Dad for a Day

We all remember what it was like to be a child- to be growing, learning, and developing into the person you are today. It's a carefree, yet formative time in life. Everything exciting, like Christmas morning, seems like it's the best day of your life while a sad, tragic event shakes you to no end. In a way, every little event seems magnified and intensified when you are young because you don't have a large number of experiences to rely on. You're constantly uneasy- looking for guidance, approval, role models, and individuals to lead you along your path.

That being said... there are some things children should not have to endure early in life, and one of them is the loss of a parent. On July 4th of this year Tyler (11) and Trenton (5) McNair lost one of their greatest role models- their father, Steve McNair, to a terrible tragedy.

Now, imagine what young Tyler and Trenton McNair must have felt as they knew the "Dear Dads Breakfast" was quickly approaching at their school. I'm sure they were uncertain, and knew they would be left out and ostracized due the absence of their father. In steps Tennessee Titans QB and long time friend of Steve McNair, Vince Young. Young surprised both Tyler and Trenton at school to act as their guardian for the "Dear Dads Breakfast." FOX Sports noted the reaction of relief and excitement of the McNair boys saying, "They were thrilled... the boys came to school with huge smiles on their faces." Young even brought Titans memorabilia and signed autographs for the children at the school. What a selfless and endearing act of true compassion. I guarantee McNair's sons will never forget that day as long as they both live.

This goes to show the power of a small gesture of empathy. Young even was quoted saying, "Those are my boys. I wouldn't say it was to pay anyone back; it was just out of love. Steve would do it for me. He pretty much did it for me when I was growing up. I have a history with the boys and I want to do anything I can. I am their big brother." Wow- truly touching.

In the loss of a parent it's crucial that children continue having guardians that care and mold them for the future, and it appears they will have those role models. It's so wonderful that the McNair children will continue to have the Titan community surrounding them to instill and ensure love and concern through this awful loss. A great way to add a positive touch to an otherwise very sad story.