Celebrate Mikita's off-the-ice achievements, too

The article by John Dietz reflecting on the life of Stan Mikita was tremendous. I grew up with Stan and Bobby (Hull) and the successful years of the Blackhawks. That was an era when professional athletes spent their entire careers with one team. Stan spent all 22 years in a Blackhawk uniform.

The article highlighted Stan's achievements on the ice, and rightfully so. He was a great hockey player, but what really caught my attention was the fact the he and Jill were married for 55 years, that he was great husband, father and grandfather. His "off the ice" achievements should also be a valued accomplishment.

The family is the most important of all institutions and the foundation on which all else is built. Foundations are key to a stable building, organization and family. Over the years, families have fallen apart and their foundations have crumbled. Broken families lead to broken communities and ultimately to broken Nations.

We constantly talk about improving America's infrastructure. Maybe we should give more attention in helping to build and repair the foundations of our families. This would go a long way in resolving many of America's problems.

Yes, Stan Mikita was an example of a great athlete and a great family man. Remember, each of us are leaving a legacy. What will you and I leave behind for the next generation?

Fred Dryden

Huntley