Sunday Cardinal Couple - Christmas Hot Takes

Happy Boxing Day

In many locations, today is Boxing Day, traditionally the first weekday after Christmas, but more recently just celebrated the day after Christmas.  Where the name come from, no one is really quite sure, but there is likely some connection with boxes used to collect or convey gifts on the day, particularly to people in service roles such as postmen, servants, tradesmen and such.  It was a chance for people who benefit from the services of such workers to show a degree of appreciation and thanks for their work.

I find this a lovely sentiment, particularly in our Covid-present when so many people who have been working in such roles are necessarily exposed to greater risk.

Christmas Hot Takes

OK, so most of the rest of the Cardinal Couple gang got the share their favorite aspects of Christmas.  I thought I'd take a slightly different approach today, now that Christmas is in the rear-view mirror.

My Favorite Christmas Music

I have shared on this site, and on the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast, my take on Christmas music that I like.  Christmas music that in some acknowledges that the world isn't just happy go lucky all the time.  The music doesn't need to sound like funeral dirges or anything like that, indeed some of can be quite happy and joyous sounding such as "We Need A Little Christmas", which tells the story of two kids with their aunt (from the Broadway musical "Mame") who are decorating, early, for Christmas because it makes them happy, when life otherwise has them down.

One of my all-time fave Christmas songs is "Snoopy and the Red Baron", which is set, of course, in the heart of World War I, not exactly a joyous time on the whole.  Both of these songs are about uplifting and bringing joy, but they both give a nod to the fact that life can be rough and Christmas can come in the context of some very unhappy times.

Christmas Associated Food

Maybe my most controversial take....  Any dish that has turkey in it, would be better if it were ham instead.

Turkey can be enjoyable, without a doubt...my mother put together a turkey meal for Thanksgiving, on pretty short notice, and the Turkey that was quite good...but I'm of the opinion that ham is always better.

Even for iconic turkey dishes.  Have you ever had a Kentucky Hot Brown, but made with ham instead of turkey?  The only place I have found that will make a dish like this was the Boone Tavern Restaurant in Berea, KY, and oh my goodness it was so good.

Maybe I'm just a really big fan of ham in general, because I've also found the substitution of ham in place of chicken in traditionally chicken dishes can be quite good as well.  Ham Alfredo instead of Chicken?  Delicious!

Thanksgiving vs Christmas

Thanksgiving and Christmas shouldn't be pitted against each other, but due to their relative proximity on the calendar, roughly a month apart, and given the huge endeavor that Christmas has become over the centuries, it is somewhat inevitable.

I feel like Thanksgiving gets short shrift, getting overshadowed by the hype and commercialization of Christmas.

Maybe the Canadians have the right idea by giving Thanksgiving a bit more space from Christmas by celebrating it the second Monday of October.

I'm a big fan of Thanksgiving as a holiday.  Many people get stressed out by Christmas, and there can be a lot of pressure involved in gift buying.  It depends on how you go about celebrating these holidays, of course, but I feel like Thanksgiving brings with it a lot of the joy of being around loved ones and sharing in their company, with much less stress and pressure.

To be fair, preparing a lavish meal such as many have for Thanksgiving is not without its own pressure, but many do that for Christmas in addition to all of the extra

Regardless of your own hot takes or mine, I hope you have had a wonder Christmas celebration with loved ones based on whatever way you choose to celebrate it.  My Christmas day was very quiet with the family gathering that I am involved in happening on Christmas Eve.  And frankly, it was wonderful to just have a quiet day to spend with no pressures, no priorities, and not even any real schedule.  The Christmas Eve celebration was also wonderful with my family, so I was able to have the best of both worlds.

Louisville Women's Sports

We are all about Louisville women's sports here at Cardinal Couple, and there is, of course, no real news of note at the moment.  Women's Basketball will be back in action later in the week, on the 30th hosting Boston College, and the players will be making their way back to Louisville from their homes where they have been able to enjoy a nice Christmas break.

Enjoy your Christmas leftovers, and Go Cards!

JMcA

Cards Down SEMO -- Thanksgiving -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 Cards Defeat SEMO in Season Opener

One down, many to go.  #5 Louisville defeated SEMO in both teams season opener, 74-53.

After a slow start, which is expected in the first game of the season, the Cards outscored the Redhawks by 19. It was a healthy mix of new faces and familiar ones contributing to the victory.

