It's been an emotional morning...In a good way!
First I had the chance to hear Zac Brown Band's "My Old Man". I've heard it a couple dozen times before but it was the first time I heard it alone and was able to really focus on the message and the words. WOW. It made me think about how much I love and admire my old man, even though I never tell him how much he means to me. I love you dad! It also reminded me of my responsibility as a father.
Then speaking of my son. His name is Gehrig(My wife was kind enough to allow this). I know this ticks off a lot of people but I'm a fan of the New York Yankees. Always have been, always will be. It's because of my old man. He raised me that way. He was a pastor's kid and moved around a lot. He was eight in 1961. If you're a baseball fan, you know what the year meant for the Yankees (Hint: Mantle/Maris).
Growing up I admired Don Mattingly. I still do, he's one of the greats. My wife wouldn't let me name our daughter Mattingly Grace, so I was extra excited when we named our son!
I also always admired the life, story and example of Lou Gehrig. Someone who was strong, loyal and committed. "He just went out and did his job every day." -Bill Dickey, hall of famer, teammate. He was struck with a debilitating disease that no one knew anything about at the time. ALS (otherwise know as Lou Gehrig's Disease) ended his career and his life at an early age. Google the man, read a book about him. Watch a documentary. See Pride of the Yankees. He was something. So we named our son after him.
This morning I arrived at work and checked my mail box. I noticed a box. I didn't remember ordering anything on amazon or anything so I was intrigued. It was addressed to me from "Yankees Fan 1953, Millsboro, DE 19966". Then I was REALLY intrigued.
As I opened it, I noticed what appeared to be a baseball card with Lou Gehrig's face on it. Like a really old baseball card. Then I noticed it wasn't a baseball card but a ticket stub from July 4th, 1941. It was the day of Lou Gehrig's memorial. The game was rained out that day and made up a few days later. I was blown away.
Then I read the note that came with it. Then I was whatever is better than blown away.
"Randy,
I heard your story the other morning about naming your son after Lou Gehrig. I was moved by that and have sent a gift for your son, one day when he is older. I've owned this for a long time, and I'm sure you know how rare this is. He was a great person, athlete and hero in my youth. Take care of it and enjoy it. It was the times of my life! I enjoy the show and keep up the good work. Say hi to Whiskey for me.
Yankees Fan 1953
From Millsboro, DE"
Needless to say I was moved to tears (HAPPY TEARS). It was one of the kindest things anyone has done for me. I love my "job" and the connections we are able to make with people.
Well "Yankees Fan 1953" I don't know who you are but I want to give you a hug. I want to thank you for your generous gift to my son. I can't wait to tell him about this today. I can't wait to re-tell him this when he is older. My only hope is that this will make its way to you, so you know how much I appreciate this incredible gesture. Please know we will cherish this. We will take care of it and we will enjoy it. THANK YOU!
~Randy from the Whiskey & Randy Morning Show