Author; Trudy Willison;

Diligently waiting for instructions after a couple of weeks of appointment (a date), " I will call you at 0800 hrs to let you both know when we will be playing" he said.. "Ok, Paddy", "uh umm, Capt. Paddy, Sir." I said.

Still sitting by the phone, now 1030 hrs, December 5, and still no word from Paddy? Worried but yet wondering why haven't we heard a word of when the games would begin? Bill and I decided to shower and get going to the field to see what the heck was happening. Someone had to take charge…???

Arriving at 1230 hrs, there they were, in the middle of the field, grass and mud covered their bodies, bloody knees, pulling, tugging, fighting and running back and fourth, encouraging one another. Paddy turned and saw us standing there cheering them on the sidelines, he smiled and in his mind I could hear the words thank you for your support. I smiled back looking into those eyes of loyalty knotting my head you're welcome. (Later finding out that Paddy had called after we had left, that his cell phone was not working correctly). Also when they hit the field to play, they played back to back leaving no time to worry about who to call.

The team played with fire and courage, strength and teamwork, bruises and blood, screaming at and cheering one another on, as Coach Jock from the sidelines yelled, "knock'em down, kick the ball". A fight to the finish, for their first time this month, for their first time this year, for their first time in their lives they played a game called "Rugby" with pride carrying the name of their team "The Fantomes".

"Oh, my back is hurting in fifty different areas" Capt. Paddy cried. And still cheering on "well done mates!" The games were over and Capt. Jock said, "well at least we hit the scoreboard" with honor and pride of their men at field. Everyone was proud of themselves and of their teammates. You could feel their enthusiasm, the energy, and the excitement. It brought chills to my bones (or maybe it was the weather, only 48 degrees) burrrrr

Yep, - you guessed it- To the Pub! For several "Pints". Now only after trying to find the exact one (Pub), forty-five minutes later!!!! Bill and I said to one another, we could use a drink even if we didn't play at all! As we finally lead the team to victory- "Pint"…(We called the Pub for directions).

What a joyful moment, sitting there in the pub, being apart of the "guys", watching them carrying on how they should of done this and or should of done that. Capt. Paddy bragging, "If you haven't felt like a herd of Rhinoceros ran over you, you haven't been playing Rugby" (yeah, well, bones that long ago bring back great memories, tee- hee). It didn't matter- they did their best and that is what is important and both Paddy and Jock were honored with pride. You felt it and sensed it. All felt good, especially after a few "Pints". They replayed videos of themselves with the cam at the Pub, euwwing and ahhhing, and still laughing. You could see the pride that Jock and Paddy had, and not to mention "Happy Birthday Paddy!" Yes, today, is his birthday. Today, a thankful gift, of love and friendship. His fellow classmates, team, family and friends there close to him today, and a very special day to those he loves and prays for still lost at sea. "We played with pride for Capt. Guyan and crew"…..

No we did not close the Pub (again) well maybe, the guys did, as there were still a few "Pints" on the table. We shook hands and said good-byes and were off to our cozy homes. What a way to end the year…. The next game won't be until next year in January sometime. Wish you could have been there, but we felt your spirit and love. …Godspeed or "Kick the ----out of them next Year", RIGHT! Cheers….

Trudy Willison