Jillian and Ryan are true inspirations of the human spirit! I can’t even imaging the parenting struggles you and Kerry had to overcome.
Brady and Pete...not the most athletic, not the fleetest of foot, not the strongest arms..but those intangibles that will never show up on a scouting report. Such relatable athletes to the average athlete.
I've never related well to the "Who's the GOAT" thing. Time has a way of shifting the sands of reality and memory. What is true today is often not true in years forward. I simply say "So-and-so was the best I ever saw." Doesn't matter to me whether the majority of people agree with me. Ya gotta call 'em as ya see 'em, both in sports and in life.
Environment and timing are factors, too. Some folks get all the breaks. Other toil quietly without fame or fortune. Both have greatness within. Only a few are given parades. I find myself attracted mostly to those who throughout their lives have "done their best" in anonymity. For me these are the real champions. They are the unsung heroes of life, the backbone of humanity that holds us together against forces of negativity and ego and evil. Tom Brady was once humble, but he grew into a uber wealthy glamour boy with a huge ego. It changed how I saw and see him. It took the shine off of his accomplishments. I like quiet heroes, quiet greatness. That has nothing to do with how many rings you wear or how many people adore you. Bright lights are nice, but they do not define true greatness. True greatness is most often found in the most ordinary of places and people.
One of my sisters was born with cerebral palsy, and she was also developmentally delayed. If you wanted to see her do something, just tell her she can’t. She graduated from high school, she got her own apartment, she got married to a young man who also had some physical and mental limitations. They eventually bought 2 houses. She also took multiple buses to and from work every single day. She worked at the Freestore which is so ironic. I never complain because she worked harder than I did every day just getting dressed. She unfortunately passed a few years ago, but she was and is my hero.
Wonderful song. Your essay weaves two stories quite well. No one will top Tom Brady. Having children I empathize with the part that when they fail or are tested is when they find out what they are made of. Some prove it early on on some continue through life!
Paul, Your wonderful column was another way of expressing the flip side of one of my favorite Kurt Vonnegut quotes. Yes, Brady is the ultimate GOAT but it’s “failing,” or at least trying, that ultimately makes humans most interesting. Many have probably read this before, but if not…:
When I was 15 I spent a month working on an archeological dig. I was talking to one of the archeologists one day during our lunch break and he asked those kinds of “getting to know you” questions you ask young people: Do you play sports? What’s your favorite subject? And I told him, no I don’t play any sports. I do theater, I’m in choir, I play the violin and piano, I used to take art classes. And he went WOW. That’s amazing! And I said, “Oh no, but I’m not any good at ANY of them.” And he said something then that I will never forget and which absolutely blew my mind because no one had ever said anything like it to me before: “I don’t think being good at things is the point of doing them. I think you’ve got all these wonderful experiences with different skills, and that all teaches you things and makes you an interesting person, no matter how well you do them.”
Doc, I can't imagine a better message than the one you shared today. Thanks for the simple reminder of a simple, yet great and true life lesson. Do the best you can and you are never a failure. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to have people who believe in you. Just trying to find my way....
Jillian the Magnificent was extremely fortunate to have you and your wife as parents because you did the best you could raising a daughter with Down’s and so you, your wife and Jillian should all be applauded 👍👍👍
What a nice tribute to Brady, Paul! I especially loved the column today when you got to Jillian, and I always get chills and tears when I read about her successes. You make an excellent point about letting our children fail so they can succeed. Also, nice not to read about the Bengals today. Time to put them on the shelf for a few months to re-charge the battery.
I rarely disagree with you, but, Tom Brady is an original like no other. Your daughter is an original like no other. Guy Clark singing " The Cape " is an original like no other. On that, as Dave Mason would say, BTW, Memorial Hall, on the 18th, " We Just Disagree ".
