The biggest reason why I feel the man should show up is for his kids. Terrell has a right to deny fans and fellow hall of famers the privilege of his presence at the ceremony. But to deny one's kids the honor of seeing their father's accomplishments highlighted on a stage witnessed the world over is simply selfish. It could also be one of the biggest regrets he'll never be able to forgive himself for.
Father's are busting their butts trying to give their kids the things they themselves might not have had as kids; things like good meals, safe and loving homes, education, protection, fatherly advice, family, respect. Those father's, just by giving their kids opportunities, are Hall of Famers' in their own right. Then you see the so-called superstar athlete who might've undeniably struggled to make it to the top but nonetheless has climbed a mountain few are destined to conquer. What makes his accomplishment so special is not just his talent to climb but also the treacherous challenge the mountain presented. You would like to believe that what drove his relentless climb was his love for family and the opportunity to challenge himself to do something great.
Now everybody who witnessed his outstanding athletic feats wants to share in honoring him and he turns down their invitation. Forget the fans, does he not realize that he's turning down another chance to provide opportunity to his kids? The opportunity to see with their own eyes and hear with their own ears the love, honor and respect their father earned outright. An honor their father earned not just within a small community but on a worldwide stage. An honor reserved for those who seem to be a notch above what we call good and excellent. A notch reserved for those labeled super, extraordinary, all-star, the greatest.
But hey, kids are known to be resilient and get over the many hardships and realities that life coldly brings to their young lives. I'm sure the kids of a superstar athlete have seen and heard much about their all-star parent that makes them proud to be of the same flesh and blood. Maybe they think, as all kids do, that their super dad is capable of doing anything. Anything that is except maybe being a humble dad. They'll never miss watching their father tear up and humble himself at a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony because you can't really miss what you never got. Isn't that what the underprivileged kids say about their absent parents and unloved homes? Maybe by now they're actually immune to parental disappointments like many of us were as youngsters. Hey, nobody has perfect parents right?
Some decisions we make in life are made not because of how we feel but because of how it'll make those we love feel. Here we have a great athlete who is chosen to represent the best that ever played the game. Not everyone liked him and he didn't always say and do things acceptable to the status quo. But not one person denies that he was a great talent and is deserving of Hall of Fame honors. To be the child of such a great athlete and have the opportunity to see and hear other greats lift him onto their shoulders in praise of all he's accomplished is the vision the word Pride exemplifies. It would be a shame to see a child or children miss out on receiving such a gratifying gift that only a heroic father can give. A priceless gift that'll keep on giving for generations, long after father is laid to rest.
Goals: Strong Mind, Big Heart
Should any of T.O's kids read this blog post, know that your father is an NFL Hall of Famer, which means he was one of the greatest that ever played the game of professional football. And let nobody tell you anything different.