Freshman Olivia Cochran led Louisville in scoring with 17 points that was highlighted by a 9-for-10 mark from the free throw line. Dana Evans, who is now a senior (holy cow, already?!), scored 15 points to go along with a team-high six assists.  However, Evans was held without a made three-point basket. Freshman sensation Hailey Van Lith did not disappoint with 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds.  She filled up the stat sheet well with a made three-pointer, an assist, a steal, and a block with only two turnovers.

It was the defense that impressed.  The Cards surrendered just 53 points on the game that featured allowing just eight points in the second quarter.  They recorded 10 blocks led by Elizabeth Balogun's three blocks.  The Cards recorded 11 steals on the day highlighted by Ahlana Smith's three.

Louisville forced 19 turnovers and converted that into 26 points off turnovers.  They won that mark 26-10.

Rebounding seemed to be next to no concern after getting through the first quarter.  They won the rebounding battle 50-36.  The26 offensive rebounds turned into 21 second chance points. All in all, 11 players saw playing time ranging from eight minutes to 32 minutes.

SEMO was a last minute add after Middle Tennessee had to back out.  Jeff Walz was extremely complimentary of the Redhawks.

"I was really appreciative for (them) to make this happen" he said.  "For us to go on the road, it was a good win.  We're at a point right now in college basketball in general, you've got to get as many games in as quick as you can since there's so much uncertainty."

After scoring the first bucket of the game, Louisville went back-and-forth with SEMO up until a 16-16 tie.  A pair of free throws by Evans gave Louisville a lead at the end of the quarter, a lead that would never be vanquished.

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Louisville would go on an 11-3 run for much of the second quarter to push the lead to 10.  A Merissah Russell fast break layup art the buzzer would send the Cards into the half with their largest lead of the time at 14.

A HVL three-pointer to start the second half put the Cards up 17 before SEMO went on a run.  They cut the lead to six with four minutes left in the quarter.  Louisville answered with a run of their own to push it up to 15.

The defense kicked it up a notch again in the fourth quarter and gave up two points over the first 4:03.  A trio of layups wrapped up the Louisville scoring going into the final 35 seconds of the game.

Overall, the game went as expected with Louisville getting the win.  There were moments of early season mayhem as players get used to real opposition as well as playing with each other.  Many players adjusted to the collegiate style of play or finally got to rep their Louisville uniform for the first time.

It is a solid start to the year and gets jitters out in time for their home opener this Sunday.

The ever-popular F-R-E-D report is back.  Since this is the first F-R-E-D report of the season I will give the honor to our fearless leader to fill out.

F-R-E-D Report

Free Throws -- The Cards got to the line 27 times and made 20 of the attempts. That was good for a 74.1%. Our free throw line of success is 70%, so they squeaked by there. Olivia Cochran had the most attempts for UofL, and went a stellar 8-10 from the charity stripe. We can award a capital "F" here for making the unguarded ones. 

Rebounding --  Give the edge to Louisville 50-36. The Cards didn't really pull away in this stat, though, until the latter part of the third quarter and the final quarter. SEMO only shot 8% in the fourth quarter (no, not a mistype -- they went 1-12 from the floor) and when you grtab the misses, you're numbers go up. It was rebounding by committee, although I'll point out that 5'7" Hailey Van Lith tied for the Cards leader in grabs with eight. In fact, the three freshmen combined for 21 of the Cards grabs. We'll definitely qward a capital "R" here. 

Effort/Execution -- Despite the slow start, Louisville did a good job overall running the offense, given the number of players they shuttled in-and-out and it being the first game. Thumbs uo on the 26-10 points-off-turnovers Cardinal edge (creating offense off defense) but a face-palm on the 2-17 three-point shooting. If any of the Cards future opponents watch the replay of this one, they'll come out in a zone and dare UofL to beat them from the deep. So, given the good and bad, I'' award a small case "e" for the effort and execution. 

Defense -- Holding SEMO to just 53 points and 27.3% shooting gets a thumbs up here, creating 19 turnovers does as well. The surprising number was a 10-1 advantage in blocked shots, seven Cards getting them and Elizabeth Balogun with three. Ahlana Smith had three steals and thaat's was a bright spot. The Cards had no answer for Tesia Thompson (21 points) but they shut down the rest of the Red Hawks and got the win. We'll bestow a capital "D" for doing it defensively.

FINAL FRED TALLY:   F-R-e-D

Thanksgiving

Normally we do not have a true article on Thanksgiving but the basketball game yesterday made this year an exception. 

