March Madness: A Bracket for My Son

48-Hour Monday came right behind Selection Sunday--and you weren't here for either.
So to avoid the fear that squeezed my heart with a death-grip, I filled out a bracket in your name. They put them on CBSsportsline now; a far cry from our dining room table.
I stalked the memories of my mind, trying to remember your favorite teams: Xavier, UConn, Holy Cross, Duke.
Seton Hall didn't make it.
(Dear God, I hope you do.)
March Madness

I tried to get inside your head as I remembered the debates you had with your brothers...who had the inside game, the double-doubles, rebounds and 3-point stats.
Like I fool, I took those days for granted.
I got stuck on Xavier vs. Maryland.
Which seems so silly when you're stuck on America vs. Iraq
March Madness

They almost canceled the tournament because of the war; to some, it didn't seem right to be playing.
So again, I try to get inside your head. I think you'd want them to play--to show the world what Freedom is.
CBS is hedging their bets. They may cover the war instead. I guess it depends on the ratings.
March Madness

Like a junkie, I swear off listening to the news, then creep to my car on the hour to get my fix: "Around the clock, around the world.
News talk 590--Voice of the Ducks". And now we go live to CBS for the latest from Iraq....
March Madness

When in doubt, I go for the underdog, because that's what you'd do.
I close my eyes and see you when you were 10, on the floor of Mac Court, wiping up the sweat, awed by the players.
How proud you were to be a Moppet for the Ducks.
I picture you now, in your uniform....solemn, stern, determined. How proud you are to be a soldier.
March Madness

I heard there were people camping out in lines, waiting to get tickets for the games.
And then I heard that there were soldiers in telephone lines in Iraq...waiting to make a call--just to hear the voice of their loved ones one more time.
March Madness

I took the Ducks to the Sweet 16, then took Kentucky all the way. I hope that's what you'd want.
Now the offense is set. The clock is ticking--no time-outs.
It's show time. Let the games begin.
March Madness