![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
With all its ups and downs, highs and lows, joys and tears, I enjoyed 2012. I enjoyed it simply because I was ABLE to. I was fit, healthy and able to be there to see those Sainters play. My friend Jim passed away around this time last year. Jim fought the good fight against Cancer and gave it everything for "four quarters" but in the end was a runner up. His battle has inspired me. Jim was ..like me... an immigrant to Australia who embraced Aussie rules footy, and (like me) gave his heart to those Saints. We spent so many hours together in that factory, that we were almost like brothers, each saturday morning, we picked the winners...until the race proved us wrong..or OTHERWISE! We vied with each other in the footy tips comp..but ALWAYS backed the Saints! (whoever they were playing!) He was my soul brother and in times of strife was a confidant and ally. I still remember in all the euphoria of the 2005 QF win at AAMI as we boarded the bus back to Moorabbin my mobile phone going off and Jim on the other end saying "listen to this boss!" and the Saints song playing over my phone all the way from clarinda!!! After I was made redundant Jim and I still met up at the dome for saints games. I was there for his surprise 60th party with the joint decked out in red-white-and-black and the "saints song" blaring out on the PA as he walked in! That was the last time I spent with my friend. How apt. So I hope you folks will forgive me if I say to you, "We missed the eight? boo hoo" I will shed no tears for one "poor" (
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Go SAINTS!!!!!
Love to all
Dave
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)