The Game of Life
By Jeff
Its sometimes takes a sad moment like the death of a player's father to hopefully remind us, the sports fan, what's really important. Too much time is spent by many of us hoping our favorite team will win " the big one", or that our favorite player will dominate his opponent.
Yes sports is a release from the stress of daily life. Yes it gives us joy and sometimes depression. Yes, its an opportunity to bond with others over the wins and losses of our favorite teams. But it is just a game, and win or lose, life goes on and the sun rises the next day.
The untimely death of Miah Ostrowski's father will hopefully bring into focus once again what's really important in the game of life. If there is anything positive to come out of this tragedy, its that Miah's father got to see him on the court last week becoming an integral part of the Bows. What pride he must have felt, and what joy must have been experienced by the entire family.
I don't know Miah. We have never had the opportunity to say hello. But i share just a little in his grief. I lost my father way too soon. I was 32 when he died from Cancer. Almost 32 years later, I still wish he could have shared in my successes and helped me thru my failures.
Miah showed up at practice yesterday and says he will play Saturday, That's what his father would have wanted. But remember if Maih turns the ball over, or misses a shot, that its just a game. In the real game of life, it doesn't really matter. What matters is that Miah's dad will live on in his son, whether in the game of basketball or the game of life
Hoops Talk
January 27th, 2011 at 9:37 am
by the way, when/if I get to attend the game on Saturday, I hope ALL UH fans will join me in giving Miah a standing ovation at the end of the game.
January 27th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Yeah, good idea humberto. God bless Miah and his family.
Thanks for sharing your own experience, Portnoy. There's no easy way to deal w/death of a loved one, but, when it's your parent at such a young age must be even tougher. Should go on over from the broadcast table after the game express your parallel with Miah's own recent situation if you don't already intend to do so.
And, know it's hard times financially for some of us . . . but, if you can, no forget to donate to in that Damian Ostrowski memorial fund (might not be the exact title, but, if you mention it like that, can't be mistaken) at ya'll local Bank of Hawaii. A Grease will do so!
January 27th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I feel for Miah. Sure his father may have wanted him to play on Saturday, but finding the heart to be the competitive player he has shown is another story.
I hope Gib and the players can really around him a bit.
January 27th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
humberto...
yes. big time chicken skin moment.
...nuff said
January 27th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
For some reason I hope he starts.
Imagine the standing ovation he would get at player intros.
January 27th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
The title of the article hit alittle close to home for me. One of the young men on the team I follow (University of Kansas) experienced a similar tragedy recently. What was encouraging was the way the team responded and rallied around their teammate. Everything has taken a back seat to supporting what Thomas needs. I've been very proud of former teams, but this group of young men is starting to really raise the bar.
I hope that the strength and courage demonstrated by both of these young men give lots of us many chicken skin moments.
January 27th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I was fortunate to know and play with both Miah and his dad, Kui in some park leagues. Kui was a great man and an awesome father to Miah. I was just thinking this past weekend that Kui must have been so proud to see Miah playing for UH in a meaningful role.
Rest in peace Kui and may god bless Michele and the kids.
January 27th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Have had the privilege of knowing the Dias-Ostrowski Ohana for over 35 years. I know how proud Kui was on Saturday night watching Miah take control of the court as a fine point guard for UH sitting right next to the ‘ohana. I also had the privilege of being at the hospital as Kui left this earth!
Miah is an exceptional individual and yes he is a replica of his father. We will all miss him very much, but you can damn believe that Miah will bring it on the court because Kui would have wanted it that way! He is his father’s son!
In game of life sometimes you get fouled out. Here is an example that every day is a gift from God. Precious! Kui I will miss you! You were just a great husband, father, friend and brother! I will miss your smile and your helping hand, always give kokua to everyone.
To Michele, Miah, Raquel, Mia and the Dias Ohana – I love you. Thank you for making me a part of your family! Me Ke Aloha Pau’ole a Hui Hou! Aloha Ke Akua!