Thanks, Brett

The big news around here today is, of course, the fact that Brett Favre is signing on for one more go-around with the Packers. Wisconsin natives, major football fans and Vegas bookies are all gladdened by the news. Since I am none of those, you'd be wondering why I'm happy about the turn of events. The reason? I finally got something as a result of professional sports.
I've been a huge baseball fan all my life, once throwing a remote down two flights of stairs when Paul O'Neil hit into a double play in the World Series. The two-hopper bounce down the stairs, into a chair and rebounded against a window! Fortunately, there was no breakage except to the remote. Even the lecture I got about being juvenile didn't hurt as much as the 6-4-3. Anyway, after living and dying with a sports team and NEVER getting a return for my loyalty, it happens that I finally get a return.
What have I given the Packers? Well, I pay a sales tax every time I buy something in Brown County to help the millionaires enjoy their plush new surroundings. It is true that even though I can't get a ticket to a game, I support them financially. (I have seen a couple of games here in my lifetime, but trying to coax frozen onion bits out of a container for my brat and having chunky mustard just didn't make for a peak experience). I'm sure the organization brings in millions in revenue helping to keep my taxes down so I have no problem with the whole deal; but, I never thought I would reap an actual benefit from football in general and Brett Favre in particular.
Here's the scoop: After months of foot dragging and vacillating, Brett signed on for one more year and got three million dollars as a signing bonus. I have spent the past six months wavering about retirement as well...one week yes and one week maybe...all followed by a resounding no. I recently signed on for one more year and got nothing as a bonus (not even a "Wow, it'll be great to have you back!") Today, I approached the superintendent and noted that Brett's and my situations were much the same; I opined that maybe I had a signing bonus coming. His face brightened, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a quarter (North Carolina version). That may seem like small potatoes to you, but here are two things to consider. 1. Teachers NEVER get a bonus of any kind for any reason...EVER. 2. He could have selected a penny, a nickel or a dime instead: all of which he held in his hand.
I have the quarter proudly displayed on my office bulletin board where it will remain until I box up my mementos of 30 years of teaching and leave for good.
I just hope Brett does as much for the people who really care whether or not he plays this year.