Ghosts of Christmas Past cast bittersweet memories

Ed Daniels, Sports
Clarion Herald

Okay, I admit it. My life has revolved around some game, somewhere.

But, this one will stand out.

In an NFL playoff game on Christmas Day 1971, the Dolphins defeated the Chiefs in Kansas City, 27-24, in the longest game in NFL history.

The two teams played 82 minutes and 40 seconds: an extra quarter and a half.

That game has unique relevance for me. It is the first football game a 14-year-old kid watched at home without his father.

Days before, Ed Daniels Jr. was diagnosed with lung cancer.

My world shook. It was like the foundation was pulled from underneath me.

I knew it was bad. After the first of the year, Dad came home for a bit. We even watched (with rabbit ears: kids, Google it) the Dolphins defeat the Cowboys at Tulane Stadium in Super Bowl VI.

The next day, Dad was headed back to the hospital.

Fifty-two years later, I can remember moving that window shade and peaking out to see the ambulance drive him away.

I knew what it meant.

So, I guess what I am saying is, this Christmas, be mindful of the many around us who have had to deal with very difficult things.

A friend recently lost a member of her immediate family. It was sudden and unexpected. I see the hurt in her eyes. I give her a hug every chance I get.

Her faith pulls her through. She is courageous and tenacious. I hope when she reads this she understands how much we, as a family, care.

Same thing for a young lady, in her early 20s, who is going through a very difficult life event. Don’t want to say much more about it. But, young lady, if you read this, know I admire your courage and your faith.

I love you to the moon and back. You have the heart of a champion. Great days are ahead.

This week, I think of two great ladies who have lost their spouses. They are great people, even better mothers.

When I think of what they have experienced in 2023, I shudder at the importance I give sometimes to things that don’t truly matter.

Around me, I see a great group of family and friends.

And, then, I see my wife, Robin. She is, to me, the best of the best.

She has always told me her No. 1 goal in life is to be the best mother she can. She has succeeded, wildly.

When I need a reality check, I don’t have to go the French Quarter and hire a tarot card reader.

She is my life coach. I honestly don’t know if I could take a breath without her.

In the late ’60s, early ’70s, the Kansas City Chiefs were a team that a kid could cheer for.

They had Buck Buchanan (Grambling), Robert Holmes (Southern) and Johnny Robinson (LSU) wearing their colors.

Ed Jr. had a soft spot for them, too.

The Chiefs, like he, had Louisiana in their DNA.

What a kid would give to be able to talk to him one more time about the things he loved.

They were my Mom, football and Louisiana.

And, my mother would add, not necessarily in that order.

Robin and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Ed Daniels is sports director at ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at [email protected].