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The people attending Elks\u2019 home games deserve the same amount of learned conversation as the colourful seats. <\/p>\n
Published Jul 15, 2023<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 2\u00a0hours ago<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/span> <\/p>\n
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The Edmonton Elks’ Nyles Morgan (45) celebrates a quarterback sack against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during first half CFL action at Commonwealth Stadium, in Edmonton Thursday July 13, 2023. <\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\nArticle content<\/h2>\n
When you spend six weeks in a hospital bed, you learn t0 appreciate things \u2014 new things you didn\u2019t know were in this wonderful city we have.<\/p>\n
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I learned this valuable lesson as 2023 rolled in, whenever I rolled over in my University of Alberta bed. A stereo case of pneumonia \u2014 both lungs in play \u2014 pounded through my body.<\/p>\n
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The amount of friends who came out was overwhelming. Without a doubt, they were the single biggest factor to my recovery, and subsequent discharge.<\/p>\n
The best, though, was yet to come: weeks, even days, after I was released those same forever friends continued to visit me, and, together, we celebrate my sparkling new bill of health.<\/p>\n
And the future. For the longest time, I could see a future full of endless opportunities, full of new ideas, engaging new projects.<\/p>\n
That will forever be a lasting treasured memory of friends \u2014 some who, magically, became friends through my hospital stay \u2014 who worked with doctors, nurses, community housing experts and others so I could jump-start my life.<\/p>\n
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I remember some people asking me if a mutual friend was up to visit me.<\/p>\n
Yes, I said, once or twice. But I strongly believe a popularity competition was absolutely not transpiring.<\/p>\n
People are busy. And for those people who could only share a few visits are still, in my view, in the same class of friends as the ones who just left a few hours ago.<\/p>\n
Friends are friends: a clock does not file a report.<\/p>\n
So, are fans always fans, in good times and bad?<\/p>\n
That thesis went through my mind Friday night at the\u00a0Edmonton Elks game, looking at Commonwealth Stadium\u2019s east stands and the fans sparsely sitting in groups, exposing the empty green-and-gold seats.<\/p>\n
It wouldn\u2019t been hard to count them. And I\u2019m being darn serious.<\/p>\n
The sight caused many conversions, I am certain, about the lack of fans taking in the games.<\/p>\n
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Then, right on cue, Anne Murray\u2019s 1973 hit \u201cHey, What About Me?\u201d played in my mind\u2019s audio vault.<\/p>\n
The vibe around the Elks\u2019 attendance this year is the concern.<\/span><\/p>\n
We could crunch numbers and calculate how many fans the Elks are averaging this game. While that figure may be of interest \u2014 surely, it\u2019s somewhere out there in webland \u2014 it really doesn\u2019t nudge this journalistic effort forward.<\/p>\n
For the point has to be driven safely home, the people attending Elks\u2019 home games deserve the same amount of learned conversation as the colourful seats.<\/p>\n
They define the meaning of loyal fans.<\/p>\n
The cliches are numerous, aren\u2019t they?<\/p>\n
Through the good and the band.<\/p>\n
Through thick and thin.<\/p>\n
Til death do us apart.<\/p>\n
When the Elks finally disengage the brake on this epic train wreck of a season \u2014 and they will \u2014 jubilant Jasper Avenue sidewalk soldiers will have that satisfied extra spring in their step.<\/p>\n
And for those folks who have been in the pews for every home Elk game, let\u2019s commend them for their civic compassion.<\/p>\n
The day will come when Edmonton Elks fans will be a plenty for home games in Commonwealth Stadium.<\/p>\n
We must, absolutely, honour the foundations of such success.<\/p>\n
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