My finest memory of Tom Brady was watching him in PBS from the stands on October 6, 2013. The Bengals had another mediocre year. We just felt like we were there to watch a Hero, and he was impressive...but so was everyone else who played the Bengals then. As usual, the state of mind in that crowd was just be prepared for yet another loss.
But, this day was special. We had some help from Mother Nature, an Angel who must have been a Bengal's fan that day. After halftime, it began to rain. It was warm for an October day...and the day got darker as the third quarter was over, and fourth began. The Bengals were leading by a narrow margin, but we were prepared for the worst. And, suddenly, when the Patriots received the ball somewhere in the fourth quarter, the rain got heavier. In fact, it poured buckets, literally. we could hardly see the field and you could hear the roar of the crowd rise as the rain fell. Brady stopped playing for a minute or two as he held the ball in confusion. The field was soaked in a manner of minutes and the crowd began to roar. We could feel the game changing. If Brady couldn't pass, we might actually be able to hold the Patriots and win this game. He was truly befuddled. He tried to play...but had no chance against the weather. He continued to start and stop in total confusion on the field. As if maybe he could will the rain to stop. But, instead it came down harder and harder and time was passing as the Bengals hung on and protected the ball while in their possession through mud and muck. Brady was dumbfounded. Even he couldn't stand up to Mother Nature that day. Time ran out and the Bengal's won...Mother nature won. The crowd was soaking wet and the cheering went on long after the game was over, and the Bengals had won 13 to 6. People reached in the air as if to praise the rain. We took our coats off and soaked it all in. It was a day I will long remember. One of my finest as a Bengal's fan. I believe ESPN pretty much blew that game off the next day...as they always do when the Bengals win in an upset.
That was an awesome game. I seem to recall the rain varying to totally deluge Brady as opposed to easing up whenever the Bengal QB had the ball too. He was truly overcome by the elements to the level of stupefied and the crowd was rooting for the storm
Paul- I enjoy reading your daily postings, and as others have commented, the posts on everyday life and your family are my favorites.
Now , for Tom Brady. He was great so great he was nauseating. But Tom was not the only player on the field during his career. He was very fortunate to play for an owner who was willing to shell out the money to provide other exceptional players so Tom could do his magic.
Clark toured with Lyle Lovett, John Hyatt, and Joe Ealy ten or so years ago. It was called The Songwriters Tour. I went to see that show in 5 different cities in a 3 week period. Just 4 musicians sitting in chairs on stage and taking turns singing songs they wrote.
All four are/were great song writers. But, from the audience, you could SEE and FEEL the respect the others had for Guy Clark. They were intently listening to Guy’s words just as every other fan in the audience was. It was almost religious if that makes sense. Those unfamiliar, listen to his “Work Bench” album. For now, here’s a great song from 17 years ago. I’m sure you know this one, Irish BC. I haven’t been to Austin in several years but I always made time when I was there for the Texas Chili Bar and a mad dog margarita.
Very inspirational your family. I guess the truth is all of our kids have challenges some greater than others. I have 2 kids and where my son struggles my daughter finds it easy and where she struggles my son sees no issues. the Bible talks about each of us picking up his cross daily. If we are blessed we don't have to struggle alone.
I remember Michael Jordan retiring and really never have been that interested in the NBA since. I think Tom Brady retiring feels a little different than that. Perhaps because we have our own potential "Brady" here in Cincinnati named Joe. Let's hope making back to the AFC championship and more super bowl appearances are in his future.
I've told my daughters to do their best, if it's not a total success if you've given it your best shot you won't have regrets. Failure isn't coming up short when you've given your all, it's quitting when it gets tough, knowing it's coming short or not going the way you wanted.
You didn't set your daughter up to fail, you set the bar high and still she exceeded your expectations. That's a good thing
Jillian and Ryan are true inspirations of the human spirit! I can’t even imaging the parenting struggles you and Kerry had to overcome.
Brady and Pete...not the most athletic, not the fleetest of foot, not the strongest arms..but those intangibles that will never show up on a scouting report. Such relatable athletes to the average athlete.