Thanksgiving may look different this year than in recent years.  We are all doing our part to keep everyone healthy and safe --  even if it means we do not see certain family or get certain food. We should be extra thankful this year for things that may range from family and friends to food to being able to afford bills, and especially our lives.

Here at CARDINAL COUPLE, we are thankful for so many things. Our families, our health, the camaraderie on our staff. our wonderful readership and that there are sports to report on.  If you're reading this, be thankful you can. 262,000 fellow Americans have left grieving families and friends behind with only memories and sadness. 

Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jared

Cards Fall at Pitt -- Paradise Jam Begins -- Thanksgiving -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Off You Go ! 


We'll try not too keep you long today as we know most of you have plans with family or friends that involve eating a lot of food.  However, we need to hit a couple Cardinal teams real quick.


Cards Volleyballers Fall at Pitt

As was expected, Louisville Volleyball hit a speed bump to close out the season.  They fell at #2 ranked/#5 RPI Pitt 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-11, 25-12).

The first half looked pretty spectacular for the Cards, who were hoping to ruin Pitt's chances for a perfect ACC season, the first since Georgia Tech accomplished the feat in 2004.

There were over a dozen ties and a half dozen lead changes in the first set as the conference rivals battled it out back-and-forth.  Pitt relied on a 5-1 run just past the midway point of the set to take a multi-point lead and force a Louisville timeout.  The Cards went on their own 5-1 run to take a 21-20  lead, thus causing the Panthers to use a timeout.  The hosts came out of the timeout with a fiery passion to take the first set. Three unforced Louisville errors at the end added to the Pitt momentum.

The second set showed similarities of the first set with 15 ties and five lead changes.  A series of blocks put the Cards up 20-17, sparking a Pitt timeout.  Amaya Tillman recorded one of her career-high 13 blocks after the break, causing a second straight Pitt timeout.  This time, the Cards would not falter, taking the set.

After halftime, Pitt showed why they are a Top Five team.  They dominated both the third and fourth sets, knocking UofL out of their offense and pushing them back on their heels.  Three straight challenges, all ending in favor of the Panthers, drug out the final set.

During the delays and the destruction of the Cards, analyst Katie George and her counterpart on the ACC Network discussed Thanksgiving food and why her 'nana' no longer cooks.

If there was ever a time that comic relief was needed, it was in the final two sets of the match.

Besides Tillman's personal career night there are a few other players with noteworthy accomplishments.  Claire Chaussee led the team with 14 kills.  Tori Dilfer recorded a double-double with 37 assists and 12 digs.  Anna Stevenson continued her hot streak with eight kills and three blocks.  Aiko Jones also pulled off a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs.

Louisville finishes the regular season 19-9 with a 12-6 conference mark.  That record is good enough to put them in a tie with Florida State for 4th place.

The NCAA Selection Show for volleyball is Sunday at 8:30 p.m.  As we discussed on air Saturday, Louisville should be in the tournament.  The won their final two home matches in straight sets and had a solid showing against a Pitt team that could host through the quarterfinals.  They probably won't be high enough to host but it would be surprising if they do not get in.

Basketball Tips Off in the US Virgin Islands


Paulie gave a good rundown about basketball yesterday as they face UTA, Oklahoma State, and #1 Oregon all in the span of 52 hours in the US Virgin Islands.  Sadly, unless you're willing to drop $29.99 to watch them there will not be a live video.  You can, however, tune in to listen on the radio.

The team enjoyed some time on the beach and on a boat yesterday, per posts by the team, coaches, and players on social media.  Let's hope they wore sunscreen and had water in those hollowed out coconuts!

1 p.m. today is scheduled tip-off and the game will be available on 790 AM Cards Radio WKRD. Download the app and hear it that way also if you're not willing to pay the ransom "Flo" is demanding. The Cards have a better "calling" crew, no doubt in Nick and AJ.  So much for the spirit of "giving" there -- Flo" is taking.

UTA today for UofL and a UTA defense that is fourth in the nation in limiting opponent's shooting percentage. 


Thanksgiving!

Besides a day of being off work, sleeping in, and eating until your pants don't fit there is plenty of meaning behind Thanksgiving- giving thanks and being appreciative for what you have.

For myself, that includes being able to see friends and family and spend time with them.  I'm also thankful that my musical talents have not left me yet.  Grateful for the opportunity to cover all sorts of UofL sports and take pictures at these events, whether outside in the cold and rain, or hot sunny day, or somewhere indoors.

I'm also glad to share the opportunity with these knuckleheads here at Cardinal Couple!

