An Alzheimer's-Stricken Father and His Son Getting Interviewed at the College World Series Will Make It Very Dusty In Your Room
So in case you missed the background of this story go read Kate’s blog on from Thursday to get the full lowdown. In short, Billy Lea, a former Mississippi State baseball player, has Alzeimer’s and has been a super fan of the Bulldogs ever since his playing days. His son, Matt, surprised him a few days ago, driving 12 hours to Billy’s house in Florida, with tickets to Omaha to go see State play in person. That video alone hits all the feels. They’re such a genuine family and Billy’s reaction says it all.
Now we got to see them at the game and the interview brought legit tears from my eyes. I know what dealing with someone with Alzheimer’s feels like with my late grandfather battling the terrible disease during his later years. We all are touched by the disease in some way, shape, or form. It’s awful, but for Matt to get this moment and see how happy it made his dad Billy I just hope that memory sticks with both of them forever.
Today is Father’s Day. My only message is to not take it for granted. We’re not all the son of the year that Matt is obviously, but we can definitely do something for our dads to show some appreciation. My dad passed away six years ago and days like these never get any easier. I would kill to have one more conversation with him or anything close to what Matt had with his dad Billy here. Every Father’s Day I surround myself with some Rolling Rock (my dad’s personal choice) and Yankees baseball (also his personal choice). I’m going to Old Timer’s Day today for the first time in my life so that should be a lot of fun.
It’s honestly crazy how sports bring everything together in so many ways. Here Mississippi State baseball did that for these two. I truly don’t understand how there are people out there that don’t watch sports and don’t have an emotional attachment like this to a certain team. Hats off to Matt Lea and Billy who were luckily in attendance to see State walk it off in the bottom of the 9th as Miss State beat Washington 1-0.
