Sunday, October 21, 2012

I WAS A HAMILTON TIGER CAT FOOTBALL PLAYER FOR TEN MINUTES

In 1983 I was entered into the Chedoke Hospital Evaluation Centre in Hamilton, Ontario for a six week program. They would put me in different work situations to evaluate what I would be good at when and if I entered the work force again. I had been in a severe car accident in September of 1980, ( May 27th posting ) and had sold my Dempsters Bread franchise as I could no longer do the extreme physical work it entailed. I stayed in a motel for the duration and would return home on the weekends. While in Hamilton I would go to various eateries for my meals. One night I decided to have my supper at a restraunt in this big hotel. As I was dining I noticed two young women continually looking at me. I was a little self conscious because in the past several years I've had a lot of "plastic surgery" and dental work. I had also done a lot of exercise and weightlifting to come back to a bit over 200 pounds from 135 pounds. Anyway the next thing I knew these two women were at my table and asked me if I would give them an autograph. I told them that I didn't know why they would want one. They said that they knew that the Hamilton Tiger Cat football team was staying in this hotel and that by the looks and size of me I must be one. I told them that I was not a player and did not want to fool them. They were sorry that they had made the mistake and bothered me. I informed them that they had not bothered me but instead had paid me a great compliment. After they left I sat with my coffee and had a smile from ear to ear like a Cheshire cat, but not a Tiger Cat. I was on the road to recovery.