What are YOU thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving and Go Cards!

Jared

HAPPY THANKSGIVING-- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

No article today here at the CARDINAL COUPLE. We traditionally give the fingers a rest on Thanksgiving and Christmas unless something HUGE has happened. We'll see ya on Black Friday.  

From all of us at Cardinal Couple, a very happy Thanksgiving to all! 

We hope your day is filled with friends, family and good food. Take sometime to think of those not as fortunate as you and do something to help make their world and lives a little easier. 

Paulie
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING! -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

From all of us at CARDINAL COUPLE to all of you, Happy Thanksgiving wishes and we'll return to these pages on
                                           Friday 



--  Paulie, Sonya, Jeff, Case, Jared and Julie

HAPPY THANKSGIVING -- Thursday Cardinal Couple

              From all of us to all of you...we wish you a Happy       
                                          Thanksgiving

We will be back tomorrow with the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports and a preview of the UofL vs. UK football game.

paulie
xxxxx                                       

Thankful -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WE ARE THANKFUL

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, we take time to recollect and reminisce the things we are thankful for. We are thankful for these things each and every day and try to be good stewards of the many things we are a part of and have thanks for here at CARDINAL COUPLE and THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR. We wish you a wonderful holiday, safe travels if your headed to visit with relatives or friends and hope that you are able to enjoy your time. Like me, you may eat a bit too much...it is, of course, in loving respect and tribute to those who prepared the feast. 

We are thankful for so very much. 

We're fortunate to have an athletic program to follow each day that is never boring, quite successful and works so free and easy with us. Sometimes, in the "slow" months of summer...when there is not a lot of sports activity going on for the Cardinals...we may tease that "absolutely nothing happened" in the world of UofL women's sports...but that is far from true. Student-athletes are preparing themselves for the games that lay ahead. Coaches are working on strategies, recruiting future Cardinal and the staffs and administrations of these sports are busy planning and consulting on the games and events that lay ahead. 

We thank all of them for making possible the activities we delight in. 

The school. As we cover the joy and excitement of UofL athletics, we would be remiss in saying what we do is just go to events, watch them and write or talk about what we see. There is so much more to it than that. The information provided to us by the various sports information departments, Athletic directors and staffers. The access to players and coaches for interviews and accessibility to press areas and timely responses to questions and requests we have. We love the UofL campus layout and the wonderful arenas, fields and venues to watch Cardinal Athletics. It is such a far cry from my undergraduate days there...a sleepy, little campus that had Crawford Gym, Parkway Field and a patch of grass used for everything from field hockey, soccer to intra-murals and fraternity parties...and not much else. 

We are thankful for those who are prepared to help us inform and for those who had the vision to create the places we love to go. 

The athletes...ah, yes...the brave and gallant warriors who go out and create the news we report. The multitudes of emotions, feelings and reactions we have been privy to over the years sometimes stuns me. Ranging from absolute ecstasy and stunned response from major victories to the utter disbelief and shocked disappointment from near-misses and losses. All of it, never planned or organized...but created by circumstance and events. Seeing efforts of almost super-human strength, skill and desire from college kids...rejoicing when they are successful and lamenting when they fall short. 

We give thanks to the young men and women for striving to win and the efforts and training...successful or not...that they provide for school, squad and fans.

The coaches. Such a wide and vast array of personalities, styles, strategies and emotions. So fortunate are we to have access to them and the opportunity to discuss their squads, their hopes, their successes and failures. We have had the fantastic opportunity to interview some top-notch and heroic people. We have received those middle-of-the-night, early morning and afternoon phone calls which enlighten us, sometimes take us to task and occasionally...someone just reaching out to see how we were doing and to offer assistance. We are grateful and we are always here to portray you in the best possible and positive light. 

We cannot think of a better coaching community to cover and communicate with and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for letting us portray them in a human, caring, sometimes frank and critical...but always "real" and heartfelt light. 

Crescent Hill Radio. Several years ago, I embarked upon a theory that a radio show about the joy and excitement of UofL women's sport might have a niche in this town somewhere. I knew right after talking with station owner Kathy Weisbach that WCHQ and Crescent Hill Radio was the place for this to happen...and they graciously put us on the air. She and the staff, D.J.'s and colorful characters associates with this non-profit, community radio station have been there for us every step of the way...and without their backing, encouragement and planning...none of this could been as fun and successful.

Thank you, Crescent Hill...for giving us the access to pontificate our passion.   

