With Thanksgiving upon us, I wanted to share a story and column I wrote

I published a story on Jack Madden a 6th grader at Community House Middle school this week in my paper. Jack had been the rock his mother needed as she fought Breast Cancer. His commitment to him Mom was and remains amazing

Here is a link to that story.

http://southcharlottesports.com/news/2008/11november/112101-1.html


After listening to his words, I also came up with a column that I think some of you may relate to and enjoy

SOMETIMES IT'S OK TO CRY
By Tripp Roakes, South Charlotte Sports Report


This past week I was touched by the words of Community House Middle School Sixth Grader Jack Madden. As you read on our front page, Jack's mother went through a very tough fight with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Jack was her rock, her best friend and her key to beating the disease. Jack said to me, "It's ok for guys to cry." Those words really hit home with me. I agree 110% with Jack, It is ok for guys, and girls to cry.


It's ok for a Dad to cry when he watches his son play the final high school game of his career.


It's ok for a Mom to cry when she watches her young daughter dance across the stage at her first dance recital.


It's ok for a Boy to cry when he watches his parent's go through a rough time in life.


It's ok for a Girl to cry when she doesn't make the school's Dance Team.


It's ok for a Dad to cry when he drops his son off for the first day of Kindergarten.


It's ok for a Mom to cry when she get's her son's first report card and its all perfect scores.


It's ok for a Boy to cry when he hears the words that his Dad has just passed away.


It's ok for a Girl to cry when she misses a game winning shot in a basketball game.


It's ok for a Dad to cry when he kisses his son good night and reflects on the baseball hit his son had an hour earlier.


It's ok for a Mom to cry when she hears she has Cancer and her first thought is her children.


It's ok for a Boy to cry when his parent's drop him off at college and kiss him goodbye.


It's ok for a Girl to cry when her first boyfriend breaks up with her for a silly reason.




Crying is very healthy, its an expression of your emotions. Life is very tough, sometimes you hit the breaking point where all you can do is cry. Crying can be for something good or bad. No matter what it is, just listen to the words of Jack Madden; "It's ok for a Guy to Cry."

 

Great Post. Well written.

I'm sure there are many more to add, but I will throw this one in: It's ok for a Dad to cry when he hears the doctor say "It's a boy/girl."

 

Thanks

Thanks so much for this story. At this time of year it always helps to have someone remind us that no matter how bad things in our life seem, there is always someone going through something worse. And we all have things/people we should be thankful for.
I found this quote today for our school website that I thought was appropriate for the holidays:

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

Hug the ones you love and let them know you are grateful for them in your life

PS.
I cried after the last high school football game a couple weeks ago.

 

Great story Tripp---thanks for sharing

It's okay to cry when your son receives his drivers license

 

I love it...

Braves....you are a trip! I ask all of my clients who have just turned 16 to let me know when they will be on the road........So, i can get off the road!