Merry Christmas, John. Great story. I will be 83 in January. Grateful for good health, but very aware of my unavoidable mortality. Age has a way of making one more thankful for a loving family, dear friends (although 3 of my best passed this year) and gifted writers like you. Thank you.
Big League Heart is the central theme of so much of your stuff, John. And it never gets old. Thank you for helping us all see the bright side of life. Day-in day-out you know what it’s all about. We readers are grateful. All the best to you and your family in the new year and beyond. The Beatles last line they ever sang together still resonates: the love you take is equal to the love you make. Thanks for your daily doses of truth and optimism. You make a real difference.
Heartwarming story about Paul and Sandi. A perfect, albeit tearful, read for Christmas morning.
I already had wet eyes after getting a text from my dad (86) saying that mom (85 and with Parkinson’s) doesn’t want to get in the car and travel to Salem today because of the wet weather. She has become very anxious about being in the car when there’s any chance of inclement weather, including a few sprinkles. I’ll make the 30 mile car ride to their house tomorrow morning to bring Christmas dinner and presents to them.
It’s ironic that Paul has been penning his obituary, as I’ve been talking to my parents about drafting the very same thing! It’s best to let them tell their story as opposed to me. It’s on our new year’s list of things to do, right after finding someone to come to my parent’s house to help my mom with some daily needs, and give dad some needed respite.
I detect a certain wistfulness, John, that often comes with age. I hope you realize that your words don't just 'disappear into the ether," as you claim. They remain in the effect you have on all of us who cherish your columns. You make us think. Your often change our perspectives. Truth is, you don't just write about sports. Sports is really the veneer of your stories about life. It's the entree into the meaning behind the tale.
Merry Christmas, John, and many merry more to you and yours. And Merry Christmas to Paul, and all like him whose courage is inspirational.
I had the same exact feelings about John’s words but you expressed it much better than I could have. John, your words stay with us in many ways. Thank you and HAPPY 2026!
John- At some age we all start to wonder about our legacy. What impact have we had on this crazy world. You just gave Paul a legacy moment....and you also gave one to John Canzano.
John, I don't think you ever do more to make me wish I had you and Paul as friends. Your human interest stories have always impressed me. Three years ago on September 30 I lost my best friend: a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Tom was a highly decorated veteran having earned a purple heart, two bronze stars with "V" for valor. He did this as a 24 yo lieutenant who sacrificed his own safety to save the lives of three young soldiers under his command. Tom was shot several times with one shot paralyzing him from the waist down. However, Tom never co planned, did not ask for or pity himself. He moved forward. He had a BA in English literature, but after his injury he also earned his MPA and worked as Chief of Prosthetics at the Portland VA Mrdical Center. Tom was a giver, a season ticket holder of Ducks football and a staunch member of the Grant's Pass Duck Club. Tom would also help any veteran any way he could even outside his VA work. He would take needy veterans into his guest house and help them get back on their feet. I loved and admired Tom for his charity, his sense of humor and for never seeing lifeas a negative despite his paralysis. I apologize for the rambling length of this comment, however, thisthe first opportunity I've had to honor my friend. It has been said that you are lucky enough to have good friends to equal the digits on one hand you are lucky. Tom fills all five digits for me.
In the "Small World" department, I graduated from the Oregon School of Journalism a year ahead of you, Paul. I bet we took some classes together and both felt the pressure from Dean Hulteng's reporting class when we had to interview a celeb (the dean playing roles), write a story and drop it into his desk basket before the end of class when he unceremoniously picked it up and left the room. Miss the deadline, no grade. Remember? AND, we performed everything on typewriters. Jeez. Talk about o-l-d. Like you, Paul, I jumped into the military upon graduation, followed by a newspaper career. I suspect our paths crossed several times, maybe through the ONPA. Shoot, I even find myself re-writing a few (precious few, mind you) of Canzano's sentences, too. I am saddened to learn of your illness. May the Lord bless you and continue to keep you in the palm of His hand. And thank you, John, for a human interest story that helps make Canzano, well, Canzano.
Maybe it's because I can better relate to Paul's situation. My wife has stage 4 breast cancer....it's in her lungs and brain. Life is precious and, at this stage in our lives, we know our time is short and we want to live life to its fullest.
