Inspiration, Determination and Hockey

What might the first two possibly have to do with hockey? Almost everything, plus a whole lot more minus the fighting. Just recently my beloved NY Rangers made a valiant bid for the NHL Championship; I've been a fan since I was a little girl. During the Stanley Cup rally, I kept thinking back to the 1980 Olympics when the USA team did the impossible and beat the Soviet Ice Hockey team (our Rangers have only won twice in close to 90 years; no one ever thinks we'll win) and I'm *just* barely old enough to remember that moment in time. It was more exciting for everyone, I think, than when they went on to win the Gold medal. That team proved the impossible WAS possible and that is the thought that I love to remember. The team coach, Herb Brooks, had been a member of the 1960 Mens US Hockey Team but he never got to play. A victory for him came 20 years later; what he did with those players was remarkable, and their willingness to follow him was true faith and determination. When the buzzer rang and the players celebrated, Herb did NOT walk onto the ice, though he rightly could have. He walked out into the back hall of the arena, perhaps overwhelmed with emotions of what he had finally accomplished, yet not wanting to take anything from the players. An example of quiet humility during a moment of greatness.

Not many of us will win Olympic medals but many of us will have opportunities for personal greatness if we can let ourselves be inspired, work hard and believe that anything is possible. The often repeated "there is no "i" in team" is worth remembering even when working on one's own projects because you will always need the help of others to get to where it is you want to be, achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams. As long as YOU believe, and you do not give up, anything is possible. If you've never seen that iconic game, I recommend doing so. Afterwards, see the film "Miracle" (title coming from the unforgettable phrase by the great sports broadcaster Al Michaels, who as the clock counted down asked "Do you believe in miracles?" when the USA won that special day. I double-dog dare you not to get a bit weepy when you watch BOTH! And please, do believe in your dreams. They do come true.