I've never related well to the "Who's the GOAT" thing. Time has a way of shifting the sands of reality and memory. What is true today is often not true in years forward. I simply say "So-and-so was the best I ever saw." Doesn't matter to me whether the majority of people agree with me. Ya gotta call 'em as ya see 'em, both in sports and in life.
Environment and timing are factors, too. Some folks get all the breaks. Other toil quietly without fame or fortune. Both have greatness within. Only a few are given parades. I find myself attracted mostly to those who throughout their lives have "done their best" in anonymity. For me these are the real champions. They are the unsung heroes of life, the backbone of humanity that holds us together against forces of negativity and ego and evil. Tom Brady was once humble, but he grew into a uber wealthy glamour boy with a huge ego. It changed how I saw and see him. It took the shine off of his accomplishments. I like quiet heroes, quiet greatness. That has nothing to do with how many rings you wear or how many people adore you. Bright lights are nice, but they do not define true greatness. True greatness is most often found in the most ordinary of places and people.
Great TML.
One of my sisters was born with cerebral palsy, and she was also developmentally delayed. If you wanted to see her do something, just tell her she can’t. She graduated from high school, she got her own apartment, she got married to a young man who also had some physical and mental limitations. They eventually bought 2 houses. She also took multiple buses to and from work every single day. She worked at the Freestore which is so ironic. I never complain because she worked harder than I did every day just getting dressed. She unfortunately passed a few years ago, but she was and is my hero.
Wonderful song. Your essay weaves two stories quite well. No one will top Tom Brady. Having children I empathize with the part that when they fail or are tested is when they find out what they are made of. Some prove it early on on some continue through life!
Paul, Your wonderful column was another way of expressing the flip side of one of my favorite Kurt Vonnegut quotes. Yes, Brady is the ultimate GOAT but it’s “failing,” or at least trying, that ultimately makes humans most interesting. Many have probably read this before, but if not…:
When I was 15 I spent a month working on an archeological dig. I was talking to one of the archeologists one day during our lunch break and he asked those kinds of “getting to know you” questions you ask young people: Do you play sports? What’s your favorite subject? And I told him, no I don’t play any sports. I do theater, I’m in choir, I play the violin and piano, I used to take art classes. And he went WOW. That’s amazing! And I said, “Oh no, but I’m not any good at ANY of them.” And he said something then that I will never forget and which absolutely blew my mind because no one had ever said anything like it to me before: “I don’t think being good at things is the point of doing them. I think you’ve got all these wonderful experiences with different skills, and that all teaches you things and makes you an interesting person, no matter how well you do them.”
Doc, I can't imagine a better message than the one you shared today. Thanks for the simple reminder of a simple, yet great and true life lesson. Do the best you can and you are never a failure. Oh, and it doesn't hurt to have people who believe in you. Just trying to find my way....
Jillian the Magnificent was extremely fortunate to have you and your wife as parents because you did the best you could raising a daughter with Down’s and so you, your wife and Jillian should all be applauded 👍👍👍
What a nice tribute to Brady, Paul! I especially loved the column today when you got to Jillian, and I always get chills and tears when I read about her successes. You make an excellent point about letting our children fail so they can succeed. Also, nice not to read about the Bengals today. Time to put them on the shelf for a few months to re-charge the battery.
I rarely disagree with you, but, Tom Brady is an original like no other. Your daughter is an original like no other. Guy Clark singing " The Cape " is an original like no other. On that, as Dave Mason would say, BTW, Memorial Hall, on the 18th, " We Just Disagree ".
My finest memory of Tom Brady was watching him in PBS from the stands on October 6, 2013. The Bengals had another mediocre year. We just felt like we were there to watch a Hero, and he was impressive...but so was everyone else who played the Bengals then. As usual, the state of mind in that crowd was just be prepared for yet another loss.
