Thanks to the generosity and history-making success of the classiest professional sports organization we know, we’re in the middle of a glorious, 10-day hobnob.
The Packers invited Hall of Fame inductees, and members of the first Super Bowl team, to a reunion this week and, because that’s the way they roll, they’ve included wives of the deceased players.
My sister Kathy and I are sharing plus one duties as my mom catches up with friends she and my dad made during the Glory Years, and maintained through the 50 years since.
We found Ruth Pitts in the hotel parking lot, cheerfully overseeing the repair of a car she rented when her flight to Chicago was delayed. In looks, personality and ability to navigate life, Ruth has not changed at all since she and my mom were rookie wives together in 1961.
Marv Fleming, owner of five Super Bowl rings, also has not changed much since his playing days. We go way back as he used to drive me to nursery school when we all lived in Green Bay. He also rented our house during the season my dad played for the Baltimore Colts.
Kathy and I both enjoy our roles as picture taker and fashion choice assurer at these occasions, and neither one of us takes for granted the super cool moments we get to experience as such.
I chatted for a while with Barbara and Forrest Gregg and thought, as one of the greatest athletes to ever play football gamely leaned in to take a selfie with me, how much my dad would have loved this.
Tonight my mom and I will attend a private tour of the Packer Hall of Fame, Saturday night Kathy and my mom will enjoy a gala reception in honor of the first Super Bowl team, and Monday I will accompany my mom to a tailgate party and the game.
Consider this a big ole thank you from all of us to the Packer organization and to the talented men who inspired these celebrations.
Go Pack Go!
