post this because we just lost a hard-fought football game, and some of us are moping around and kicking the dog and telling each other we're not that good, and we're gonna lose again, etc. And maybe that's true. But, just for a minute, please, do me a personal favor and take one minute of your life to think about everything that drew you to this program. The bonds you've created, with family, or friends, that are solidified by Miami Hurricanes Football. Maybe someone who introduced you to this roller coaster, a lifelong friend you've made simply because you and someone else support the Orange and Green, and some of the memories you've made with people over the years. Yes, we're in the middle of a very important and potentially historical season. But stop and think big picture for just a moment, think about and appreciate everything and everyone you've made your memories with over the years, and just appreciate how absolutely insane it that we all share the passion and love and emotional insanity that this team sometimes brings. If you do that, I couldn't think of anything more fitting to honor my pop, because that man LOVED his Miami Hurricanes. It'll be very emotional for me the rest of this season, knowing I'm there or I'm watching on TV, and he's not. But I'll always be indebted to him, because without him, I wouldn't be wrapped up with the rest of you lunatics on this board and the thousands of people I met and smiled at and gave high-fives too in South Bend this weekend, and over the last 30+ years. This is a family, and I owe him everything for bringing me into it.
Oh, and if you're lucky enough to have your mom or dad in your life, give them a call today. Even if it's for a minute. Don't text, call, and whether or not they have any clue about anything Miami football, just tell them you love them.
Rest easy, Bobby. And, as always, it's ALL About The U. Go Canes.
