TOM BRADY AND ROD STEWART?

So...what do these two guys have in common!?? 

 Tom Brady                                                    Rod Stewart   

Hmmm....Let's start with Tom Brady, AKA "THE GOAT!!"

Tom Brady

During his 20 years with the New England Patriots, Tom Brady captivated the hearts of many fans, but my admiration for him only began in 2016 following a diagnosis of breast cancer. Throughout the many months of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, my world shrank to the confines of home, with only visits to the Cancer Center and hospital due to my compromised immune system.

In my family, the guys have always been big football fans and enjoyed watching games on weekends during the season, but I always found something else to do. The only football games I ever watched were the ones my son played in, and I never really understood the game then. When asked what position my son played, I would say I wasn't sure, but he looked adorable in his uniform! LOL Nick played football from the age of 6 until he graduated college, and I STILL didn't know much about the game, even though I attended every game and many practices!

6 y/o Nick

                                                                                                              

 

                           

One Sunday, after a tough week of chemo, I was too worn out to do anything, and yet so bored that I decided to hang out with the guys and watch a New England Patriots game. I mean, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Surprisingly, it was pretty exciting! I ended up watching the following week's game, and before I knew it, I was eagerly looking forward to each game.

I started to enjoy watching football and quickly became obsessed with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots! I loved seeing Tom Brady's impressive performances despite his "advanced age"!

Whenever I heard someone say Tom was getting too old and needed to retire from football, I would root for him even more. 

One day, when watching Tom Brady play and hearing the announcer mention his age, I said, "Tom, you aren't giving up, and this old woman isn't giving up. Now, let's fuckin' go! We've got this!" And I repeated that often.

I really enjoyed watching Brady play football, but I was also deeply moved when I heard him speak about his mother's battle with breast cancer. She was going through her own journey, and at the same time, I was facing my own challenges. His love and concern were genuinely touching. 

My family was surprised by my newfound love of football, and so was I. I was happy to have something to look forward to each week!

I was devastated when Tom left New England. I didn't care if people accused me of "jumping on the Buccaneers' bandwagon" when he joined their team. After all, I had grown to love the NE Patriots, but I was a Tom Brady fan first and foremost, so I would watch him in any uniform he put on! I was so happy when Ray and I were able to see him play in Atlanta!

TB12 in Atlanta!

 

I miss seeing Tom play football, but I will probably get my "Tommy" fix by watching him in his new Fox Sports NFL analyst career.

And then there is this "FOREVER YOUNG" "DYNAMITE" rocker-Sir Rod Stewart!

Rod Stewart

I have been a fan of Rod Stewart and his music for years. I really love his earlier work, from his Faces days to his early solo years, but honestly, I can't think of any of his music that I don't like.

Songs like "Maggie Mae," "You Wear It Well," "Reason To Believe," "Mandolin Wind," "You're In My Heart," "Passion," "People Get Ready," and "Forever Young" resonate with me. Yes, even "Hot Legs" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy"! "Ain't Love A Bitch," "Broken Arrow," "This Old Heart Of Mine"... The list could go on and on.

During my abusive first marriage, Rod's music gave me hope in moments when I felt like I couldn't take it anymore. I can't quite explain it, but it helped me so much. While I liked other singers and bands, Rod's music touched my soul. I listened to his music almost every day.

Although I haven't attended many concerts as an adult, I tried my best to find a way to go whenever Rod was in town! Rod is absolutely a fantastic performer!

I met Rod briefly after a concert in Atlanta in the 80s. My friend and I headed to a club immediately following the concert. To our surprise, Rod himself walked in! As we were leaving the club, Rod and his entourage were also leaving. I greeted him and got a bow and a kiss on my hand. He was such a gentleman! Quite unexpected for a bad-boy rock star! LOL

Rod at Mohegan Sun in '07!

My love for Rod is well known amongst my family and friends.

When my son Nick was little, he had to write a paper with a few facts about his Mom. He wrote, "My Mom cooks good food. My Mom loves me and Rod Stewart!" LOL, that's not a lie! At least not the part about loving him and Rod Stewart. The cooking part, well... 

When my son Robert married, we danced to "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" by Rod Stewart for the mother-son dance.

In 2012, my husband and I renewed our wedding vows, and my sweet hubby sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You."

TWO-TIME CANCER SURVIVOR

During my cancer treatments that began in October 2016, watching Tom Brady play football on the weekends really helped me feel better. Rod Stewart's music was also a huge source of comfort for me during those tough days and nights. It always lifted my spirits, and I relied on it a lot at that time.

 

"Since my cancer recurrence in 2020, I have found comfort in listening to my Rod Stewart playlist again. His songs never fail to cheer me up and bring a sense of peace during difficult times, making me believe in better days ahead. You could say that "Rod Stewart gives me a "REASON TO BELIEVE!"

COMMON DENOMINATOR?

So, as you can see, Rod and Tom have something in common...ME!! They have both helped me through some incredibly rough moments! 

I am very thankful for my wonderful family and amazing friends who have always loved and supported me. I couldn't have gotten through the past few years without them. However, I realize they each have their own lives and challenges, so I don't want to constantly burden them with my problems. Luckily, during difficult times, I always found comfort and distraction in Brady's football and Rod's music, which never failed to bring a smile to my face.

As I mentioned, I have always loved going to Rod Stewart's concerts and experiencing his live performances. I'll discuss this topic further in my upcoming post... Stay tuned!