Until I learned of the award Mr. Lincoln would be receiving, I had no intention of attending the banquet. One of his friends was retiring. Retirement would not have been his choice, but last fall he had an accident in Thailand while on business that left him, for a while, paralyzed from the waist down, and, now 38 weeks after the accident, he remains in physical therapy, unable to drive, and getting around using a cane. He is only 48 years old. That is why I had no notion of being at that banquet. I knew that it would be very poignant, and, yes, sad. Selfishly, I was going to spare myself the emotion. It was not to be.
My life would have been somewhat diminished had I missed this event. Mr. Lincoln and I have been married 38 years. We share a life of many commonalities. Our faith and our family would be the two things we share most deeply. We enjoy other things together like Seinfeld reruns, some (not all) sporting events, griping about politicians' campaign strategies, entertaining...things like that. But, we are not a couple who spends all our time together. I know very little about his day to day work. He hears more about mine, but while he encourages me, he is not all that interested in the nuts and bolts of my tours. We have a good deal of separateness in our togetherness. It works for us. We like it that way.
I have not always been as supportive of Mr. Linclon's fall pursuits as I could have been. I, foolishly, thought football was the big attraction, but the truth is, comraderie and friendship are the true lures.
The evening began by 16 new men being introduced into this fraternity of sorts. The importance of being part of such a group of men was stressed to them. I am sure, as in all organizations, there were those thinking, "yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah, whatever." Most of them, however, will embrace being part of the group, and will work hard to be the best at their job that they can be.
Mr. Lincoln was then asked to present an award. He presented it to a young man who we have known for some time now. He told funny stories about Jason. He told Jason that the main reason he got his start in football officiating was because I thought he was cute. Obviously, there is more to him than his looks, as his peers voted him the recipient of the award he received, basically the "most outstanding young official" in the organization. Jason was truly and humbly surprised. He sent Mr. Lincoln a "thank you" email, saying what a good mentor and "father" figure he is. Mr. Lincoln won that award several years ago.
Next, a hilarious and precious man stood up to give Mr. Lincoln his award. This was also voted on by his peers. Where Jason's award is for the "most outstanding young official," Mr. Lincoln's is for the "most outstanding old official." Actually, it is for someone who gives back to the organization. Roy called Mr Lincoln his friend. What can anyone say better about us than that we are a friend? Roy talked about how Mr. Lincoln mentors young officials, and gives back to the organization. He talked about work ethic, and the desire to be the best he can be. I was like a proud mama when Jason got his award, and I was a most proud wife when Mr. Lincoln received his. You see, I know all those attributes to be true of him, and it brings me great joy when others recognize his worth.
There was a lot of laughter. Good advice was given. Roy told them all to approach each game and each play as though it would be their last, because you never know when it will be. He also said that all anyone can ask is that each one does his best. Not bad advice for life either.
The time then came for Mr. Lincoln to announce Michael's retirement. Most people who knew of his injury and the struggles since may not have been surprised. It had been kept a secret from almost everyone. To officially hear of his retirement was a blow to many. Mr. Lincoln cried, Michael cycled through tears to laughter to tears many times. Roy cried. Freddy cried. Even Greg choked up. Great funny stories were told. Accolades and words of thankfulness for the association of these men were uttered. A bowing to the power of God Almighty was displayed. It was a grand coronation of faith and respect and love and friendship between real men.
It seemed as though Michael was reluctant to say any words upon receiving recognition, but Mr. Lincoln encouraged him. I am glad that he did, for Michael's words as well as the way he is taking his walk in faith are an inspiration to those paying attention. His is a life interrupted, but I am confident that with God's help and his own dogged determination, that Michael will, as he vowed, be "back on the field."
I do not often enter an arena dominated by so many men. I hear how men are only able to compete, not nurture. I know that to not be so. I witnessed it myself at a banquet I attended Saturday night. My life and spirit are better for it.
So, for today I wish you real men in your life...the kind who live their faith, who love their families, who enjoy and work at their hobbies, and I wish you
blessings
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