Once again, John your able to bring out the things that are really important to all us. We must never forget to give back to those who aren't as fortunate as we are. I relate first hand to your email Sunday. I was raised in an Orphanage. My brother and I didn't know what it was like to have grandparents or a Mom and Dad. Our 1 week 🏕 ⛺️ camping trips each summer ☀️ was the highlight for both of us. Our very first football game was to see the Colorado Buffaloes, in Boulder Colorado. They the Buffaloes had big brother day for us Orphan kids. The lesson we learned was to give back to those who are less fortunate then yourself. The catholic nuns taught us well, in that regards. We both took that lesson learned and continued to move it forward. Thank you 😊 once again.
C'mon John. Don't you DARE apologize for writing a column like this one. It's what makes you the writer you are, and I'm guessing it's why many (most?) of us subscribe.
I truly enjoyed reading that article and I am happy to see that camp succeed. It's a great reminder of the true value college athletes bring to their respective community's! I applaud this one John. I'm tired of reading about NIL and big P5 Football greed! I doubt I'm alone.
Additionally, I want to express my deep thanks to whoever provided the gift subscription that I receive. I'm 77, on Social Security and could not afford the luxury of your column without the gift. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thanks for this article, John. It made my day! I’m saddened and cynical about the state of college football, especially the “big schools”. It behooves all of us to support the Vikings this fall! What a terrific group of athletes! Their smallest crowds are their home games. It remains a travesty they don’t play at Providence Park.
Thanks so much for this column, John. This is some of the sweetest parts of life. That father chased after by PSU player praising his kid is a slice of heaven to all parties. May I give a follow on plug to one of my favorite PNW charities? It’s called ‘Camp Primetime’ and located on Hwy 12 Washington State near Lake Rimrock. Every summer since 1986 this camp hosts severely disabled/terminally ill children and their families to come to serene setting and experience ‘camp’, let their hair down for a few days and get loved on by volunteers across our region. A kid w/ stage 3 cancer with a huge grin across the face because they just landed their very first trout? Yeah, its the very best check I write every year.
This is a big part of why I read you John. And you're correct about relationships. It is what makes life so sweet. You continue to amaze and inspire me, keep up the great work.
My 15 year old Grandson, Caleb doesn’t talk, wears diapers and can’t do anything “normal”. He has been in track meets and tricycle races and to his “Special” high school prom this year. The people that produce and provide thes opportunities are the SPECIAL ones. John, you and Anna are in that group.
I get it John. Once in a while, we are asked to indulge our humanity rather than just seek entertainment. I am good with that. I know it is a big part of who you are.
Over my long and checkered career, I have read a lot of writing; newspaper, magazine, books (the last ten years mostly nonfiction) and as a result admire a number of writers and consider them among my "folk heroes". The thing that you share with them, John, is the ability to write well, and touch your reader, regardless of the subject of any particular piece. Of those I admire, most are great essay writers even if their recognition be for some other format; novel, biography, etc. Three that come immediately to my mind are Joan Didion, John McPhee, and of course my life long guy Hemingway. You have been blessed with this gift John, polished by your years of writing and the very good person you project to be; and we are blessed to read your thoughts in such a friendly format on such a regular basis. Play on, Charlie
John, please keep bringing great human stories like this one. Life isn’t all about the sports on the field.
Thanks G
Once again, John your able to bring out the things that are really important to all us. We must never forget to give back to those who aren't as fortunate as we are. I relate first hand to your email Sunday. I was raised in an Orphanage. My brother and I didn't know what it was like to have grandparents or a Mom and Dad. Our 1 week 🏕 ⛺️ camping trips each summer ☀️ was the highlight for both of us. Our very first football game was to see the Colorado Buffaloes, in Boulder Colorado. They the Buffaloes had big brother day for us Orphan kids. The lesson we learned was to give back to those who are less fortunate then yourself. The catholic nuns taught us well, in that regards. We both took that lesson learned and continued to move it forward. Thank you 😊 once again.
