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The Great One |
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Out of all the athletes through all the years...there has really only been
one... extraordinary man so very, very special...he has earned by all he has done... a nickname so reverential...a title so apropos... an adjective so totally befitting...the man on whom we bestow... accolades above and beyond...superlatives surpassing sublime... awards and honors...trophies and tributes...he's the very best of all time. Ali will always be "The Greatest"...Rose's record will survive... Bonds may always hold the title...but the greatest sportsman alive... is respected by every athlete...from rugby to soccer to golf. His place in the history of sport...was appropriately easy to resolve. Wayne Gretzky is...The Great One... three words that completely enthrall. Three little words that describe...the greatest player of them all. Through hard work and dedication...he lifted himself above... all who ever came before him...hockey was his greatest love. He watched Gordie Howe...and learned...what it takes to be the best... then worked even harder to elevate...his game above all the rest. But Wayne belonged to the world...his charisma crossed color and creed... he played because he loved the game...and he played with a passionate need. Wayne brought the best out in others...both on and off the ice... to his fans he was immortal...but the years of sacrifice... would eventually take its toll...on the family he pledged to place first... the time had come to retire...and hockey feared the worst. So as he finished his season...from city and country they came... to honor the man who changed his sport...from a national to an international game. And as he toured the country...for his final season good-bye... the world watched in awe...and grown men didn't even try... to keep the tears from falling...as he waved his last farewell... they simply stopped in reverence...till the last teardrop fell. And with characteristic style...he walked away tall and proud... shaking hands with fans and friends...waving to a tearful crowd. But he never will be apart...from the game he helped resurrect... he will always be the...Great One...remembered with love and respect. He proved that anyone can do anything...if you're simply willing to try... he was the prime example...how a humble...almost shy... boy from almost anywhere...can leave a mark on the world... he proved that anything's possible...for any little boy or girl... who may not be the biggest...the tallest or the best... just work hard and love what you're doing...and you can surpass all the rest. So thanks for a lifetime of highlights, Wayne...and though we hate to see you go... no one will ever think of hockey...without thinking of the ultimate pro. And when someday some little guy...who was told by so many he shouldn't... breaks even one of your records...when somebody told him he couldn't... your career will be the model...as each new kid tries to create one... but you will always be the legend...because you will always be... The Great One. copyright 2000 skybird publishing company james bruce joseph sievers |