Hello, Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans. Last Sunday morning and I was in Boston to soak up the frenzy that was the GOAT bowl. Yes, the mighty Buc was on BahStun. I went to the 10 am Sunday Mass at St. Gregory’s church with father Jack Ahern presiding. I said my prayers and asked for a Buccaneer blowout. Well, a win by at least 20 points. I then went to my favorite breakfast cafe. The Sweet Life. There my buddy, the most avid Buccaneer fan in Boston, Stevic Mac works. The cafe was buzzing with the energy of the upcoming GOAT Bowl. 75% of the patrons were Tom Brady fans and therefore Buc fans. Stevie tells me that Giselle and the kids were in town and seen at an eatery in Quincy, Ma about 3 miles away. Anticipation for the game is over the top. Halfway through my meal, the energy level of the cafe jumps up ten notches. The first family of Football had arrived. Tom Brady Sr, his wife Galen, and his three daughters Maureen, Julie, and Nancy have graced the place. The Brady’s had been known to drop in the Sweet Life. Especially during playoff games. They were quiet and unassuming of attention. At the Sweet life. They could enjoy the food and not be annoyed by lines of people annoying them. Native Bostonians have a ‘so what, let them eat in peace’ attitude’ when it comes to celebrities. Besides they expected it to last forever. They never suspected one day Tom would be gone. So now it was different. If ever one was going to convey their feelings of gratitude for Tom and his family. It had to be now. Tom is a Tampa Bay Buccaneer now. He ain’t coming back.
I made my way over to the table and introduced myself to his father. Tom Brady Sr is a burly man with a strong grip for a handshake. He invited me to sit down as he received a phone call. So I sat and found myself amidst Tom Brady’s three beautiful sisters. Maureen, Julie, and Nancy. So I asked them about a story I had heard. That they used to dominate him athletically. Julie laughed but didn’t deny it. Nancy tried to massage it away by saying “Well, we were very competitive” I could see the story was true. That out of respect for Tom they didn’t want to expound upon it. So I let it go. At about this time Tom Sr got off the phone. I told him that I had seen him at the restaurant before. But at this time I wanted to express how grateful I was for him producing such a fine son. Because I may not ever get another chance to do so. I told him I had met Tom a couple of times. That I had even caught a couple of footballs thrown by him at a charity event. I told him that what had impressed me about Tom Jr. was he was so respectful of everyone. For a guy who accomplished so much. He treated every one, young or old, like they were special. I told him that from what I could tell the people of New England were angry. That they blamed Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft for Toms’s departure. They had turned on the Patriot franchise and wanted the Bucs to win. Tom Sr. took the high road. He basically said ‘it is what it is’. Tom replied that they were “happy to have met so many people and made so many friends in the New England area”. That they are “grateful for everything that happened to Tom and were glad for the opportunity to return for this game”. Tom Sr. displayed grace concerning the situation when he did not have to. Just like his son. At this time Galen, Tom Sr.’s wife had returned from the restroom. I introduced myself to her. Her warm blue eyes sparkled. She has a reserved verve about her. The family was gathering. There were even grandchildren about. So I thought it best to get out of their way before their food came. I took a couple of pictures with them and a couple of pictures of them with Stevie Mac. They were enthusiastic and took humor in it. They turned out to be much more exciting than the game. A game that Tampa bay won.
Tom Brady Jr came from humble beginnings. His family like every family has had its up and down. His story is an inspiration to everyone of every age, gender, or race. Aim to be the best you can be. When everyone counts you out. Count yourself in. Work harder, study longer. Believe in yourself and in the universal laws of nature. You will get what you give.