A TRIBUTE TO MY DAD: David F. Bedner
My father is the main reason why I am such a big NY Giants fan. When I was 7 years old I remember asking my dad, “who’s your favorite football team dad“, he said, “the NY Giants.” Of course my natural reply was, “me too.” Ever since then I was hooked. It was 1979, so, I grew up watching Phil Simms, Harry Carson, Lawrence Taylor, Rob Carpenter, Ernest Gray, and all the other great Giants of the past. Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to wait 20 years like my dad did to see the Giants win their first Super Bowl.
On Saturday, 9 February 2008 my dad passed away after an 18 month battle with lung cancer. Although his passing was hard on our family, the stories told and sweet memories relived were enough to take the pain away. My dad was a great man and an even greater father. But what I will always remember is his passion for the game and his beloved NY Giants.
I can remember many Sunday’s where my dad would settle in his usual seat in the house and indulge in his traditional snack: beer and peanuts. Even though I did not inherit his traditional snack time, I did however become heir to his passion for the game. Whether it be yelling at the referees through the television or screaming with joy after a solid touchdown drive, my enthusiasm for the game and my Giants are forever injected into my soul thanks to my dad.
Dad: Thanks for teaching me the nuances of the game so I can pass them down to my boys just as your dad passed them to you. From gripping the ball correctly to the fundamentals of tackling to the explanation of a 4-3 defense and on and on. Watching the Giants from now on will have more meaning and when they make a big play or score the winning touchdown, you can bet I’ll be picking up my kids just as you picked up me and my sister, jumping up and down cheering and making noise. Those are the wonderful moments I had with you growing up as a kid while watching football and will certainly be remembered and relived for years to come.
…I love you Dad…Go Big Blue!
Yes, it is true that your Dad was a great man. Yes it is true he shared his love of the game with you and your sister along with other passions and yes, it is true that we will hold dear to us our happy times and memories we have that we shared with him. This will keep his memory alive and well always. Just remember when you are watching the Giants (or even the Yankees) play, I am sure that he will be right by your side yelling with excitement and still lifting you up. Yes, your father had a true love for the game, but he had even a deeper love for you and your sister. This was a very nice tribute to your father and I am sure he is smiling at you now with the pride he has always had for you. Good job son.
Love, Mom
I am sorry for your loss, it seems you had such a wonderful father.
I’m sorry for your loss. I hope your dad was was able to appreciate the Giants’ win in the SuperBowl. They were underdogs who were not expected to win, yet they pulled it off.
You have my sympathies. I lost my mother on the 14th to the same thing, and I know how hard it has been for me. I am hopeful that I’ll smile about the good times later, when the wounds aren’t so fresh.