There are some family traditions that you just look forward to more than others. I never look forward to family reunions. I do, however, love spending time with the Kiddo during his Christmas break and the times we hit a local golf course. But I guess my favorite family tradition started just a few years ago after I returned from my deployment to Iraq. And it is that time of year to continue the tradition.
I have been a fan of the Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish football team for several years now. Even through the horrible years, I still stuck with them. The Kiddo has followed in my footsteps and roots for the Irish as well. So every year, on the Saturday before the NCAA college football season gets kicked off (pun intended), we take a couple of hours and watch Rudy, one of the most famous movies that portrays the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame Football.
A feel good movie, based on a true story, Rudy has a ton of obstacles to overcome to even be a part of the Fightin’ Irish. No one ever thinks he’s good enough and constantly encourages him to forego his dreams, but he doesn’t allow that to deter him. He presses on and fulfills his dream and proves to everyone that hard work and dedication does pay off. Even though I heard an interview with former ND quarterback Joe Montana that the team was mocking him when they carried him off the field, the kid did walk-on to a top rated team and graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in the nation.
As a dad, I can only hope that I can teach the Kiddo to go after his dreams and to not let anything hold him back. I want him to know that anything is possible with determination, hard work, and dedication. I’m optimistic that a teaching point will occur while watching this movie this weekend and I hope it’ll be one that he will carry with him throughout his life.
Do you have any family traditions that are a bit out of the norm? If so, I’d love to hear about them.