A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARK HERZLICH
One year ago today, as I do every year on September 1st, I called and wished Mark Herzlich a happy birthday. He picked up on the first ring and we had an upbeat conversation full of inspiration and congratulations on another year past. Mark was determined as ever and was convinced that he would beat the cancer that kept him out for that upcoming season. We joked about which hat he would make signature throughout the chemo process and I urged him to stay away from the Colin Farrell knit cap. Which I’m happy to say he did. We left the call with our now ever present “Stay Up!”, and he rushed off as he needed to get back to the practice that he was now coaching.
But this year was a little different.
My mind raced as I flipped through my recent calls list and tracked down the alias that I’ve chosen for Mark on my phone, a childhood joke that no one would remember but us. As the number dialed and began ringing I thought back to what a year it’s been for Mark and his family. Not only has he beaten cancer but he has helped raise over a quarter of a million dollars for cancer research and has touched so many lives with his story. He has received awards. He has hosted golf tournaments. He has intercepted Tom Brady passes. He has even thrown out the first pitch at a Red Sox game. The phone continues to ring.
Recently Mark’s return to practice has been delayed by a broken foot which had skeptics contemplating his return. But Mark returned to practice this week in full pads and looks more ready to go than ever. The phone stops ringing but before I can start to sing the happy birthday song a woman’s voice on the other end warns me that “The mailbox associated with this number is full.” Well…
Mark, Happy Birthday! Stay Up! And I’ll see you on September 4th at Alumni Stadium. On the field. Hitting people.
Go Eagles!
September 1st, 2010
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