#100 — This Time It’s Personal
Gratitude to those I know in 3-D, and a Ted Lasso reference
This is Article #100 for me on Medium. Like many others who reach this milestone, I’m using this as a big thanks to those who’ve been along for the ride. Article #99 expressed my gratitude to the Medium community and some specific editors and followers. This one is more personal.
Watching the AppleTV series “Ted Lasso,” I came across a quote from a character on the show that I found relatable. Lasso’s AFC Richmond team had just lost an important match quite severely, but as expected to a much better team. Footballer (soccer player) Sam Obisanya explained, “We lost very badly, but we tried.”
We gave it everything we had, and for me, that is okay. What’s worse is not to try at all. To try is scary because you can end up losing a lot. But you have to put your heart out there. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Sam says this as we see an unlikely inspiration, Rebecca, the team’s owner. She’s in the corner of his eye, but his attention doesn’t stray from the interview’s content. She doesn’t hear the discussion at the time but does later and reacts accordingly. (Not giving it away if you haven’t seen it. It’s a great show)
Inspiration sometimes comes from unlikely sources and surprising circumstances, especially when looking back in time. Patricia Lynn (forever Patty, I’ll take partial credit for that) and Lorikcallahan (my one and only niester), I know you aren’t writing on Medium, but I want to recognize you.
It’s not just that you’ve inspired stories. Your encouragement has meant the world to me. As it says in the quote above, trying was scary, and there was a lot to lose, but I put my heart out there; due in part to you.
Another supporter that I must acknowledge is Terry Covert. Your kind comments and consistent support are greatly appreciated. We still have to get to that overdue (45 years) lunch soon.
I also have to thank my sisters, who are likely to read this, and my wife and my kids, who are unlikely to read this. They’ve not just provided fodder for content but also the latitude to tell some of my stories. They’ve given me more information to be included in future work, so I’m far from finished.
I get the most enjoyment from writing true stories that include family and friends. I’ve had more views and reads with articles on other topics, but memoirs give me greater satisfaction. That’s why I want to acknowledge those people above.
Some stories were easy to write, and others required editing and self-reflection. I’ve been very nervous as articles were published and awaited reactions. Then I found I’d touched people, some I know and some strangers, in a way I didn’t think possible.
I will always say that if what I write can help someone, I can’t ask for more. I’m told I’ve done that and will strive to do much more. I have what I call “The Valvano Test” that I want to pass when writing about experiences with people I know and love the most.
Thank you again for reading this and any of my 100 stories. I’ve enjoyed writing very much and place great importance, as a writer should, on the reader, no matter who that may be. More to come!
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