First Responder Cookout

everyone had what he had. Always smiling and never a sense of negative emotion at any time.

He was seemingly awestruck to be on the sidelines for the Howe Bulldogs. He reveled in his opportunity to bring water to us or a towel or whatever his players needed. He was on the sidelines with the whole town cheering and the Friday night lights on and the band playing. The 12-year-old Moondog was living his dream of being on the sidelines for the Bulldogs.

His brother-in-law Tony McLain was a teammate of mine my sophomore year when we when three rounds deep in the Texas High School football playoffs and Moondog was well aware of mine and Tony’s friendship. Each time I saw him, from the first time I got to know him 30 years ago, he would always say, “Have you talked to Tony lately?” And I mean every time.

From that point on, he was with the Bulldogs for much of his adult life. I moved on to broadcast Sherman, Denison, and McKinney games on radio before coming back to Howe where I wanted my son to go to school. Coming home was like I had never left. Still in the press box was Norman Dickey and Leon Thornhill. On the sidelines were Coach Simmons, Ricky Aike and Moondog.

While the Bulldogs have looked much improved this year, it has been a devastating year for the sidelines and the press box. I’m not sure there’s room on the helmet for any more decals for fallen members of the Bulldog family.

But the things we can learn from Moondog are this:

1. Be awestruck at things you love. 2. If you have a setback, just shake your head, smile, and keep going without saying anything negative. 3. When you see someone on the street that you know, it’s okay to let them know that you’re really happy to see them and to wave at them by reaching for the sky. 4. Take time to enjoy parades, festivals, and things that make you happy. 5. Love people.

And Moondog, I didn’t talk to Tony enough. I saw him Saturday as we celebrated you and all you brought all of us. But I need to talk to him more. I know.

I’ll always be able to see your smile and passion for your Dogs.

Middle School Students Council cooks out for First Responders

Friday lunch was hot dogs and hamburgers for police and fire.