My wife survived stage 4 lymphoma. Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline state. A simple thing like baking soda with water works wonders. The more alkaline you can make your body, the more cancer will melt away. Just a suggestion, but I encourage you to read up on it and look into alternative treatments.
Another great story. Thanks for telling us about Paul.
Regarding making something tangible. I go to a lot of live performances. Mostly music, but some theater. And while some art has permanence, e.g. sculpture, much of it is ethereal. It exists in the moment, leaving nothing tangible behind. But trust me, I've seen and heard things that are at least as permanent as the beating of my heart.
Some writing is art, of course. Much of it is not. What you do I would consider craft. Functional in nature, but like woodworking and other crafts, often merging beauty with function in a way that renders any distinction between art and craft meaningless.
How lucky I am to have very few health issues and a husband and circle of friends who share my life with me. I hope I will always find the positive side of this life I am given. The effort is worth it. Happy holidays, John, and thanks for continuing to show there's good in this world.
My daughter must be cutting onions in the kitchen.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
“They’ve been married 59 years. Three daughters, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.”
‘bout says it all, doesn’t it
Merry Christmas 🙏🏼
Thank you Greg.
My wife certainly is
Love this, Greg!
Merry Christmas, John. Great story. I will be 83 in January. Grateful for good health, but very aware of my unavoidable mortality. Age has a way of making one more thankful for a loving family, dear friends (although 3 of my best passed this year) and gifted writers like you. Thank you.
I’m catching up with at age 80. Living on borrowed time and I appreciate things a lot more than I used to.
Thank you for being here, Dennis.
Borrowed time is the best time there probably ever was
Merry Christmas to you...
Thanks John. Keep a deep investment in your girls…the cycle of life goes on way too fast!
Big League Heart is the central theme of so much of your stuff, John. And it never gets old. Thank you for helping us all see the bright side of life. Day-in day-out you know what it’s all about. We readers are grateful. All the best to you and your family in the new year and beyond. The Beatles last line they ever sang together still resonates: the love you take is equal to the love you make. Thanks for your daily doses of truth and optimism. You make a real difference.
He truly has his finger on the pulse
I think you meant eight GRANDchildren in the paragraph that starts with "His wife Sandi..."
Did you leave that little easter egg for Paul?
He didn't miss it.
I knew he would, immediately. Love that you left it in.
Heartwarming story about Paul and Sandi. A perfect, albeit tearful, read for Christmas morning.
I already had wet eyes after getting a text from my dad (86) saying that mom (85 and with Parkinson’s) doesn’t want to get in the car and travel to Salem today because of the wet weather. She has become very anxious about being in the car when there’s any chance of inclement weather, including a few sprinkles. I’ll make the 30 mile car ride to their house tomorrow morning to bring Christmas dinner and presents to them.
It’s ironic that Paul has been penning his obituary, as I’ve been talking to my parents about drafting the very same thing! It’s best to let them tell their story as opposed to me. It’s on our new year’s list of things to do, right after finding someone to come to my parent’s house to help my mom with some daily needs, and give dad some needed respite.
Merry Christmas to all🎄
Thank you for this Jen.
Blessings to you, dear Jen, for loving your parents so well.
Merry Christmas 🎄 you are a good daughter & I am sure your parents appreciate you ❤️
I detect a certain wistfulness, John, that often comes with age. I hope you realize that your words don't just 'disappear into the ether," as you claim. They remain in the effect you have on all of us who cherish your columns. You make us think. Your often change our perspectives. Truth is, you don't just write about sports. Sports is really the veneer of your stories about life. It's the entree into the meaning behind the tale.
Merry Christmas, John, and many merry more to you and yours. And Merry Christmas to Paul, and all like him whose courage is inspirational.
Thank you, Larry. Means so much to me that you are here.
I had the same exact feelings about John’s words but you expressed it much better than I could have. John, your words stay with us in many ways. Thank you and HAPPY 2026!
Beautifully put, Larry. Merry Christmas.
John. Thank you. Just thank you. The human interest stories you find and share with us are touching and appreciated.
Merry Christmas to you and your entire family.
Thank you. Merry Christmas.
John- At some age we all start to wonder about our legacy. What impact have we had on this crazy world. You just gave Paul a legacy moment....and you also gave one to John Canzano.
