outside of family for a moment "please help give thanks to MF" Please follow>>>

[mantaraydre]

Coaches,

We all know family is the greatest gift in the world. But i wanted to start a thread giving thanks to miniature football and what is has done for me.

We (The miniature football society) are blessed beyond comprehension. This hobby has afforded many of us to meet the greatest friends money can't buy.If it were not for MF many of us would just walk by each other and be classified as just another stranger. These tiny plastic figures have brought grown men together for a lifetime to come. Im thankful for the joy and excitement this hobby has given to me. This chat board is occupied so much it can be considered a second home. You guy's are my extended family. I feel alot closer to you coaches/friends than the people on my job who i see 8 hours per day.

Im thankful for all the miniature football items i was fortunate enough to acquire over the years. (If only i can put together some wins)

Some of our Miniature football family lost loves ones over the past couple years. norbert, Will travers, Corey, Geno and Flynt hendricks. The great Don Smith and his wife lisa lost there beloved horse, "BO". I just want you guy's to know i care, we care. Physically i won't be in your homes this holiday season , but if you take a closer look just beyond the candied yams, im the guy with the mantaray jersey on.

MANTARAY- DRE

EVERYONE PLEASE CONTINUE WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL THOUGHTS

Happy holidays, PASSING A PLATE TO>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[RavennaAl]

Amen Andre, I'd like to say that I'm thankful that no one has had me committed yet! :p

[Silverhorse 228]

I am thankful for my two best friends...Lynn Scmidt and Al Dunham

[wolverine]

a big ditto and shout out to all my friends out there..ya know who you are....

[mantaraydre]

3 Responses, Absolutely Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Mantaray- Dre

[artlax]

"Finding" my way back to EF through the excitement and interest of my son is definitely one of the best things that has happened to me in the past few years. Another fun experience that my son and I can share together. Making some new friends through joining the NYEFL like J-Dub, Lee (Doomsday), Air Jimenez, Johnny Thomas and Papa Bear. Guys that are good men to share a hobby afternoon with and good examples for my son. Putting to use some skills and tools that have been under utilized for too long. Posting and chatting with some of you here - like when I was busting chops with my live chat posts during the Cowboys-49ers internet broadcast - Reginald -amazing stuff.

All very much appreciated and looking forward tomuch, much more - getting into some tournaments, MFCA Convention,etc!!!

Thank you all and thank you Dre for starting this thread.

Artlax
aka - Bob
NYEFL - The Packers
Nick-Dad house league - www.leaguelineup.com/ndefl

[Reginald Rutledge]

for the zest of life! I give thanks for all of the MFers who have supported what I have done and will do in the future. I give thanks for all the many MFers who push the envelope in the game. I give thanks to all that give what I do a chance to live.

I give thanks to having that opportunity to meet new and interesting people who I in all likelihood, never have met. I give thanks to modern technology which allows me to show things to people who may never have gotten to see the things that I do.

I give thanks for being associated with the good people of the game.

Reg

Something I read the other day, thought you might enjoy:

***

Count our Blessings instead of our Crosses
Count our Gains instead of our Losses
Count our Joys instead of our Woes
Count our Friends instead of our Foes
Count our Smiles instead of our Tears
Count on Courage instead of our Fears
Count our Full Years instead of our Lean
Count our Kind Deeds instead of our Mean
Count our Health instead of our Wealth
and Count on God instead of Ourself

***

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

Best Regards,

Chris Franco

[Coach K-LO]

Happy Thanksgivings to one and all of the MF world!!

Andre,

Thank you for mentioning Bo. She may not have been a person, but she was definitely a member of my family. I've had the pleasure of being her dad for over twenty years, and my wife has owned her for 25 years. She was a constant joy in our lives, and in the life of our son D.C.

Laying her to rest on Oct. 5th was a sad day for my family. I was asked (by my wife) to eulogize her with this poem.

The Last Battle - Unknown author

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this--the last battle--can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
Don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so.
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close--we two--these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Two weeks prior to Bo's passing I lost a really good friend named Joe. I've known Joe for over 28 years. We met in 9th grade when we were both 15 and sporting peach fuzz on our faces. He was great friend when we were teens, and he grew up to be an even better man. After his funeral a great number of us (his friends old and new) went out to a sports bar to reminisce about Joe over dinner, and then toast our friend and brother over drinks. I can assure you that there wasn't a dry eye in our group.

Miniature Football is a microcosm of life. You're going to meet people. Some of whom will become like family and others you'll barely get to know. Over the years these relationships will produce some really great times, that will someday become fond memories to reminisce over. Miniature Football has suffered the loss of coaches, or their family members as the years have gone by.

Should we be giving thanks to Miniature Football? The answer is yes!!! Everytime a coach in this hobby is going through difficulty in their "REAL" life, the rest of the members of this community rally around that person with words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers, and the willingness to help out if necessary. These are good things in my book and truly something we all can be thankful for, on this day of giving thanks.

Peace,

Don Smith