Happy Father’s Day to all of you who have been blessed with the privilege and the challenge. There is no way to express specifically what it means to raise kids, unless you have experienced it for yourself. No matter how hard the road can be, you willingly are faithful on the ride. It is a cumulation of your efforts during youthful endeavors, it is a right of passage into adulthood. What I want to express is please don’t take it for granted if you are part of the lucky group. The cliché of it goes by too fast is omnipresent to all of us who are fortunate enough to be on the journey. Pictures, tears, laughs, monumental moments. It is all part of the campaign that doesn’t end. Once a parent, always someone who has a life that is more important than your own. Shout out to the dad’s who care, to the ones that don’t put themselves first. Accept the gifts that you might already know are coming. Appreciate every moment because you never know when it might be your last. These holidays were designated with extreme thought. Sometimes we feel burdened with things that we are expected to participate in, and we catch ourselves complaining inside. What I am trying to express is take a breath, and enjoy the moment. Raising children is an acceptance of a special birthright. It is a compliment to the odyssey of life. No matter what the age, give them a hug. Take their sorrow away, let them know that you have their backs unconditionally. In business and your professional careers, you might feel that you collide with towering moments, but it just won’t compare to the fight you have to protect who you brought on this earth. Please look to the sky this evening and understand that there is something special hiding amongst the stars. We are thrown into an adventure that we are the choosers of the path. When you cradle the wonder for the first time, please take it seriously. There is nothing better than getting love from someone who needs your guidance for eternity. Don’t let them down, and appreciate these hallmark days. Your actions perpetuate their future. Give them a platform to stand on and survive.
OK, enough of that, sort of. Since I don’t have much to say about our beloved team, I want to make sure that you understand that I know that the players have lives too. These guys who pull on the shirts in June are feeling the pressure. Some of them are dads, husbands, and sons. The effort to help them get to the championship is burdened by many. It is a weight that isn’t solely on one individuals’ shoulder’s, it is felt by many who are part of the evolution. It is easy to criticize, and I will definitely continue with my opinions, but today I am just soft. I can’t help it. It is a complex universe. Try and look at your dad today if you can, and please know that he does the best that he knows how. Sometimes we get lost along the way, but you still are what we live for.
Congratulations to the Oilers for giving us at least another night of hockey. The series is a lot tighter than the results. Hopefully we can stretch it to at least six games. Although I have no problem with the reign of the rats, I do know what McDavid is feeling. He deserves to hold the trophy over his head. So did Gilbert Perreault. The guy is noticeably the best in the game. If he could finish and not be enemy number one, the story would be different. He carries his team every night. Never seen anyone faster with more skill. I don’t watch Edmonton often, but when I do, wow.. This kid is a dream.
If you are trying to be off the grid like me, here are the highlights of last night. Everyone chipping in. That is what you need.
Notes from my previous assessment of keepers. Left out a couple. Sorry.
Keepers –
Bowen Byrum – Major asset and a top four defensemen. With another year on his contract and still being restricted, this guy has it all. We gave up a legitimate number three center for him but he is a stud. A puck moving blueliner with exceptional skating ability, he easily replaces Joker and makes him expendable. With our best Johnson still ready for action, we have upgraded this skill set. Bryson can be signed and fill the role as well as a backup.
Devon Levi – Let’s not kid ourselves in regards to his talent and mind set. Although perhaps undersized, he has the athleticism to overcome everything that is thrown at him. He can be signed on a modest deal and play over forty games with no significant drop off from UPL. It is how they play in front of him, not necessarily the big saves. He can move around the crease with ease. It is all about the coaching, and I think we are going to be better all-around in that department.
Obviously, I am leaving a few off my list. Still think some should stay, but perhaps we could do without the others.
Topics of discussions next time –
Skinner, Samuelsson, Clifton (I like the way he played at the end of the year), Krebs, Jokiharju, UPL, and Greenway.
Sensitive a little about the day. Having an event at the Irish Center for a scholarship in my daughter’s name at St. Lawrence on August 17th. If any of you would like to come and see what I am about please don’t hesitate. I would love to meet you.
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Trying to come out beneath all of the weight. She will be missed forever.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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