Merry Christmas
Well put, Skip. Thank you.
Can't thank you enough for this one, John. Best Christmas present I got this year!
Thanks Carl.
John, I don't think you ever do more to make me wish I had you and Paul as friends. Your human interest stories have always impressed me. Three years ago on September 30 I lost my best friend: a fellow Vietnam Veteran. Tom was a highly decorated veteran having earned a purple heart, two bronze stars with "V" for valor. He did this as a 24 yo lieutenant who sacrificed his own safety to save the lives of three young soldiers under his command. Tom was shot several times with one shot paralyzing him from the waist down. However, Tom never co planned, did not ask for or pity himself. He moved forward. He had a BA in English literature, but after his injury he also earned his MPA and worked as Chief of Prosthetics at the Portland VA Mrdical Center. Tom was a giver, a season ticket holder of Ducks football and a staunch member of the Grant's Pass Duck Club. Tom would also help any veteran any way he could even outside his VA work. He would take needy veterans into his guest house and help them get back on their feet. I loved and admired Tom for his charity, his sense of humor and for never seeing lifeas a negative despite his paralysis. I apologize for the rambling length of this comment, however, thisthe first opportunity I've had to honor my friend. It has been said that you are lucky enough to have good friends to equal the digits on one hand you are lucky. Tom fills all five digits for me.
Thank you for sharing this, Ray. It means so much to me.
In the "Small World" department, I graduated from the Oregon School of Journalism a year ahead of you, Paul. I bet we took some classes together and both felt the pressure from Dean Hulteng's reporting class when we had to interview a celeb (the dean playing roles), write a story and drop it into his desk basket before the end of class when he unceremoniously picked it up and left the room. Miss the deadline, no grade. Remember? AND, we performed everything on typewriters. Jeez. Talk about o-l-d. Like you, Paul, I jumped into the military upon graduation, followed by a newspaper career. I suspect our paths crossed several times, maybe through the ONPA. Shoot, I even find myself re-writing a few (precious few, mind you) of Canzano's sentences, too. I am saddened to learn of your illness. May the Lord bless you and continue to keep you in the palm of His hand. And thank you, John, for a human interest story that helps make Canzano, well, Canzano.
Thank you John for another heart warming yet sad story.
Thank you for this David. Means a lot. Love the memories.
This is your best story ever, John!!
Maybe it's because I can better relate to Paul's situation. My wife has stage 4 breast cancer....it's in her lungs and brain. Life is precious and, at this stage in our lives, we know our time is short and we want to live life to its fullest.
Merry Christmas to all!!
Man, I am sorry. Words are to small at this time. Hugs to both.
Thank you, Andrew!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
My wife survived stage 4 lymphoma. Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline state. A simple thing like baking soda with water works wonders. The more alkaline you can make your body, the more cancer will melt away. Just a suggestion, but I encourage you to read up on it and look into alternative treatments.
Merry Christmas, enjoy your time with your family and I pray for a full recovery!
Thank you! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, will definitely research.
Sorry to hear this, Mark. Life is, indeed, so precious. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Mark, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife. May your days be filled with love and blessings.
Another great story. Thanks for telling us about Paul.
Regarding making something tangible. I go to a lot of live performances. Mostly music, but some theater. And while some art has permanence, e.g. sculpture, much of it is ethereal. It exists in the moment, leaving nothing tangible behind. But trust me, I've seen and heard things that are at least as permanent as the beating of my heart.
Some writing is art, of course. Much of it is not. What you do I would consider craft. Functional in nature, but like woodworking and other crafts, often merging beauty with function in a way that renders any distinction between art and craft meaningless.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, sir. So profound. Appreciate you.
You gave my buddies a good Christmas laugh using ‘sir’ and ‘profound’ referencing me. But I appreciate it.
Let go and let God! ❤️🥹
Brilliant and touching. Very human story that puts a lot of things into perspective. One of several reasons I gift myself a subscription.
Thank you Bruce. Means a lot to me that you're here.
Merry Christmas to all of you here!
How lucky I am to have very few health issues and a husband and circle of friends who share my life with me. I hope I will always find the positive side of this life I am given. The effort is worth it. Happy holidays, John, and thanks for continuing to show there's good in this world.