In July my wife of 52.5 years lost her duel with a rare brain disorder. I know they’re a lot of good hearted people out there. I struggle every day, with the loss of my Pam. It’s hard to smile where it used to be normal and often. Stories like this one of yours made me smile today.
Wonderful story and nice to see that a Blazer who played only 3 years in Portland making an impact back then while we read your follow-up on Victoria. Even though these athletes are often transitory to our city and state they can make an incredible mark on both our community and individuals that lasts well beyond when they have to leave. As I watched Dame play last night scoring 39 in the Bucks uniform I was happy for him but also so glad we had him in our state for so many years as he gave so much to us both as a star but as a role model in our community. Your story does something beyond hearing of Victoria's recovery but also tells us where the Ratcliffes are now. Not only did that make an impact on Victoria's life but they raised 6 children who are "healthy, happy, & successful". I am sure being so generous back 17 years ago has a lot to do with their family success. Thanks for sharing this.
John, what you and Anna did during that time for my family and I will never be forgotten either. The kindness that so many strangers showed us during a really tough time was amazing, and definitely changed my view of the world!
Always love when you swerve away from hardcore sports to human interest stories like this. While I enjoy your coverage of Oregon sports, I trust you when you take your subscribers in another direction. My old newspaper editors always stressed to me: Good stories are people-oriented stories. Put a realistic face on it to make your story memorable.
Hey John....such a lovely piece, thank you...I've been blessed with 6 kids and 3 grandchildren...No greater gift in this world than being a parent...You touched my heart with your 'Victoria Update'...ever so special...Ironically, I have a 25 year old daughter that is also a nurse, she finished at the University of Portland Nursing program...humbling to watch her grow and mature in a job that always, always, always gives back...She is now here at St. Charles, working in maternity...'What greater gift have we', you know? thank you for reminding us about the true value of giving back...
John, thank you for reporting on the human side sports. As Paul Harvey would say, “and now the rest of the story.” Please keep reporting as you are doing now. It’s good to know this story ended in a good way.
John, you're pulling at my heart strings again. Can't you just stick to predicting football scores and covering the Pac-2 realignment chaos. All kidding aside, another incredibly well-written piece that puts perspective on a lot of things in life.
These stories are what makes you a terrific writer and human. When I first glanced at this piece, I was just thinking about not reading it. After I started, I got it and read it all. I was familiar with Ratliff as he played for the Hawks. Thanks again for sharing this.
John, what you and Anna did during that time for my family and I will never be forgotten either. The kindness that so many strangers showed us during a really tough time was amazing, and definitely changed my view of the world!
Dang it John, you did it again! I wait impatiently each day to get your latest article, hoping to hear new information on the Pac 2 and their progress against the evil 10. Then I read the first few sentences and am disappointed because it's one of "these" articles.
However, I've learned to read through them no matter what to find the message you're sending us. Once again, I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, so happy to get to know this young lady, her struggles and her triumphs. And also the good that does still exist in this world. Thank you for bringing "life" to our lives in your articles. I think your articles like this make us all better human beings!!
In July my wife of 52.5 years lost her duel with a rare brain disorder. I know they’re a lot of good hearted people out there. I struggle every day, with the loss of my Pam. It’s hard to smile where it used to be normal and often. Stories like this one of yours made me smile today.
Thank you John
Thank you Gerry. I appreciate you and thanks for sharing this. 52.5 years... wow. That is amazing.
Sorry to hear of your loss Gerry. Thanks for sharing heartfelt comments with us!!
You are a good man John. Turns out there are a lot of good people out there. Thank you for this great story.
I can't believe she's 24. Amazing.
Wonderful story and nice to see that a Blazer who played only 3 years in Portland making an impact back then while we read your follow-up on Victoria. Even though these athletes are often transitory to our city and state they can make an incredible mark on both our community and individuals that lasts well beyond when they have to leave. As I watched Dame play last night scoring 39 in the Bucks uniform I was happy for him but also so glad we had him in our state for so many years as he gave so much to us both as a star but as a role model in our community. Your story does something beyond hearing of Victoria's recovery but also tells us where the Ratcliffes are now. Not only did that make an impact on Victoria's life but they raised 6 children who are "healthy, happy, & successful". I am sure being so generous back 17 years ago has a lot to do with their family success. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you Edward.
John, what you and Anna did during that time for my family and I will never be forgotten either. The kindness that so many strangers showed us during a really tough time was amazing, and definitely changed my view of the world!
A grateful dad
Always love when you swerve away from hardcore sports to human interest stories like this. While I enjoy your coverage of Oregon sports, I trust you when you take your subscribers in another direction. My old newspaper editors always stressed to me: Good stories are people-oriented stories. Put a realistic face on it to make your story memorable.
You do a great job in pulling the heart strings.
Thanks Steven. Appreciate you affirming this.
Hey John....such a lovely piece, thank you...I've been blessed with 6 kids and 3 grandchildren...No greater gift in this world than being a parent...You touched my heart with your 'Victoria Update'...ever so special...Ironically, I have a 25 year old daughter that is also a nurse, she finished at the University of Portland Nursing program...humbling to watch her grow and mature in a job that always, always, always gives back...She is now here at St. Charles, working in maternity...'What greater gift have we', you know? thank you for reminding us about the true value of giving back...
Dan in Bend
thanks Dan.
John, thank you for reporting on the human side sports. As Paul Harvey would say, “and now the rest of the story.” Please keep reporting as you are doing now. It’s good to know this story ended in a good way.
These are stories the world needs to hear. Proof there is still a lot of good, kind hearted people out there in the world.
Thank you Don.
John, you're pulling at my heart strings again. Can't you just stick to predicting football scores and covering the Pac-2 realignment chaos. All kidding aside, another incredibly well-written piece that puts perspective on a lot of things in life.
Ha. Thank you Kurt.
The village performed for Victoria with the help of you and Anna. Well done John.
These stories are what makes you a terrific writer and human. When I first glanced at this piece, I was just thinking about not reading it. After I started, I got it and read it all. I was familiar with Ratliff as he played for the Hawks. Thanks again for sharing this.
“My readers put their arms around her.”
We did this because of you John.
🙏
Dammit Canzano! I don’t read your column to cry but when I do I love it. You have a gift. Please keep giving. Thanks.
Thanks John, we all needed such a lovely story during the current shtshow of a world
Thanks. Appreciate that you're here for it.
John, what you and Anna did during that time for my family and I will never be forgotten either. The kindness that so many strangers showed us during a really tough time was amazing, and definitely changed my view of the world!
A grateful dad
Thank you.
Dang it John, you did it again! I wait impatiently each day to get your latest article, hoping to hear new information on the Pac 2 and their progress against the evil 10. Then I read the first few sentences and am disappointed because it's one of "these" articles.
However, I've learned to read through them no matter what to find the message you're sending us. Once again, I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes, so happy to get to know this young lady, her struggles and her triumphs. And also the good that does still exist in this world. Thank you for bringing "life" to our lives in your articles. I think your articles like this make us all better human beings!!