👏👏
Well played, Al. Charlie
Thank you, Charlie
C'mon John. Don't you DARE apologize for writing a column like this one. It's what makes you the writer you are, and I'm guessing it's why many (most?) of us subscribe.
It certainly is why I do. Thanks.
Thanks Michael.
RIGHT ON!! Michael!!
And
WRITE ON!!! Keep bringing these stories and sharing about the camp JC!!!
Thanks Kent
Well played, Michael, Charlie
I truly enjoyed reading that article and I am happy to see that camp succeed. It's a great reminder of the true value college athletes bring to their respective community's! I applaud this one John. I'm tired of reading about NIL and big P5 Football greed! I doubt I'm alone.
Thanks,
Joe
Thanks Joe
“It’s a relationship camp.”
LIFE. PURE AND SIMPLE.
Amen.
PS: I see Brooks Griffin!
Additionally, I want to express my deep thanks to whoever provided the gift subscription that I receive. I'm 77, on Social Security and could not afford the luxury of your column without the gift. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for being here Suzanne.
Thanks for this article, John. It made my day! I’m saddened and cynical about the state of college football, especially the “big schools”. It behooves all of us to support the Vikings this fall! What a terrific group of athletes! Their smallest crowds are their home games. It remains a travesty they don’t play at Providence Park.
Agree on home field
Thanks so much for this column, John. This is some of the sweetest parts of life. That father chased after by PSU player praising his kid is a slice of heaven to all parties. May I give a follow on plug to one of my favorite PNW charities? It’s called ‘Camp Primetime’ and located on Hwy 12 Washington State near Lake Rimrock. Every summer since 1986 this camp hosts severely disabled/terminally ill children and their families to come to serene setting and experience ‘camp’, let their hair down for a few days and get loved on by volunteers across our region. A kid w/ stage 3 cancer with a huge grin across the face because they just landed their very first trout? Yeah, its the very best check I write every year.
https://campprimetime.org/about-us/
Thanks for this
This is a big part of why I read you John. And you're correct about relationships. It is what makes life so sweet. You continue to amaze and inspire me, keep up the great work.
Thank you Chris
Love these types of articles you write John, literally brings tears to my eyes!!
Thanks Matt
My 15 year old Grandson, Caleb doesn’t talk, wears diapers and can’t do anything “normal”. He has been in track meets and tricycle races and to his “Special” high school prom this year. The people that produce and provide thes opportunities are the SPECIAL ones. John, you and Anna are in that group.
Thanks D
Oh boy, if I ever needed to read one of your "feel good" columns, this morning is it!
Thanks for this John!
Felt like the right time
Yes, I subscribe because of your sports stories but I also love your life stories. Keep up the great work, please.
Thanks Tom
John, such a wonderful article. This what football and more importantly life is all about. People caring about and helping others.
Good bless the PSU football players and coaching staff to take the time to help these young people.
Appreciate this David
I get it John. Once in a while, we are asked to indulge our humanity rather than just seek entertainment. I am good with that. I know it is a big part of who you are.
Maybe I needed this one today…
John, you found the sweet spot with this one. What a wonderful read, and start for the week. Thanks, you just keep blowing us away. Charlie
Thanks Charlie.
Over my long and checkered career, I have read a lot of writing; newspaper, magazine, books (the last ten years mostly nonfiction) and as a result admire a number of writers and consider them among my "folk heroes". The thing that you share with them, John, is the ability to write well, and touch your reader, regardless of the subject of any particular piece. Of those I admire, most are great essay writers even if their recognition be for some other format; novel, biography, etc. Three that come immediately to my mind are Joan Didion, John McPhee, and of course my life long guy Hemingway. You have been blessed with this gift John, polished by your years of writing and the very good person you project to be; and we are blessed to read your thoughts in such a friendly format on such a regular basis. Play on, Charlie
Well said Charlie!!