The End of an Era

It's been a few days since the news broke that Brett Favre is retiring. I've thought about how I can possibly pay tribute to him and his career in my blog. I really don't know how to do that. I think that there are some people around me who can't possibly understand why this is such a big deal to me. They don't understand why my eyes are a bit puffy today after shedding some tears during his news conference yesterday. They don't understand why I've been a bit down this week. I also think there are those around me who completely and totally understand. They've been a little down this week themselves. While I didn't know him personally, he's been a part of my life for 16 years. I was 12 years old and in 8th grade that day he went into the game for the injured Don Majkowski. 12 years old! I'm now nearly 29 with a husband, son, home, career, etc. Crazy. And although I don't know him personally, I feel like I do. He was, and still is, so down to earth. He was always real. He wasn't afraid to show his emotions. He struggled like everyday people do; with addictions, marriage issues, cancer affecting loved ones, tragic and untimely deaths of loved ones. And through it all, he played the game with a child-like enthusiasm and a smile that was completely contagious. Ross and I had a conversation last night about how Noah won't know Brett Favre; he'll only hear about him through us. We'll show him pictures, and he'll see footage of Brett, just as Ross and I and others of my generation saw grainy footage of the great Bart Starr. You better believe we'll represent. I feel extremely lucky to have been able to witness Brett's whole career in Green Bay. You'll be missed in a big way by this fan, Brett. Way to go out on top. It's been a hell of a ride.