Dedicated To the Family Members of the Oakland Raiders

Can you imagine the stress and uncertainty of being a family member of an Oakland Raider or corporate executive who is on the road very often?

Can you imagine the emotional ups and downs, while watching the media either praise or pierce the reputation of your loved ones?

How do the children feel about the articles that are published?

How do the wives or partners feel when the mate does not know if the Raider will make the team in 2010?

For a moment, let's have a heart.

Why? Because today was a day of the birth of a two pound baby named Zoe, whose mother is now in intensive care. The father barely made it to the hospital to see the birth of their first child. The father was in Italy on corporate business.

Now imagine how many times this type of situation or worst has hit the members of the Oakland Raiders team. We probably will never hear all of the episodes; nevertheless, we can let them know that we care.

If you love the members of the team, then we ought to love, respect, and have empathy for their loved ones and their support group in their personal lives.

How do the NFL players manage these day-to-day episodes in their families? Well, since they are so athletic, they probably go play ball, play golf, run around a track, or do like some of us: just pray. 

What's wrong with breaking down and crying when you see the struggle of some people? A little empathy is good for the soul.

I don't know who you encouraged today. In my case, I was pulling for the little two pound baby who is going to have to stay in the hospital as long as two months.

Today was a day of deep thought. It was a day that included a reminder of our own frailties, and of our strength when we stand together and show compassion for one another.

So, this article is dedicated to the Oakland Raider mother who had her baby alone because her husband may have been in the last few minutes of an NFL game.

It is dedicated to the child who may have had his tonsils removed but his dad was in an airplane and could not get home in time.

It is dedicated to those who have sacrificed in so many ways while we watched their mate play football somewhere far away from his loved ones and family.

This article is different and it is written because of my own sensitivities and selfish pursuit of information on the Oakland Raiders.

We appreciate the families, friends, and support groups of the Oakland Raiders. We join you in saying, "Go Raiders, both on and off the playing field!"