The Year of “E”
I’ve been looking for a reason to fire up the blog and for a way to wrap up the self-proclaimed “Year of Me.”
Yes, I did catch a lot of crap for announcing that the year in which I’d be celebrating my 50th birthday would have a selfish theme.
Yes, I did have a great year personally thanks to my wife, my kids, my business partner and fellow Hodgers.
Yes, the year was challenging in other ways that I won’t bore you with but I think I’ve learned a great deal from those challenges and they have made me a better person.
Credit: Sports Illustrated
It highlighted the life of Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand and his battle to recover from a hit on the football field that left him paralyzed. It was a reminder that life is short and to live it to the fullest.
I think I’ve accomplished many of the goals I set out in that list. But my accomplishments pale in comparison to those Eric achieved in the last 12 months.
He can now sit up with some help. He is an accomplished broadcaster with appearances on all the networks and on Rutgers football games. He is a social media star. And he is a team leader. Most importantly, he is regaining more sensation and feeling in his body each day.
To illustrate all of those accomplishments, readers of Sports Illustrated selected the photo of Eric leading his team on the field against West Virginia on a snowy October day as the cover of the magazine’s “Photos of the Year” issue that comes out next week.
In a world with too few heroes, Eric LeGrand is one of mine. He has taken a life-altering hit and turned it into inspiration for all.
At Rutgers that inspiration is summed up in the phrase “bELieve 52,” a tribute to Eric’s belief that he will one day walk again and the number that he wears.
So this holiday season as you run from place to place and get those last-minute errands done, take a minute and just bELieve. Here’s a great place to donate to support Eric and his family.
And pay tribute to The Year of “E.”
It is indeed the Year Of E.A shining example of the true courage and determination of the Human Spirit.
I appreciate to your thoughts Jon, and even i believe that Eric has been a one for which a youngster can say “yes, I want to be like”. Eric gives a ton of inspiration and courage to the mankind through his own example. I would wish for more such determining posts form you and thank you for the same. Glad.