Reflection
When I read the opening quote, I thought about my life with our special guy, Jordan.
Living with the Jord-Man has made me a better person and, in turn, a better husband, dad, grandad, and leader.
A few personal attributes he’s helped me develop:
- Never take myself and the world too seriously.
- Never get too high or too low.
- Always fight for those in need.
- Be grateful for my abilities and use those abilities to make the world better.
- Be Happy
- Dozens more…
What can be learned from someone who can’t talk and care for himself is amazing.
The Game
This past Saturday, Lori, Jordan, and I trekked south to watch our beloved Bengals play the Minnesota Vikings. The Bengals had a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to win the game, 27 to 24 in overtime.
I’ve attended hundreds of Bengals games over the years, and Saturday’s game ranks as the absolute best because there was a game within the game that made this Bengal victory extra special.
The Game That Matters
Go to www.thecincyhat.com and help out.
On this particular day, the Bengals highlighted their center, Ted Karras, and his work through his “Cincy Hat” project (https://thecincyhat.com). All profits from “The Cincy Hat” benefit The Village of Merici, which provides residential and community opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.
Karras is the Bengals nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year for helping The Village of Merici.
Our oldest son, Jason, gave me a Cincy Hat for Christmas last year, and since then, I’ve added a few more Cincy Hats to my wardrobe.
I always wear one of my Cincy Hats to the Bengals games. It’s not only good-looking, but the cause behind it makes it extra unique.
We arrive at the game at least an hour and a half ahead of time to eat lunch. Saturday was the same, except our lunch location for this game was just outside a couple of suites the Bengals had secured for Ted Karras’ family and residents from the Village of Merici.
Within minutes, a program director for Merici spotted my hat, came over with one of the Village’s residents, gave me a high five, and thanked me for supporting the Village of Merici through the hat purchase. What made the moment more special was when she realized Jordan would qualify for their services- someone to whom her life work was devoted.
We enjoyed conversation, shared hugs, and took pictures to capture the moment.
The story gets better.
Our stadium seats were in front of the Karras/Cincy Hat suites.
Karras’s family immediately recognized Jordan as a special needs person; before you know it, Ted’s mom gave Jordan an NFL “Man of the Year” shirt and a knit “Cincy Hat.” In that moment, all of our hearts radiated joy to the world.
Jord proudly sporting his shirt from the Karras family while wondering if we have a chance after being down 17-3 heading into the fourth quarter.
Several times during the game, we were celebrating with the Karras clan and the residents of The Village of Merici.
We were bound by a couple of common causes–the Bengals and people with disabilities.
The second cause is the most important.
I don’t know if I would have said that thirty-eight years ago.
There is the game of life, and there is the game within the game of life.
I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do…and that work is done in the game within the game of life.
Thanks for doing work that matters, Ted Karras!
Who Dey!
Please give Ted your support as the NFL Man of the Year by clicking here and voting for him. https://www.nfl.com/honors/man-of-the-year/
Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
My collection. The knit one in the front is the one the Karras family gave Jordan.