But, this day was special. We had some help from Mother Nature, an Angel who must have been a Bengal's fan that day. After halftime, it began to rain. It was warm for an October day...and the day got darker as the third quarter was over, and fourth began. The Bengals were leading by a narrow margin, but we were prepared for the worst. And, suddenly, when the Patriots received the ball somewhere in the fourth quarter, the rain got heavier. In fact, it poured buckets, literally. we could hardly see the field and you could hear the roar of the crowd rise as the rain fell. Brady stopped playing for a minute or two as he held the ball in confusion. The field was soaked in a manner of minutes and the crowd began to roar. We could feel the game changing. If Brady couldn't pass, we might actually be able to hold the Patriots and win this game. He was truly befuddled. He tried to play...but had no chance against the weather. He continued to start and stop in total confusion on the field. As if maybe he could will the rain to stop. But, instead it came down harder and harder and time was passing as the Bengals hung on and protected the ball while in their possession through mud and muck. Brady was dumbfounded. Even he couldn't stand up to Mother Nature that day. Time ran out and the Bengal's won...Mother nature won. The crowd was soaking wet and the cheering went on long after the game was over, and the Bengals had won 13 to 6. People reached in the air as if to praise the rain. We took our coats off and soaked it all in. It was a day I will long remember. One of my finest as a Bengal's fan. I believe ESPN pretty much blew that game off the next day...as they always do when the Bengals win in an upset.
That was an awesome game. I seem to recall the rain varying to totally deluge Brady as opposed to easing up whenever the Bengal QB had the ball too. He was truly overcome by the elements to the level of stupefied and the crowd was rooting for the storm
Yes! That was it, the day the Jungle Roared in 2013.
Paul- I enjoy reading your daily postings, and as others have commented, the posts on everyday life and your family are my favorites.
Now , for Tom Brady. He was great so great he was nauseating. But Tom was not the only player on the field during his career. He was very fortunate to play for an owner who was willing to shell out the money to provide other exceptional players so Tom could do his magic.
Thanks, Dee N.
Excellent column today. Your writings about your kids are always my favorites. Great song, never heard it before!
I just think that estimable should be capitalized. Ryan's formal name has been the Estimable Ryan Mavriplis for some time now. 😊
Guy Clark is way underrated.
Nice job today. Always easy to write about the people you love.
Clark toured with Lyle Lovett, John Hyatt, and Joe Ealy ten or so years ago. It was called The Songwriters Tour. I went to see that show in 5 different cities in a 3 week period. Just 4 musicians sitting in chairs on stage and taking turns singing songs they wrote.
All four are/were great song writers. But, from the audience, you could SEE and FEEL the respect the others had for Guy Clark. They were intently listening to Guy’s words just as every other fan in the audience was. It was almost religious if that makes sense. Those unfamiliar, listen to his “Work Bench” album. For now, here’s a great song from 17 years ago. I’m sure you know this one, Irish BC. I haven’t been to Austin in several years but I always made time when I was there for the Texas Chili Bar and a mad dog margarita.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXCCvBzZxmE
Very inspirational your family. I guess the truth is all of our kids have challenges some greater than others. I have 2 kids and where my son struggles my daughter finds it easy and where she struggles my son sees no issues. the Bible talks about each of us picking up his cross daily. If we are blessed we don't have to struggle alone.
I remember Michael Jordan retiring and really never have been that interested in the NBA since. I think Tom Brady retiring feels a little different than that. Perhaps because we have our own potential "Brady" here in Cincinnati named Joe. Let's hope making back to the AFC championship and more super bowl appearances are in his future.
I've told my daughters to do their best, if it's not a total success if you've given it your best shot you won't have regrets. Failure isn't coming up short when you've given your all, it's quitting when it gets tough, knowing it's coming short or not going the way you wanted.
You didn't set your daughter up to fail, you set the bar high and still she exceeded your expectations. That's a good thing
You posted Truth.