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That's Sports

With Gary Patterson

Family important during the holidays

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

It's just a few days before Christmas and although there are tons of sports on, whether it's US College bowl games or the Worl Junior Hockey Championships, it is so important to have family around. The important things is life sometimes seem so clear yet we seldom take time to appreciate them. Family and friends are so important during this season when so many people are doing without. The whole commercialization of this holiday has taken over the sprit of the season as too many people are more worried about what they will be giving or what they will be recieving than the true feelings of their family and friends.

This will be a different Christmas for our family on two fronts as we will be without my 23-year-old nephew who was killed in a motorcycle crash this past September. He was always a big part of our lives but he will especially be missed at Christmas as he was always involved with the family at the games table and also through the rest of the holiday. He was a special soul who will be with us in spirit but not in body.

It's times like this that the gifts really don't mean a whole bunch but the spirit of the time means everything. Jeremy was a big part of our Christmas festivities and we always knew his schedule and looked forward to him being part of the holiday time. When someone is missing from the dinner table or the post dinner festivities, you always try to think about the good memories but the sad ones will eventually take over as you miss them more and more as the season goes on. This is where family and friends come in as they are always there with an extra hug and kind word to help you make it through the day.

I know that we are not the first family to suffer a tragic loss and I know we won't be the last but it still makes the holiday a little less bright. If you have a friend that you know that might be down for the holiday season, don't be afraid to make a call or send a card with a special note. You have no idea how much that can cheer that can bring a person. When you strip all of the commericialization away from the Christmas Season, Santa Claus does stand tall as the icon for the spirit of giving.

This will also be a happy event as our daughter Emma is starting to get into the thrill of Christmas and just shy of her second birthday. She will go a long way with her innocence and joy to cheer up the family mood. I can't wait to see her eyes on Christmas day as she gets to start enjoying some time with the family and they get to enjoy time with her. She likes to watch the fast paced action of hockey and will even watch football so she won't be left out of the family TV activities. Sports will be there for us this season to add a healing touch as we watch football and hockey together making sure we make the holiday time together as quality as possible.

This holiday season don't complain about the aunt that makes the bad fruitcake or the multicoloured tie because they are true gifts of love and are from the heart! Merry Christmas!



Gary Patterson was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. He grew up in Thamesville and now lives in Chatham. Patterson was Sports Director at Beaver Communications an Blackburn Radio for over 15 years. Gary is also the track announcer at Dresden Raceway as well as some appearances at Windsor Raceway. He has played all sports inclduing being a mermber of three OBA Championship baseball teams in Thamesville and has also played hockey and football. Gary still plays golf, slo-pitch and ball hockey and well as the odd game of pick up hockey. Patterson is a passionate Miami Dolphin and Michigan Wolverine football fan. Here are few other details about Gary Patterson: Favourite food: steak, chicken wings, chili or Kenny Tharp\'s famous meatloaf; Favourite non alcoholic drink : Diet Coke; Favourite drink: Scotch, Coor\'s Light; Favourite Sports team : Miami Dolphins/Michigan Wolverines/New York Yankees; Favourite Bar : Bru\'s Room Margate Florida/Pompano Beach Florida; Favourite Bartender : Tanya (Margate), Sarah (Pompano); Favourie Vacataion spot : Pompano Beach Florida; Marital Staus : married with chilren Hockey player : Curtis Jospeh/Todd Bertuzzi; Favourite Football player : Retired Dan Marino, Anthony Thomas; Favourite Basketball player : Steve Nash Favourite Baseball player : Derek Jeter; Favourite colour : Blue; Favourite TV Show : CSI Favourite movie : The Sting, Blue Brothers and Field of Dreams; Favourite song Life Been Good To Me ( Joe Walsh); Favourite Band : Tom Petty/Eagles; Favourite type of Dog: Springer Spaniel; Favourite type of Cat : NONE