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Thinking of ‘Dad’ This Holiday Season as We Wish Best to All
BY JIM WIENERS
The year 2008 has been a tragic year this writer and my family as we lost the one who we counted on for many years and who counted on us in the final years. I am referring to my dad, Ed Wieners, Jr., who passed away on May 8 after a long and hard struggle with his health, especially after open heart surgery on Jan. 8. Prior to that he had an infection on a knee that was surgically replace nearly four and a half years ago.
He has been in several hospitals and rehabilitation centers since Dec. 4, 2007 and was home for Christmas from Dec. 23 to Dec 31, 2007 but was not home after that.
Complicated matters include me being in two hospitals, Jan. 2 to Jan. 5 for cellulitis and April 23-24 for a biopsy on a lesion, that was benign.
With Christmas a week away, and 2009 just two weeks away, it may be a challenge for my family without may dad but for others there are wishes and challenges to meet, or try to, for the upcoming year. So, with a heavy heart, here are the wishes for 2009.
TO VINCE DRAKE, TRINITY CATHOLIC ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AND SOCCER COACH — A state soccer title, boys or girls, at Trinity after winning 12 at Aquinas-Mercy, including 11 boys titles and a girls title, before retiring.
TO HAZELWOOD WEST FOOTBALL — A chance at playing for a state title after watching Hazelwood Central, who shared the Suburban North Conference title with West, win Class Six and Hazelwood East win Class Five. Hazelwood West has been in post-season play once (1993-a quarterfinalist).
TO TRINITY CATHOLIC AND RITENOUR FOOTBALL TEAMS — Their first-ever post-season playoff appearance.
TO McCLUER NORTH FOOTBALL COACH JIM SCHOTTMUELLER — A state title before retiring.
TO THE PRESIDENTS AND CHANCELLORS OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES whose football teams compete in bowl games, especially those in the bowl championship series conferences — A change of heart, consider a post-season playoff for the top eight teams.
TO THE ST. LOUIS RAMS FOOTBALL TEAM — A change in the front office staff, coaching staff and much of the player roster.
TO THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS BASEBALL TEAM — A quality closer and good health to the starting pitching staff.
TO SUPPORTERS OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AT EDWARDSVILLE ATHLETICS — PATIENCE, and lots of it in their transition to NCAA Division I competition.
TO MIZZOU FOOTBALL COACH GARY PINKEL — Recruiting for better defense to be able to compete against teams like Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and Southern California. That does not mean sacrificing offense.
TO THOSE WHOSE WISHES WERE NOT MENTIONED BUT WANT TO — May your wishes come true.
AND TO ALL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, INCLUDING THE READERS OF THE INDEPENDENT NEWS — Happy Holidays and hoping for the best in 2009, especially during the rough economic times. And remember the ones you love as well as the ones you miss who have passed on.