My compatriots in crime. I feel that I am one of the luckiest guys around to have...and to have had...such wonderful associates and friends to do CARDINAL COUPLE with. Like me, they do what they do for love of sport. To see what this little website has grown into makes me all that much more thankful that they have walked down, at times, a rocky and challenging...but never discouraging path in our quest to discuss and report on UofL athletics.

Whether it's the almost daily interaction with Case or Jeff, the contact and communication of other sports and media journalists or the mentors who helped turn me into a actual writer...those who were with us in the early days. Those wonderful guests and occasional appearances on radio with us. It is hard to believe that I know so many wonderful, intelligent and insightful people. (You'd think some of it might rub off on me, right?)  From the beginnings...with Jenny, Sandy, Mark "The Commish" and Jeff. Today...with Case and Jeff. The wonderful "members of the Club"...Sam, Paige and Jared who have brightened our broadcasts and given us such intelligent and fun insights and commentary.  

Thank you. You know what you mean to me...to us.

My wife. The co-founder of CARDINAL COUPLE with me and early writer, Sonja chose to concentrate on the things that don't grab headlines or bylines. The administrative tasks...seeing the bills get paid, the advertisers are in line and the thank you cards get sent. When someone para-sails, someone else drives the boat...and that is her. Her love for women's basketball and dis-satisfaction that there wasn't enough coverage of it (and other women's sports) out there led to the formation of CARDINAL COUPLE. 

She's my best friend, my soulmate and one love and my guiding light. I can never thank her enough for what she means to me and what she is.  

Our readers and listeners. YOU ARE CARDINAL COUPLE and we never forget that. You give us your ideas, thoughts, comments, criticisms, donations and you inspire us each and every day to put out the best article or radio we can. The wonderful friendships we have made, the kind and thoughtful cards, e-mails, messages and conversations we receive and take part in...it still gives me an immense feeling of thankfulness and a bit of "aw-shucks, did I do that" when one of you mentions a column, a broadcast or engages me in conversation.

YOU ARE CARDINAL COUPLE. We thank you for that and appreciate everything you do. You've stepped up to the plate in so many ways. We wouldn't be here without you. We look forward to many more days with you and the many things to come. We are thankful for you and what we have. We are thankful that we have the chance to "give back" as well. 

All in all, not a bad ride for the "knucklehead" from Fern Creek that surmised maybe someone out there might be interested in reading about UofL women's sports from a non-mainstream media source. Maybe people would like news every day about some aspect of women's sports at UofL. It turns out, they did. It is hard to believe, at times, that we've been at this for as long as we have. Even more incredible is the aspect of it never getting tedious, a chore or "something I have to do." Love of game, participants and program make this a very easy thing.

My mom and dad never got to see this effort or hear our radio show. I like to think they would have liked it. 

Now...we also talk football and a couple of other men's sports....we've come to realize that you enjoy those also and want to hear or read our take on them. We see these guys cheering on the women. We see the women's at the guys' events cheering them on. We're proud of them, as well. Our main focal point here at the site and on radio will always be about the joy and excitement of Louisville women's sports -- but, adding a little dressing to our plate full of turkey -- and covering the Lamarvelous Jackson's, Petrino's and Pitino's out there...yeah, we're good with that. 

We're here for you and happy to oblige. Got something to say, something you'd like us to cover or address? Need more chimp photos? Let us know. You are CARDINAL COUPLE.  We are thankful. Always have been and always will be.  



Happy Thanksgiving...

paulie, sonja (and the guys)


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ACTION TONIGHT AT THE YUM

Louisville Volleyball starts their final home-stand of the year with a 7 p.m. match against Syracuse down at the KFC YUM Center. The Cards (10-18, 5-13) are coming off a road win at Clemson. Syracuse has lost their last four matches and is 6-12 in the ACC. 


The two met earlier this year in Syracuse...the Orange taking a 5 set win. It also marks the return of former UofL head coach Leonid Yelin to town. 

It could be a fun pre-Thanksgiving for you and your family/friends! C'mon down to the river tonight!



   

HAPPY THANKSGIVING -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

                 HAPPY THANKSGIVING

From all of us at CARDINAL COUPLE, Happy Thanksgiving!

We'll return to the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports tomorrow. Be thankful for what you've got.

BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU"VE GOT

Happy Thanksgiving! -- Thursday Cardinal Couple

From the staff and management at CARDINAL COUPLE...

                         Happy Thanksgiving ! 

