Oh, Michael! I'm sorry you're a member of the Crappy Childhood Club. You grew into an excellent adult, and I'm really sorry you had to do that work. But I'm glad you have this football-related memory with your mom. It's good to hold onto to those.
Thanks, Melissa. Some day, we can compare notes about how we both turned out to be pretty good eggs. I might write more about the later years I had with my mom. Although getting personal like this on Substack feels a little...exposed. LOL
Our childhoods were similar but not. Sports were never a part of my vernacular and honestly I’ve never understood the attraction (or the power).
Now, for the first time, thanks to this article, I understand a little bit better. It’s not the game or the team. It’s the connection. It’s having something pure and unencumbered to root for, to love, to build a bond with others.
It was your lifeline.
Thanks for helping me learn something new today. I might be a little more understanding toward those who tie up part of their identity in sports. It’s NOT just a game.
Thanks for the kind words, Mike, and for reading. My dad actually made me play football until I put my foot down as a sophomore and said I wouldn't play anymore. Yet, I still loved the Broncos.
Wow, Michael, pretty raw and candid, sorry you dealt with that dysfunctionality. It didn't kill you, and it DID make you stronger. Enjoy every new day!
This is a touching and vulnerable story, Michael, and a reminder of the emotional power held by those remembered activities that gave us the gift of seeing our parents happy.
Michael, thanks for sharing these memories although difficult. I grew up in Denver and share those same high and lows of the Broncos! At least they seem to be headed in the right direction again. Safe travels and I love following along with your adventures.
Thanks for reading, Carol. And, yeah, it was kind of strange to write this one. And yeah, the season is off to a good start. Let's see how things go tomorrow with the Colts.
Wonderful heartfelt essay. I gave up on the Cleveland Browns years ago (and the entire NFL, after the concussions scandal and its blackballing of Colin Kaepernick). The Broncos were three of many nails in the coffin. But I know your joy, as my son and I had a similar bonding as you and your mom, when LeBron and the Cavs finally brought home a championship for Cleveland. A joyous moment.
Yeah, the Broncos we're definitely Lucy to the Browns being, well, Charlie Brown. Sorry about that!
And yes, to all of the ways the NFL has become awful. I originally wrote about how I try to make sure I don't give any money to the NFL for those very reasons, but it was getting too long to explain all of that.
aw. what a story. I grew up in a dysfunctional emotionally abusive environment too and I was terrified of my sightly narcissistic mother. She charmed everyone outside of the family with a dazzling personality but had very little patience with us as kids. I'm glad you had that touching moment together sharing your passion for the Broncos 💓.
People certainly thought my mom was very nice. And she absolutely could be. In fact, she did have good qualities bit other people never saw her dark side.
You put the love you felt for your mother into this beautiful piece. I’m glad you can remember her for more than the bad memories.
Thank you very much, Claire.
Oh, Michael! I'm sorry you're a member of the Crappy Childhood Club. You grew into an excellent adult, and I'm really sorry you had to do that work. But I'm glad you have this football-related memory with your mom. It's good to hold onto to those.
Thanks, Melissa. Some day, we can compare notes about how we both turned out to be pretty good eggs. I might write more about the later years I had with my mom. Although getting personal like this on Substack feels a little...exposed. LOL
Oh, I think we have plenty to discuss over some cocktails ;-)
Yeah, we won’t be lacking! LOL
Thank you so much for sharing this. I know it's deeply personal, and that's why it's valuable.
Thanks for reading, Steve. And, yeah, it was kind of strange to write this one.
Children all over the world aren't so different after all.
That's definitely a lesson I've learned on our travels.
Our childhoods were similar but not. Sports were never a part of my vernacular and honestly I’ve never understood the attraction (or the power).
Now, for the first time, thanks to this article, I understand a little bit better. It’s not the game or the team. It’s the connection. It’s having something pure and unencumbered to root for, to love, to build a bond with others.
It was your lifeline.
Thanks for helping me learn something new today. I might be a little more understanding toward those who tie up part of their identity in sports. It’s NOT just a game.
Thanks for the kind words, Mike, and for reading. My dad actually made me play football until I put my foot down as a sophomore and said I wouldn't play anymore. Yet, I still loved the Broncos.
Hard stuff, but sharing unburdens you and enlightens the rest of us. Thank you.
Thank you for reading.
Wow, Michael, pretty raw and candid, sorry you dealt with that dysfunctionality. It didn't kill you, and it DID make you stronger. Enjoy every new day!
Thanks, Norm.
This is a touching and vulnerable story, Michael, and a reminder of the emotional power held by those remembered activities that gave us the gift of seeing our parents happy.
Michael, thanks for sharing these memories although difficult. I grew up in Denver and share those same high and lows of the Broncos! At least they seem to be headed in the right direction again. Safe travels and I love following along with your adventures.
Thanks for reading, Carol. And, yeah, it was kind of strange to write this one. And yeah, the season is off to a good start. Let's see how things go tomorrow with the Colts.
Beautiful.
Thank you very much, Kim.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this lovely story!
Thanks for reading.
Love this 💙
Thanks, Jennifer. It was a bit weird to write. LOL
It’s lovely. I’m so glad to have read it. This kind of writing reaches people who need it. (Me!) 😉🥰
🥰🥰🥰
Wow. What a personal post. I have no words, just mixed feelings. As someone with a hard childhood, I can relate.
Thanks, Brian. And thanks for reading.
Wonderful heartfelt essay. I gave up on the Cleveland Browns years ago (and the entire NFL, after the concussions scandal and its blackballing of Colin Kaepernick). The Broncos were three of many nails in the coffin. But I know your joy, as my son and I had a similar bonding as you and your mom, when LeBron and the Cavs finally brought home a championship for Cleveland. A joyous moment.
Yeah, the Broncos we're definitely Lucy to the Browns being, well, Charlie Brown. Sorry about that!
And yes, to all of the ways the NFL has become awful. I originally wrote about how I try to make sure I don't give any money to the NFL for those very reasons, but it was getting too long to explain all of that.
Thanks for reading!
aw. what a story. I grew up in a dysfunctional emotionally abusive environment too and I was terrified of my sightly narcissistic mother. She charmed everyone outside of the family with a dazzling personality but had very little patience with us as kids. I'm glad you had that touching moment together sharing your passion for the Broncos 💓.
People certainly thought my mom was very nice. And she absolutely could be. In fact, she did have good qualities bit other people never saw her dark side.