Two Chicago Grabowskis: Doug Buffone And Cardinal George
The Daily Herald's editorial about the legacy of cardinal George made me think about spiritual strength, and the death of Doug Buffone last week reinforced my thoughts.
I grew up with Bears football and the likes of Doug Buffone. I grew up "blue collar," the son of a humble construction worker, and when it came down to imparting values, Dad said: "Be about hard work. Keep your nose clean. Keep your mouth shut and do your job. And do your assigned job - especially when nobody is looking. Do the job you are fortunate to have been given AND DO IT to the BEST of your ability, and don't be looking for credit or a pat on the back ... Be like those Chicago Bears who try to live up to be,Grabowskis."
This week two individuals that seem to fit that "Grabowski" role model description have passed from this life - two very popular and very public figures admired for different reasons, yet the same, Doug Buffone and Cardinal Francis George.
Buffone was what Bears fans used to call a real, true-blue "Grabowski." That meant aspiring to give it all and more. Bears players like Doug Buffone were more, bigger than life.
Ya wanna know why? Because with relatively low pay, it was everything for them to play for pride, you know. give it all and more.
Conviction.
Pain and suffering aside, that is the price for stardom. That is what little kids look up to.
Give your all.
Thanks, Doug and Dad, for explaining and more importantly living and showing us some life goals played out.
Today, when it comes down to seeking role models and finding people who give their all, I see people like Francis Cardinal George and Doug Buffone. They are both Grabowski-tough, an
d both lived up to what my dad talked about.
They were ethical and worked hard at what they did.
Cardinal George and Buffone each took a beating many times, and turned the other cheek and came back for more.
Cardinal George took many bruises when people would call him a "holy hypocrite" in not being able to measure up. Many beat him up as he did not always, say the right things that are popular about today's versions of marriage or birth control or other matters.
They both stood firm and tough.
Doug Buffone and Cardinal George took a stand.
They had courage. Cardinal George fought his polio and never asked for pity or a favor because of his disability.
He had a big job to do, was proud of his ability to do it and never wavered.
To be clear, I cannot live up to those ethics, I fall way short.
This week the reports of the Cincinnati manager and his 70 bleep-bleep rant made me wonder if he would qualify as a "Grabowski" like Buffone and the Cardinal?" I watched in amazement as he seemed to crumple under pressure.
No, I could never be a linebacker, or a Cardinal, or a baseball manager. I am just a Grabowski admirer taking a moment to pay tribute and say thanks Buffone and Cardinal George.
You inspire me.
Don Grossnickle is a Catholic deacon from Arlington Heights and co-founder of the Gridiron Alliance, an organization dedicated to support of athletes who suffer catastrophic injuries.