Brock Mealer: Walking Metaphor

Could not have written it better.

Brock is so very brave, and I'm proud of my alma mater and the coaching staff for taking this young man under their wing.

I will completely cry my eyes out on Saturday watching this young man do the impossible.

I'm a sucker for all things Brock Mealer, and am as excited about his leading of the team out the tunnel as I am for the game.  I too see some similarities to Brock and the team in general. 08 pretty bad, just getting feeling back, but mostly hurts.  Last year, some improvement, but still showed we had a lot of work to do, and a long ways to go.  This year, we are a walkin' and will finally get a chance to show the doubters wrong, although it still could be a year away from us truly running.

I also see some parallels to the team under RR and the stadium renovation.  I ave to admit, I was against it when I first heard about it. But once I saw what the final product could be, I was all aboard.  In 08, it looked pretty bad, having to be torn apart and rebuilt.  Last year, we saw the improvements, but still needed some work.  Now the finished product is done, and on Sept 4th we get to show off our new stadium/team, torn down and rebuilt with a modern twist with still a classic feel.  I cannot wait to be there on Saturday to celebrate with the team and with my 109,901+ friends.

I've made it a point to avoid posting/replying on this board

in the offseason as it's unfortunately turned into a mgopoint grab. However your post is fantastic and I hope gets a lot of hits.

I live in Los Angeles but this will still be the first home opener that I have missed in a long time. I had been looking forward to this game to help cheer him on ever since I first heard of his plan and I am sad that I will miss it. I really do hope that ESPN2 spends more than 5 seconds on this story for those of us that cannot attend the game

Go Blue.

ESPN actually has a very good video of the story from last year but I can't figure out how to embed it properly.  Here is the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/e60/news/story?id=4534334

And it ends with Brock mentioning that his goal is to be able to run out on that field with his little brother.

There are things in life more important than debating 8 wins versus 6 wins and whether or not RichRod keeps his job, or if we are dominating/not dominating in-state recruiting or whether or not this or that player is a "bust" or if we start too many walk-ons...

Brock Mealer's situation shows us some perspective in considering why we watch football and why we participate in a community like this one. These things are a privilege and Brock's perseverence, his faith, and his remarkable effort identify the best things about any of us. We see a piece of the best of ourselves, the best of the program (Mike Barwis/s + c team's selfless efforts) and the best of the MGoCommunity in Brock's progress. We have hope for his recovery because it speaks to the broader power of the best things in life: faith, hope, love and spiritual community.

As one who has a parent who has recovered to walk following paralysis and, as a therapist myself, I am sure I will be needing some kleenex on Saturday when Brock leads the team into the stadium. 

This story is why we should all be proud to be Wolverines. I could not be happier come the 4th....

It gets me choked up every time.

My mom just called and casually asked how I expected the team to do and I wound up relating Brock's story. There are 3 times I've gotten teary eyed at all in my adult life, and the Mealer's story is one of them (Wisconsin '08, Notre Dame '09 are the other 2).

I think a lot of people get caught up in the difference between W's and L's but the fact is Mealer's story is as inspiring as anything Michian football has ever done and we could lose12 games this year and it wouldn't change how much I support this team.

I'm just worried that on Sept. 4th the girls in my seating group will be like "Rob why are you crying" "UH ITS KIND OF DUSTY IN THIS STADIUM I DON'T CRY, UH, WANT TO GO NAIL SOME TRI-DELTS LATER BROS"

I'm going to this game (traveling from DC) primarily to see Brock lead the team out. That is a moment that I would not want to miss for anything.

I really hope ABC shows him walking, I know I'm going to be crying in the chair watching it.

We are winners the moment he walks out that tunnel leading the team. I couldn't be more proud of Rich and this program. I say that without  reservation.

Woody this is the single most profound and moving post I've read on this board. With all due respect to the owner.  The Mealer family's "story"  will touch both fan bases and the casual veiwer in a very special way..  I don't have tears for Brock his mom and his little brother I got all smiles for them and the University because it is in some measure trumph over tragedy.  While the pain both flesh and emotional is still there, with God's grace and mercy they will find meaning and purpose in this event and beyond. Go gettem Brock and Go Blue 

Can't wait for Saturday. I hope that ABC and ESPN2 make a big deal about this because I don't want to miss Brock leading the team onto the field.

No matter what else happens during the rest of the games - this will top it all.  Brock has shown the entire team what a true Hard Edge is.  Brock deserves all the credit in the world for this incredible recovery, but people should also not forget the work and dedication that Barwis and the rest of his staff have put into the rehab.  People on this board often joke about the lore that is Mike Barwis that he often seems to be more myth than person (not sayng' its a bad thing - I'm one of those people anyway).  Well, I'd like to attach a few new words to him: compassionate, devoted, and generous.  there you go, Mike.  Humanity restored. 

Although the journey is fa form over for Brock, a big job well done to all of them. 

Hail. 

to see Brock lead the team out under the MgoBlue Banner.  I plan to cheer loudly, in the hope that it will keep me from crying.  Go get'em Brock.

Nancy Sinatra sums up best how I feel about Brock and the Michigan football team.

 These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do,
one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you.
 

To every part of the game, especially this part.

Then, the parts I look forward to all happen after my friends finally take their eyes off me with their looks of shock from seeing a 20 year old college student cry his eyes out before a football game. Once they forget, I'll be okay again. If they laugh because of it, they'll be the ones crying, though.

All that matter is Brock walking out.  The game is second nature.  We all could learn about life, determination, and rentless willpower of this hero.  I know my troubles are nothing in comparison.

Of course, kicking UConn's ass will only add to the day...

But Brock's story really does put everything in perspective.