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

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