Thanks for that...it reminds you to take stock of the moment. To appreciate the little things. Someday they won't be there. My mom died in 2001 of pancreatic cancer...she went so fast...I tried everything I could possibly do to spend the last bit of quality time with her...taking days off during November & December peak season at UPS to drive back & forth from Vancouver to Lincoln City, to help care for her...but it really bothered me that in the end I couldn't do a thing. My step father died in 2019...he slowwwly went, 3 strokes, dementia, then all the things that accompany it. through that and the passing of my younger sister, I learned to try and focus on positives and appreciate family more...because it can all so quickly change. Thanks again John.
What a sad but amazing story. My mom got dementia before she passed away. I was the only person in my family she still recognized. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike Riley and his family. God bless them!
That’s a beautiful story, John. My wife and I both lost our fathers to dementia. It’s heartbreaking to watch them slowly slip away. So cool to hear how Kate has found a way to keep her mom’s spirit alive. Thanks for sharing - we’ll be stopping for caramel corn next time through Corvallis.
Nicely done. It is in the shelter of others that we gather our wings. Tribute? Maybe. Triumph? Better said. Why? Because the value of family is regularly lost on the public and the humanity of public figures is constantly being barraged by (present company excepted) the pestilence of the media, paparazzi itching for the next great "gotcha". Riley has always exuded that nice guy persona and, not knowing him, I hope it be true. Most important is the value of family, of legacy, of belonging and partnership that has been regularly missing in today's "next byte". world.
Thank you John for writing this but also to Kate for telling a really hard story. Our life experiences happen so others may benefit as long as we're willing to share it. Dementia is a nasty disease that robs so much from its victim and those who love them. At the same time, it can be a great teacher. My wife is in her last days of a 13 year journey with this disease and she has taught me so much over that span of time. I've learned how to be a servant as she lost the ability to care for herself. I've learned I'm not as important as I thought I was and that it was ok if she got her limited memories mixed up. I've learned how to accept and appreciate encouragements from others and that's it ok for them to see my tears. I discovered that my little aches don't seem to matter much anymore nor does life's irritations. Most of all, I've learned to cherish every moment we have left together and to let her know every day how much she is loved. My heart goes out to the Riley family as there will be days of heartache and tears ahead but also an opportunity to focus on the things that really matter.
Beautiful, John. Life its ownself. We all relate in some way to situations like this, and it is inspiring to see how Kate and the family function, love and care. Also contributes to a better understanding of our own life circumstances and future. John, you are such a blessing with these stories. Thanks. Charlie
Wonderful story, John! Thank God that Dee has such an amazing support system that provides her with the love and nurturing she needs.
Thanks for this. True family.
Thanks, John, for constantly bringing us back to the humanity connected with sports. We sometimes miss that part..
Another windy eyes morning...
Appreciate you
And I you..
Thanks, John..
Thanks for that...it reminds you to take stock of the moment. To appreciate the little things. Someday they won't be there. My mom died in 2001 of pancreatic cancer...she went so fast...I tried everything I could possibly do to spend the last bit of quality time with her...taking days off during November & December peak season at UPS to drive back & forth from Vancouver to Lincoln City, to help care for her...but it really bothered me that in the end I couldn't do a thing. My step father died in 2019...he slowwwly went, 3 strokes, dementia, then all the things that accompany it. through that and the passing of my younger sister, I learned to try and focus on positives and appreciate family more...because it can all so quickly change. Thanks again John.
Truth. Thank you.
Thanks John, for again reminding us that there is so much more to people—famous or otherwise—than what we see up front. Grateful to you for this!
I really appreciate that Kate and Mike were able to talk about it. It helps others
Now this is why I subscribe. Love your storytelling. A look into the reality of anguish in the best of families.
Thank you
What a sad but amazing story. My mom got dementia before she passed away. I was the only person in my family she still recognized. My thoughts and prayers are with Mike Riley and his family. God bless them!
That’s so hard. Real life stuff.
A great story of a great family. Best wishes to Dee and Mike and all of that loving family…good job John.
Thanks for reading and the comment.
Canzano can start with sports and turn it right into life. Nobody does it better.
Thanks Michael
That’s a beautiful story, John. My wife and I both lost our fathers to dementia. It’s heartbreaking to watch them slowly slip away. So cool to hear how Kate has found a way to keep her mom’s spirit alive. Thanks for sharing - we’ll be stopping for caramel corn next time through Corvallis.
It’s very relatable stuff. I am glad they were so candid in speaking about it.
As someone who has gone through this over the last 10 years, this hit home! Bless you for this story!
Thanks Mike.
Fantastic story, John. The Riley’s are a special family.
Nicely done. It is in the shelter of others that we gather our wings. Tribute? Maybe. Triumph? Better said. Why? Because the value of family is regularly lost on the public and the humanity of public figures is constantly being barraged by (present company excepted) the pestilence of the media, paparazzi itching for the next great "gotcha". Riley has always exuded that nice guy persona and, not knowing him, I hope it be true. Most important is the value of family, of legacy, of belonging and partnership that has been regularly missing in today's "next byte". world.
Maybe your best column ever, John. Thanks for honoring Dee, Mike and their amazing family.
Thanks G. Appreciate this.
Thanks John for another great life article!
Appreciate you DJ
Thank you John for writing this but also to Kate for telling a really hard story. Our life experiences happen so others may benefit as long as we're willing to share it. Dementia is a nasty disease that robs so much from its victim and those who love them. At the same time, it can be a great teacher. My wife is in her last days of a 13 year journey with this disease and she has taught me so much over that span of time. I've learned how to be a servant as she lost the ability to care for herself. I've learned I'm not as important as I thought I was and that it was ok if she got her limited memories mixed up. I've learned how to accept and appreciate encouragements from others and that's it ok for them to see my tears. I discovered that my little aches don't seem to matter much anymore nor does life's irritations. Most of all, I've learned to cherish every moment we have left together and to let her know every day how much she is loved. My heart goes out to the Riley family as there will be days of heartache and tears ahead but also an opportunity to focus on the things that really matter.
Beautiful, John. Life its ownself. We all relate in some way to situations like this, and it is inspiring to see how Kate and the family function, love and care. Also contributes to a better understanding of our own life circumstances and future. John, you are such a blessing with these stories. Thanks. Charlie
Thanks Charles.