Damn You, Jimmy V!

I've got college hoops on TV tonight in the background while I'm doing some paperwork. Then the Jimmy V speech comes on. I begin to watch. At first, I'm thinking these cynical thoughts about players like Chris Washburn. Then, within a minute, I'm tearing up like a little girl until Dickie V and Coach K walk him off stage. Bastard.

 

Yup. No matter how many times I watch it or how much of it I know by heart, I can't change the channel when he's on.

In fact, about half an hour ago, I was digging up Dave Kindred's "trees will tap dance" column to quote on our board.

 

Possibly the greatest speech in the History of Sport.

His and Gehrig are 1, 1A.

 

I still remember the mood around campus when it was announced that he died. Somber, somber time.

 

And I have to admit ... Dickie V's story about the little girl who had knee pain - which was later found to be cancer - gave me a lump in my throat. Dick Vitale can be a pretty good speaker.

 

When he's not yelling.

 

A damn amazing speech. I don't cry ever, and I get a little teary-eyed at that one.

My father passed away from cancer four months ago, and I just found out today that my uncle was diagnosed with colon cancer (thankfully, it hasn't spread anywhere yet). If I wasn't completely dog-ass broke right now, I'd give money to the cause in a heartbeat.

 

My favorite part is "your family, your religion, and the Green Bay Packers".

 

I've been fortunate to have a pretty healthy family history ... except for cancer. Took three of my grandparents and an uncle at the age of 31 ... which is my wife's age and the age I turn in a month.

 

Get checked. Don't be afraid.