Distance enhances appreciation, love
Eric Scott

Assistant Sports Editor

There were many things I could have written for this column, so I decided to take this opportunity to give thanks to the most important people in my life.

Being so far away from home (I m from Denver, Colo.) makes me appreciate everything I have back home.

Let s start with the most important person in my life, my girlfriend Valori. I believe I am the luckiest person in the universe because I have her. She is always there to support me when I am going through rough times, and she has never failed to make me happy. Not only is she my significant other, but she s also my best friend. I know you ve heard that a lot, but it s really true with us. Valori actually gives my life a purpose, and I will forever worship her.

Next comes my parents, who I am equally grateful. My mom Alice is someone I admire. She has worked hard at Great West Life for more than 20 years while also keeping our house together and helping my dad through his tough times. I will be eternally grateful for her hard work because it is what allows me to get a college education.

Even though I got annoyed with her at times for being overprotective, I still appreciated the fact she cared so much. My mom never hesitated to help me with something, and she was always there to talk to me.

Dave, my dad, is probably the most influential person in my life. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1990, and yet he has never let it slow him down. My dad never missed my important events, and he always coached or helped out with my sports teams. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the nervous system, and it fatigues MS patients quite often. There were times when my dad was dead tired or something was hurting him, but he never let it stop him. Every time I look at my dad, it makes me appreciate my health, and it makes me realize anything can be achieved with a will.

Basically, what I m trying to say is we should be thankful for those who love us. Think about all they ve done for you, give them a call, and thank them for everything. Never take your loved ones for granted, because when in doubt, call upon your loved ones, and they will appear.