Two blogs in one day?! What? I know, I know, but I've got more to say that I've been forgetting to share with you. After spending a great day with Sonia on Friday during Chemo, I realized that we were talking non-stop and still hardly had enough time to catch up! I shared this story with her and she agreed that although it's a little late, it's never too late when you're bragging about your kids :)
At the end of November I didn't attend Johnny's football awards ceremony, for I was sicker than a dog that night and just wanted to stay home. Besides, he only played in two games thanks to his dislocated shoulder this season, and I felt that it would be okay to pass this time around. We expected the usual certificate of participation to hang on the wall with the others. John called on his way home to pick up something for dinner and mentioned that he got his certificate and that they'd be home soon. When they walked in the door, John had a grin on his face and said, "Okay, I lied. He got an award. THE award." I didn't understand what he meant at first until I saw it, it was the Nat Mandell Memorial Award.
Approximately ten years ago Nat Mandell was the quarterback for Mira Loma and an all around great guy. Apparently he was loved by many. Tragically, he was killed in a car accident shortly after graduation by a drunk driver. His parents were always involved in his football career and it didn't stop after the passing of Nat. Each year his father shows a video of Nat during the awards ceremony and then after much anticipation, hands over a beautiful award to the most deserving player of the year. A replicate award also stays at the school in their "hall of fame" to honor the player. Johnny was about as shocked to receive this award as we were, but then again, he's a great kid, on and off the field. After he got home and opened up the card that accompanied the award, it came with another shock. The card mentioned that not only did Johnny deserve great recognition for a job well done, but that Nat would always have his back from this point on. It also came with $300 inside :) For a teenager, it was like hitting the lotto!! Way to go Johnny, we're so proud of you. This award will always mean more than any other to us, just knowing that we have such an honorable son who is respectful on and off the field is all a parent can ask for.
Peace to you all ♥ Love, Genie
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We have done a great job raising our children. They are excatly who we would want them to be. I love you more everyday. Be strong my love, for we are in this together.
ReplyDeleteJOHNNY: I have NEVER been happier in my ENTIRE LIFE!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here Blubbering with tears of joy at YOUR recognition!!
Your young life and your family are a TRUE example of what living the GOOD life can turn into.
THANK YOU so much for being MY GRANDSON!!!
I LOVE YOU..
Granpa Charley
Congratulations Johnny! That is awesome! Genie and John, you have such lovely children,you are blessed and you should be so proud!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Mark (Genie):
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I happened upon your blog by chance (if there is any such thing in this world). We will hold you in our prayers on this 10th year without our son Nat. Sometimes I've known the recipient of the Nat award but more often it is like this year where Coach Wagner told me about John. I have given 7 football awards and 11 rugby awards and I have never known any of "my boys" who have not felt Nat with them, helping or in some instances saving them, at some point in their lives. I know Nat is with John and with you, as he is still with the thousands of people worldwide and here that he touched in his all too brief life. I hope you see his smile in one of your dreams in the days ahead where you are once again well and happy.
Please ask John to visit Mrs. Mandell in her room, if he would. She would like to meet him and congratulate him.
Again, our very best to you and yours.
Steve and Susanne Mandell