My dad.

ND football means Irish-Catholic pride to me. My father born and raised in Pittsburgh loved the Irish.
My sister recalls that dad used to listen to the games on the radio every Saturday. My dad grew up in an predominantly Irish neighborhood. Everyone lived ND football in the fall.

She mentioned to me the other night, that Johnny Lujack's father had a coal delivery service in my father's neighborhood. Johnny's dad became a celebrity of sorts in their little burgh.

My family came to California in the 1940's.

I remember as a very little girl, watching the ND/USC games on TV with my dad. I knew there was something special about the blue and gold..my dad..Irish football..my life..I lost him in 1980..but his love for the Irish burns in me and became my own many years ago..I could not imagine
a better tradition to pass on to my daughter..

She is now 3 years old..has known and could sing most of the fight song since she was 2.

She told me last night how much she loves "Rudy" "because he tries hard mama".
I told her that what it takes..hard work and love.

We may not be alumni but, I grew up believing God, Country, Notre Dame.
And so will she.