REDSKINS, CREAMERS and DAD
January 25th, 2011 at 4:44 pm by Don Roberts under Health, Personalities, Sports
Redskins' Pride
While out and about, in between the morning and noon shows, I didn’t want to bulk up with a heavy coat- so I donned my trusty WASHINGTON REDSKINS t-shirt. I thought it looked pretty sporty over my anchorman-uniform-white-shirt and necktie. The ‘Skins’ T was a gift from some students whom I recently visited at school. So, I think of them when I wear it, but really, I just like showing off my REDSKINS’ pride (cough cough). Actually, it never fails to spark a conversation. And the person approaching me usually starts off with something like: HOW ‘BOUT DEM COWBOYS?! Yeah, have a nice day. :-[ Well, on this day, Carline Green greeted me with a big smile in the Old Towne 7-eleven.
Redskins' lady Carline Green
When I noticed her employee smock I thought she was about to “call me out” for trying to hog some of those tasty coffee creamers. I always seem to raise an eyebrow at the counter when I buy an 8 ounce cup ‘o Joe and then, as an afterthought, place at least five creamers on the counter, too.
prized Creamers
Ms. Green didn’t really bust my chops on the creamers, but she did compliment me on the shirt. She said the REDSKINS were her dad’s favorite team. “Were?” I asked. “Yes” she sighed, adding that her dad died two days ago. BOOM! “I’m really sorry to hear that” was about all I could think to say after that shot between the eyes. But then, I looked at hers and they still seemed to round out a sincere smile. “He was sick, but he’s in a better place, now,” she said. I quickly made a personal leap and thought of my 78 year old dad in Baltimore who’s also dealing with some challenges. CURTIS WILSON was just 53. I’m 54. And just when I thought we’d both would start crying, she told me of how daddy CURTIS loved “his” Redskins. Back came the smiles. Following the team brought CURTIS WILSON some joy- or at least a distraction from his day-to-day. Daddy CURTIS had cancer, first in the hip, then in the lungs. Carline says daddy CURTIS fought hard against the “big C” before he left us, Sunday. Carline is a twin, the third born of CURTIS’ four children. She says he loved to cook- did it professionally at a popular local restaurant. He then moved onto a job of transporting mentally challenged patients to their medical appointments. Carline also told me family and friends should not be surprised at the viewing and wake tonight at Corprew funeral home, when they see him decked out in Redskin’s gear. CURTIS loved his burgundy and gold sweats, which, I presume, kept him warmed up in case Coach Shanahan called him. While we talked, still in an aisle at the Olde Towne 7 eleven, I noticed Carline was holding a newspaper. I asked if I could read the obituary. She said there was none- just the death notice – because the cost of the newspaper obituary was more than the family could handle. And after the service tonight and funeral at noon, Wednesday (1/26/11, 12n), CURTIS WILSON is to be cremated – yes- in his REDSKINS’ sweats. Carline says daddy CURTIS loved his children… and his REDSKINS… and fried food, in that order.
Curtis Wilson, super Redskins' fan 1958-2011
So long, daddy CURTIS WILSON. And from this day forward, when I don my burgundy and gold (and grey) T, I suspect you’ll be cheering right along with me.
Tags: Cancer, Don Roberts, Washington Redskins
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He has joined my brother Arland Haynes a true Redskins fan. Heaven has another good man! God bless you and your family. Schronda Daniels
Thank you Don for being such a blessing! In our busy world most people do not take the time to connect with others. You not only connect, but you also strive to lift us up!
How touching this story was, I cried. I am so glad Carline was able to smile while remembering the good times and memories of her dad. God Bless her and her family
How fantastic that you were able to give him a wonderful obituary of sorts!
Thank you for this uplifting outlook from this young woman. What a great Presence about her. May she have peace and joy in her life!
How touching, thank you for sharing the story, what a nice tribute to man and his daughter. Her strength will carry me through today.
Don: that was a beautiful story. As a Redskin fan, I can appreciate this story as I’m sure it has touched other Skin fans. Thank you for sharing this story and my thoughts are with CURTIS’ Fam-uh-lee in their time of loss.
Nice shirt Don, Yeah Skins, they will live forever. Like all things good and bad, they will make a come back and make us proud.
Don, God bless you for sharing that! My own dad was a Redskins fan & has been gone for 21 years (Sept. ’89). What a cheering section that team has up in heaven! (By the way, your comments continue to bless me all the way up here in Minnesota!)
What a wonderfully put sendoff for Curtis Wilson. It is such a shame that the cost of placing an obituary is so great that his family can not let the community know that one of there own has passed. I was brought to tears , not because of the sadness of his death but the love and joy of his life that I felt you two shared as you talked. My condolences to the family. There is one more angel watching over us.
What a touching story! Who would’ve thought a Redskins t-shirt would spark such a compelling conversation. Thanks for continuously connecting with Hampton Roads Don ;o) And condolences to the family of Curtis Wilson!