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by PAM
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| Thank you...and farewell. |
My favorite part? The Sports scene, of course!
Uhm-hmm, I'm all shallow like that! Whatever! 'Cause who could forget the "Nofael Djodal" showdown in the men's final at the Aussie Open in January, and the "Return of the King" on the green, greem grass of Wimbledon in June? Those were definitely for the history books - too AWESOME! La Roja didn't disappoint either in the European Cup 2012. The beautiful Spanish conquistadores left the world in awe by how breathtaking they were playing the 'beautiful game', taking home the Cup for the second time in a row. This, while they hold the World Cup, which they won in South Africa in 2010. The London Summer Games was superb... so full of surprises - wonderful surprises all - from the opening to the closing ceremony, and especially the games in between. The world was posing the "Bolt Lightning" pose to celebrate the return to form of the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt... and the "Mo pose" to celebrate the incredible success of Mo Farah, who inpsired Team GB to an unprecedented medal haul. Heck, it even made the usually emotional mess Andy Murray to steady his nerves to beat Roger Federer to the men's gold medal in tennis! And, while Missy Franklin was the most beautiful Champ of a creature to watch in the Olympic swimming pool in London, who can forget how the most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps, showed the kind of stuff that CHAMPIONS are made of in the Olympic swimming pool? AWESOMENESS, definitely awesomeness!! And in a way that only the powerful MP can illustrate, too. Whew!
It was also incredible to watch the down-to-earth Bubba Watson not being able to hold back tears as he wore the green jacket in Augusta... even if I am not a fan of golf - yet. Of course, it was tragic to watch Lance Armstrong get stripped of his Tour de France titles... but, it wasn't as if we didn't see it coming. Even Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao collected his share of loses this year... but he remains the Philippines' "People's Champ", so I guess it doesn't really matter - much.
Yep, victory and failure... we always see contrasting pictures from the opposite ends of the sporting arena. And yet, the feeling is the same for the fans of the game - exhilaration. Just seeing the sheer beauty of courage, determination, discipline and the will to win... all the incredible ingredients of sportsmanship, and the awesome distillation of the human spirit in its purest kind, while providing entertainment and fun... nothing ever beats that for me. I'd go for it anytime! :) Shallow... I already said I am, right? At least, I am not a greedy politician... gosh, knock on wood! ;)
Huh? Hmmm... ahem, did somebody mention 'engineering innovation'? Aaww! In that case, I'm taking my word back! Forget shallow! ;)
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Seriously now...
More than anything else... thanks, 2012, for the gift of family - the one true source of unending and unconditional love in this life, an abundance of understanding and deep joy for better or worse, warmth and nurturing care especially in times when these are badly needed. All things and God's gifts are meaningful because of family.
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| Family... the one true rock, upon which God's promise of joyful life is fulfilled. |
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