At the end of the 2002 season, immediately after the Patriots came from behind and knocked Miami out of the playoffs, we all held our breath and hoped for a Green Bay win so that the Patriots could make the playoffs. Also at that time, this author awoke from his Rip Van Winkle dream and made a prediction that New England would defeat Dallas in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

I know we were ecstatic that the New England portion was correct. But for me, there was still a very lucky connection to Dallas and Super Bowl XXXVIII. Supporting the DoD, I was fortunate to be working with a political appointee who was a Dallas Cowboy fan whose spouse also supports President Bush, and works at the White House. Being a die hard Cowboy fan there was no way he was going to the White House when the Patriots were there so he asked me if I could go as his wife’s guest. There were no promises but they would try and I had to be flexible because events like that often change.

To prepare, I had to send in some information on a visit request, and when I called to confirm the morning of the day that the Patriots were going to be at the White House, it was a go! I was to meet my escort at a predetermined time and place and be lucky to be escorted to the sidelines in the Rose Garden!

At work, I keep the USA Today from the day after the game along with a photo of Mr. Joe Andruzzi when I bumped into him in Aruba. I grabbed them, checked out of work and although I had my cell phone and camera in my car, I was unprepared for what happened…it was 95ºF and 100% humidity and I am in a heavy tan suit coat that I kept in my truck for emergency meetings.

I was with my escort during the setup, as he made sure the microphones and other logistics were in place. He instructed me where to stay and who to stay with. As the camera crews, invited guests, and Patriots arrived, there was not a cloud in the sky, and the sun would not relent. I could observe pleasantries being exchanged between the team members, and Mr. Kraft, and Mr. Belichick shaking hands of the invited guests in the front row. I must have taken hundreds of pictures, well at least 20 during the pre-speech pleasantries. But then a voice from the loudspeaker: "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States". Standing on the sideline with my escort, and photographers, only a few rows back, my hair stood on end when President Bush, walked down the steps to the Rose Garden in between the players…it was surreal as I had just watched President Bush on CNN less than one hour before. It was impressive watching him and his coolness during a time when he was attending to very important national events. And as he walked in everyone stood, including a huge guy in a blue shirt sweating more than me! A guy named, Andre Tippett who blocked my view briefly until President Bush said "Please be Seated". His speech was awesome (transcript taken from www.whitehouse.gov) and combined both the celebratory nature of the visit with the importance of teamwork, dedication, and support. His ad lib with Bill Belichick concerning his lengthy speech of four words back in 2002 was great. After the Speech by President Bush, when Bill Belichick gave him a gameball, Coach Belichick said "Mr. President" --- the President responded with wow, this year you said two words "Mr. President" – the team was rolling with laughter.

The President departed to the White House and the team mingled briefly signing autographs and taking pictures with some of the guests attending. I went forward with the crowd and left the sideline. After obtaining an autograph from Mr. Brady, a Marine guard came up beside me and asked "where is your escort?" He is right there…and was no where in sight. The Marine, not even breaking a sweat in his full uniform, said, "well you are going to have to walk out with the Patriots then". I said, probably grinning from ear to ear, "well….OK". I was also sweating so much I really wished I had a handkerchief. Mr. Andruzzi was smart, he was standing under a tree in the shade and I had to walk right past him. "Mr. Andruzzi, I met you in Aruba after the Super Bowl, could you sign this photo?" He did, but I heard someone say "you were in Aruba and didn’t invite me". As I feared getting caught between some really big guys, I think, my pace increased a little as I walked out with the rest of the team.

[Note: I really was on cloud nine and was completely in awe, dazed, and I think becoming weak at the knees from the heat – I did not look at his autograph until I recomposed myself on the Metro, he wrote: "Walt great time in Aruba"]

When I left the shade of the tree, right next to me was Mr. Kraft, what another great guy, I congratulated him and we talked about my boss who went to 12 years of school with him! Then, one of the nicest players I met, was stopped on the walkway, taking pictures and signing autographs, I approached Mr. Vinatieri and asked for a picture, and if he could sign the USA Today that said "Patriots’ Day: Vinatieri to [the] Rescue". He said "sure, but ladies before gentleman"…I agreed. Finally, walking side by side with Coach Belichick, I congratulated him, and talked about his home town of Annapolis, and how his emphasis of teamwork has helped me at work. With a big smile, he signed my USA Today without hesitation.

There are days that you will never forget, like the day you get married, the day you buy your first home, the funeral of a family member, where you were on 9/11, the day the Red Sox win the World Series (you didn’t think I could go too much further without a musing did you), along with Super Bowl Victories by the Patriots, this turned out to be 8 minutes (the length of the speech by President Bush) and a day that I will never forget. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Dallas Cowboy Fans! But even more important, thanks to my very understanding wife (who couldn’t go with me to the White House), who is with me to enjoy the New England Patriots and by the way, when the Patriots play, it is also a surreal feeling to be with all of the friends and fans from Murphy’s!

Endnote 1: My wife is really mad that I did not invite Tom Brady home for dinner.

Endnote 2: Listen to your Dad’s advice: Always remember to carry a handkerchief