We'll see you Friday with the preview of the Louisville v. Lafayette WBB contest.

paulie
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Happy Thanksgiving!

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THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

We wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all our CARDINAL COUPLE readers!

CARDS DOWN GONZAGA, ADVANCE TO FINALS

Shoni Schimmel and Megan Deines led the Cards to a Thanksgiving eve 55-42 win over Gonzaga Wednesday night in the Hardwood Tournament of Hope in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Louisville got seven of their first eleven points from the freshman wing Deines...part of her 16, which tied her with Shoni for game high for the Cards.

Louisville took a 29-21 lead into the locker room at the half, but saw the Zags narrow the margin to 44-40 with eight minutes remaining. That's when the Cards defense went to work and allowed only one Zags score the rest of the way...the Cards going on a 11-2 run to finish the game.

It was a far departure from the past three Cardinal games...where Louisville registered 90+ points...but defense got it done and Louisville advances to the finals of the Hardwood for Hope Tournament to face Oregon State. With the win, Louisville goes to 5-0 on the season, the best start for the Cards since the 2006-07 season...when they won their first fifteen games.  

 A great job on the defense. The Cards deserve their turkey tomorrow and we're thankful for the win!!

Have a great Thanksgiving, CARDINAL COUPLE readers!

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U Can't stuff this

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We hope your Thanksgiving holiday is great and WE'LL see you Friday. WE appreciate all our great readers and are very thankful for you checking out CARDINAL COUPLE. As a fan voice for Cardinal Women's Athletics, we try to never forget that it's YOU who make CARDINAL COUPLE. We promise to provide you the best coverage we can on Cardinal Women's sports. WE'RE excited about this weekend and hope the LADY CARDS do well in Florida, that the Volleyball team gets a great seed in the NCAA Tournament and wish all the hard-working atheletes that don the Cardinal uniforms the best of successes and healthy bodies to compete and grow.

From Paul, Sonja, David, Jenny, Sandra, Donnie, Bill the Goat, Tommy Boy, Felton John, Poobah, Cletus, Co-Co and La-La...HAPPY THANKSGIVING and GO CARDS!

We offer this story for you today from a reader who tells us about a very special Thanksgiving memory and the aspects of giving.

It was a couple of days before Thanksgiving many years back, and most of the students/frat brothers were making plans to go home for the holidays. Since I was local, it was no big deal for me. Just hop in the car, make the 20 minute drive and I was there.

I saw the building's custodian early that morning and we chatted for awhile. I asked him about his Thanksgiving plans and he told me was going to the downtown Walgreens to have his dinner. Back then, some of them still had luncheonette counters. I asked why he didn't spend time with his family and he point-blank told me

"I don't have any family."

He went on to explain that his parents had been dead for some time, he had been an only child and he hadn't kept up with his dad's brother or mother's brother in years.

I thought about that as I got ready to go sit down with my family for Thanksgiving. How lucky I was to be able to share it with my family. That I wasn't alone in the world.

I made a slight detour before heading out to my parents' house. Went to the Walgreens. Asked the counter waitress if she knew the custodian. She did. I gave her some cash, enough to pay for his dinner, a piece of pie and a tip for her. I asked her not to tell him who did this. She was touched. She promised she wouldn't .

I graduated that next spring, went out of town for a few years on my first job, but made it back down to the frat house for a football homecoming party and asked about the custodian. I was told he had died of a heart attack two years earlier, while on the job. I remembered his lack of family situation and wondered aloud who buried him.

The young man I was talking to said..."We did. He'd do this big deal for us each year...hang Christmas stockings on our doors for us and we'd find them after we returned from Christmas break. Candy, snacks, and gift certificates to Walgreens. So, when we found out he didn't have anybody, we realized that he had US and we took up a collection, talked to a local funeral home who gave us a pretty good rate and we took care of it. Funny, we were the only ones at the viewing except for this lady who showed up late. She was a waitress. She said she knew him from Walgreens. We were just going to have him cremated but she tells us she has these couple of graveyard plots and she'd give one up for him to be buried there. Tells us that she'd been in love with him for years but she was too shy and unconfident to tell him. Tells us that she'd like him to rest next to her when she eventually died. She had enjoyed him coming in most afternoons for lunch and that he had asked her a week before he died if maybe she'd consider going to a movie with him. They never got to do that, but it meant to her that maybe her love wasn't unrequieted."

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving season, remember those less fortunate than you and do what you can. Sometimes, it can set off a wonderful chain of responses.

(Author's name withheld by request)
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