Friday, October 24, 2008
Family
I have contemplated many times what I would write when the opportunity came for me to contribute to our family blog. Brittany has been doing a fantastic job, and she is such a gifted writer! Brett and I always marvel at how telling
the story comes so easy for her, the words just always flow. So please bear with me as I begin my first entry into the blog world......
Over the past couple of weeks, my heart has been very heavy. I have stood bysilently watching the media continually attack my husband...Certainly, having been in public life for 18 years, this is not new to us. However, this latest round of media scrutiny has been harder, more disheartening and seemingly unending.
Sure, for some, it is difficult to understand the tough choices we have recently made for our lives. But, although Brett may be in a new uniform on the football field, he is still the same man that all of you have loved, cheered and supported for the past two decades. He is the same man who supported me through my battle with breast cancer and served as my rock during the difficult days following my brothers death. Brett is the same man that helps our youngest daughter with her homework every night, and he is the same man that guides our oldest daughter through this exciting adventure we call college. Brett is the same man who has always put his team first, not personal gains or statistics. And, Brett is the same man we know who is filled with great character, strength, goodness and love. Truly, nothing has changed but a uniform.
Of course, eighteen years ago, when Brett decided to enter the NFL, we learned to take the ups and downs of winning, losing, glory and disappointment as part of the process. But, at the end of the day, we always believed we had done our best to be faithful. Certainly, we did not think professional sports and a life in the fish bowl would be easy or some Pollyanna life, but we learned to listen more to those voices and lessons that mattered most, while treating the others as grains of salt.
But, over the past weeks, we have been deeply affected by the various media reports and accusations that have unfairly questioned Bretts loyalty, fairness and character... Our children, family and friends have been so supportive and steadfast during these times. Brett and I have two wonderful girls, who, daily, show us unconditional love and remind us that everything will be okay.
And, they remind us that media reports, accusations and rumors become irrelevant in light of the joy they bring to our family and in how they remind us that, in all thingseven the tough things--- God has a bigger, better purpose.
But, I will say, most hurtful are those media reports who would like you to believe that Brett is eaten up with bitterness over his split with the Packers. Still feeling some grief, sure but not bitterness. Yes, in the beginning, Brett was angry and hurt with the way things ended, but how could he not be? Brett gave most of his career (and his adult life) to the Packers. They were more than just an organization but also became our home away from home and our surrogate family. We will always love the Packer fans for making Brett more than just the focus of their applause on game day, but as part of their families, too. Again, how could any of us not be hurt and brokenhearted about such a loss of connection? Thus, certainly, Brett does not, in any way, hold a vendetta against his former team. But that has not stopped some from scrutinizing his every move and blaming him for so many things that simply are not true. Some incidents, like the locker room pranks appear funny (but they are still untrue) Others, like the questionable phone calls to other teams, are hurtful, distasteful, and still untrue as they have been reported.
Because of this, lately, my heart has been so heavy. It is very hard to watch the daily toll this has taken on Brett... First and foremost, I am his defender when people tear him down. Thus, each word and accusation weigh down on me like a ton of bricks, because I know the truth behind the rumors. My first instinct is to fight for himfor his character, his peace and his reputation. At the end of the day, I am not just Bretts wife, I am his biggest fan.
But, lately Brett has reminded me of what is truly important and what is not Not long ago when he re-prioritized his life, he asked himself the question Who will be here after football is gone? the answer was his family. So at that moment, our family became priority one for him. Brett reminded me that at the end it is his family, their opinions and their love that matters the most to him. People will have to believe what they will. They have known his character for 18 years, and they will have to trust that, although teams change, a man like Brett Favre does not.
Some may say: But your life is so glamorous. or You cant complain; this comes with the territory. Sure, it is a wonderful life, and, like I said, we take the good with the bad. However, when people choose to intentionally harm my family, I will not accept it as normal or as part of the job. Instead, we will continue to do what we know is right for our family, and will continue to concentrate our efforts in projects that bring positive change and outcomes in peoples lives. For instance, we love working with our foundations and know how important it is to focus our efforts in those areas, continuing to share a message of hope and to eradicate breast cancer through raising funds to help those who are uninsured or underinsured in the states of Mississippi and Wisconsin. We are currently working to find organizations and people that need our help in the New Jersey/New York communitieswhere our new organization, the New York Jets, have all been so supportive and have embraced our entire family with open arms.
So, as you can see, God is doing wonderful things in our midst. But, thank you for letting me vent a bit about where some parts of the journey have become uncomfortable, and, in my opinion, unnecessary. And, please pray for me when the world makes me feel a little too human and much too protective of the people I love most in this world.
But, like Brett reminds me, at the end of the day, we are here to support and celebrate one another, to make the best of what God has given for us to do, and to live each day as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. We have much to domuch we can do to make a difference and, especially, to make wherever we are planted the best place possible.