Ages ago, as a high school freshman, I joined the football booster club, receiving a patch for participation at season’s end. It might have cost a dollar. My crusty, ever-practical father took one look at my new tomahawk-shaped patch (for we were the Lane Tech High School Indians), snorted and asked a reasonable question:
“What are you going to do with that?”
“You put it on a Lane sweater,” I said sheepishly, not liking where this was heading.
“You don’t have a Lane sweater.”
Yeah, that was a problem. I was proud of my school, but back in 1967 such an accessory cost more than $25 with all the trimmings. I shudder to think what it might run today.
Anyway, three weeks later, among my Christmas presents, this is what I was shocked to find: a beautiful new wool sweater, gold with forest green trim, lettering and an Indian head stitched on the back, and my patch sewn outside one pocket. Working near the school store, Dad had picked it up one day during his lunch hour.
I still have the sweater, although my father is gone.
But I certainly look at it over the holidays and think of him and appreciate again what a warm wrap a loving family is.
— Tom Gregg, Niles
