Sunday, August 22, 2010

My sympathy goes out to Shea Weber

Shea Weber and I have something in common and the game of hockey plays no significance.
If we both had it our way, we would erase this commonality and just stick with what brought our two paths together nine years ago with the Kelowna Rockets. He was the player and I was the broadcaster.
Unfortunately, Weber and I have both lost a loved one to cancer - brain cancer - to be specific.
My mother, Lil, past away from brain cancer three summers ago after being diagnosed just six weeks prior. Weber's mother,Tracy, fought brain cancer for several years before passing away last week.
Lil Bartel was 68.
Tracy Weber was just 47.
I had many conversations with Tracy Weber when her son Shea first made his mark with the Rockets during the 2001-2002 season. Shea would play only five games that season but Tracy would tell me that she listened to the games on the road and following home games she would hop into her car and listen to the post game show as she traveled back to Sicamous.
She loved to talk hockey, and yes like any proud mother, she loved to talk about her son Shea.
The last time I spoke to Tracy was prior to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. I called her up to see if she indeed would be going to watch her son proudly represent Canada.
It's not often you meet a parent of a Rockets' player and build a relationship with them even after their son has moved on. Tracy Weber was the exception to the rule. Tracy Weber will be missed no question. The positive impression she left on her two sons, husband, friends and this radio broadcaster won't be forgotten.

1 comment:

fan said...

our condolences to Shea & his family on the passing of his mother. l'm glad he was back home to spend some time with her. also to you Regan as time heals but one never forgets. rip & take care