Michael Diton-Edwards Pure 12 July 11, 2026
Hello dear readers 🙂 I truly appreciate and value each of you that read, comment upon, and share my writings. Seriously. Obviously, I make as much income off of these articles as an Eskimo selling popsicles on the streets of Anchorage in January, so for you to even open this link and give a look at my offering, well, all I can say is, THANK YOU!!! For all of the options you could focus upon in this world of X and Insta and every other branch of social media that is more broad than Morganna running on to a ‘70s baseball field, for you to even click this offering, that is beyond amazing and supportive to and for me. Thank you.
That is what this post is about, actually. Thanks. The fact that you support me by reading this is awesome, and it is you saying “Thank You” to me for my efforts. Without your encouragement, there is no reason for me to try to write, to attempt to share opinions and insights and witticisms revolving around the wonderful world of sports we all soak up and enjoy more than a bubble bath in a Roman Spa sponsored by Mr. Bubbles in the day (if you know, you know). Seriously. I have been so discouraged lately that I cannot break through and reach a larger audience…it is definitely saddening to me that I believe I am capable of ascending to a bigger base and reaching more people…it has been hard to accept that I am nothing more than a crass writer scratching out articles that don’t get read, that don’t reach the masses…frankly, it hurts. I am sorry for the personal exposure, for the truthful admission, but I pour my heart and soul into every article I have ever shared, and when there are times it is seen by less people that watch a cornhole match between 2 factions of cousins from West Virginia on ESPN 34, it is definitely a blow. It is.
In a word, I know that makes me sound pathetic. I do. But while I am wallowing, please allow me to continue should you still be reading…why would ANYONE write ANYTHING to the void, to people that don’t care? Well, there are indeed a few of you that do care – I APPRECIATE YOU!!!!!!!! – and there is importance in your support, so THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! But you know what? There are people that will never ever read one word of anything I write, but if I strive to share joy and humor and love and passion, maybe — MAYBE — that writing will be something that permeates my person, that allows my creativity to become alive in the force of my very being….that allows me to shine the light, to share a joy, with those around me on a daily basis…maybe.
Have you ever rooted for a team you knew couldn’t win? A player that was destined to ultimately fail? Honestly, we all have…as much as we celebrate the winners, the fact is, folks, that most of our support goes to the underdogs, the hopeless, the ones that have no chance to hoist a trophy…admit it – it is okay!!!
Orange Bow…that means nothing to anyone, a single, small orange bow…but a person – a person that you will ever know his name, that will ever do anything to ripple national attention, a person that will work at his janitorial job at 19 until he is 69+…a simple Orange Bow made me realize that my writing doesn’t’ have to reach millions…my writing isn’t important beyond the one person that reads it, if only that one…Jay gifted me an Orange Bow he found on a table while cleaning it…I had given Jay a pack of cookies for many days for many weeks (as I did for all that worked janitorial services and other departments), and on my last day of work at my post at an amusement park (Jay had no idea it was my last day) I tried not to cry when I handed him a pack of golden Oreos (don’t sue me please, but if you do, Oreo maker, you won’t get more than a Hyundai and $38). Jay said to me, “I don’t talk to people much. If I talk at all, it is because they are my friend.” I told him I understood that, and I realized he hadn’t talked to me much before. “You are my friend,” he said. After Jay walked away to clean the tables at the restaurant, I cried so hard I can’t describe it. I knew, at that moment, I would likely never talk to Jay again. It hurt. Badly. But before he left my booth, he gave me the Orange Bow, and said, “I found this. I want you to have it.”
Sports gives us many joys and opportunities for success, and also for hurt and disappointment. Alas, the people we meet along the way on the journey as fans, that is what is most important – even should you not remember the dude you high-fived at a bar when the Cubs broke the curse in 2016 or the guy you witnessed spiked a pint glass after the Lions were eliminated by the Commandos in 2025 – it is the people…sports gives us so much…but sometimes, it isn’t just sports…let’s not forget that sometimes, it is real life that reminds us of what is most important. If the Lions win the Super Bowl numbered 61, that would be AMAZING and special and magical and memorable…no question…but after last Thursday, it will not mean more to me than a simple Orange Bow. And in your reading this, you have gifted me the equivalent of an Orange Bow. Thank you 🙂
Peace 🙂 mditon.edwards@gmail.com is my email…I invite discussion and debate, but ALWAYS value your support and dialogue 🙂 Please continue to support my platform at South Florida Tribune, https://southfloridatribune.com/category/scott/michael-edwards/, and thank you in advance for sharing with others 🙂
