A Legacy of Love by Steve Chappell

Is it just me, or does the month of February have more noteworthy days than the other eleven? And it’s the shortest month!
You got Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday, National Wear Red Day, National Pizza Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Chinese New Year, Ash Wednesday, and a personal favorite, National Margarita Day. And there’s only 29 days total.

With many of these observances now in our rear view mirror, we gaze toward the horizon that is springtime. And even though the 2015-16 football season is done, rumors of alleged doping by Peyton Manning hovered briefly like a drone over an otherwise celebratory mise en scène.  Whether these allegations are true is of no concern to this humble correspondent. What is more important to me is not how you treat yourself, but rather how you treat others.

With little or no fanfare, Peyton Manning has continued to donate his presence for no more reason than to create a fond and lasting memory for someone in need. Ask Charles Brown or Gail Rickets of Evansville, Indiana... or ask Kristen Patterson and her husband, Army Sgt. Ryan Patterson.

Ask Kari Bollig, afflicted with terminal breast cancer, what she thinks of Peyton Manning. Manning flew Bollig and her husband to Denver, got them sideline passes, and spent time with them over the weekend of the Broncos’ season opener against the Ravens back in September. Why? Because she asked, and because he cares!

Check out below excerpt from a letter published in the Denver Post two years ago on February 6, 2014, written by Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann.

Dear Mr. Manning,
...I doubt you take stock in what those analysts say about your legacy (no doubt a trait your father has bestowed upon you and your brothers), but I want you to know that this mom of two young boys (who already recognize you're different from the others) believes your legacy has never been stronger. And I'm confident thousands of others agree with me.
Whether you win another game, your accomplishments in football are nothing short of remarkable — alongside many other outstanding players. But it's your character that sets you apart from so many of your predecessors and peers. And that's a legacy that matters...

So, Mr. Manning. Congratulations on a great Broncos’ win at Super Bowl 50, and on a grand career at both Indianapolis and Denver. Thanks for choosing the University of Tennessee as part of your training ground and bringing so much honor to the Volunteer Nation! Whatever your future may hold, I am confident it will continue to bring much joy to others.

Peyton’s most recent future included a meeting with Magic Johnson in an Egg Roulette contest on the Tonight Show. As for retirement, Peyton remains tight-lipped, but rumor has it that Magic tried to lure the Super Bowl 50 winner to LA to play for the Rams.  

Finally...nice job, Archie and Olivia Manning. You have succeeded in teaching your three sons, as well as others by proxy, that life is for loving and giving, no matter how great or small your place in it.