Adventures on I-40 and Among the Stars

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. If you happen to be driving past Pancake Flats and don’t see me, it’s because My First Wife and I are headed for Amarillo, Texas, for a lapful of grandkids. Enjoy your feast and your family.

And then for your holiday reading pleasure…
I want to tip my hat to Emmitt Smith, a former professional football star. He and his trainer/dance partner, Cheryl Burk, recently won a TV contest called Dancing with the Stars. Even though I never watched the show, I was rooting for Emmitt all the way. (I kept up via Yahoo!) Oh, and congratulations to Cheryl, too.

I am neither a fan of that show nor of professional football. However, I am a fan of Emmitt Smith. I “got to know him” when my family and I lived in Dallas. Here’s 22 reasons why I like Emmitt Smith.

1. Emmitt Smith is a faithful husband and a dependable father.
2. He has a world-class work ethic.
3. Emmitt Smith is a man of integrity.

4. He has a generous heart for those less-privileged than himself.
5. Emmitt Smith is an astute business man.
6. He is a trustworthy man.
7. Emmitt Smith is a humble man.
8. He has vision.
9. Emmitt Smith has a special, untouchable will to win.
10. Emmitt Smith has a special, untouchable sense of graciousness.
11. He promised his mother he’d earn his college degree. And he did, even though he was already a big-money football star.
12. I once saw Emmitt Smith—with a separated shoulder—reach up and snatch a first-down pass. He should have been on the sidelines, but his sacrificial attitude, and that painful catch, propelled his team on to the Super Bowl.
13. Emmitt Smith is an unselfish team player.
14. I admire Emmitt Smith because he gives back to the communities that supported his drive to the mountaintop(s). Pensacola, Florida; the University of Florida; Dallas, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona.
    
15. I admire Emmitt Smith because even though he stood on the pinnacle(s)—he didn’t camp there.

16. I admire Emmitt Smith because he never let the front page change who he is.
17. I admire him because he provides education funds for kids who really need it.
18. I admire him because he is untouched by scandal.
19. I admire Emmitt Smith because he isn’t afraid of pain or risks or hard work.
20. I admire Emmitt Smith because, to the best of my knowledge, he never criticized anyone.
21. Emmitt Smith smiles!
22. Emmitt Smith can dance!

This country—government, business, sports, religion, politics—could use a lot more Number 22s.