As before, the young athlete never missed practice

during his four years at

college, but he never got to play in a game. At the end of his senior football season, as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big playoff game, he was handed a telegram.

After reading it he mumble to the coach, “My father died this morning. Is it alright if I miss practice today?” The coach gently put his arm around his shoulder and said, “Take the rest of the week off, son. And don’t try to come back for the game on Saturday.”

Saturday arrived, and the team was behind by 10 points in the third quarter. They were surprised to see the young man appear on the sidelines, dressed in his football gear. He ran to the coach and begged to be put into the game. After delaying as long as possible, the coach finally said, “All right. Go on in.”

He did everything right - ran, blocked, and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph, and, in the closing seconds, he intercepted a pass and scored the winning touchdown.

The fans went wild, and his teammates hoisted the boy onto their shoulders. Later, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach saw the boy sitting alone in the corner. “Son,” said the coach, “you’re amazing! What got into you tonight?”

“Well,” the boy answered, “did I ever tell you my dad was blind?” He swallowed and forced a smile. “He never missed a game, but today was the first time he could see me play.”