My friend's last game

When I was a kid, before the days of the NBC contract, Notre Dame games were on cable more often than they are now. My parents didn't get cable, so I watched all of those games at my neighbor's house, Mr. Payment. He was an Irish-Canadian immigrant and loved Notre Dame football as much as anyone I know.

Some of my best memories as a kid were watching those games with Mr. Payment. He would always "send me in" to the game. If there was a big offensive play, he would ask, "can you get in there and throw a block, Joe?" I'd say I could, and if the play worked, he'd congratulate me. Now, I send my kids in the game.

When I was a teenager, Mr. Payment's son was my confirmation sponsor. I don't remember why, exactly, but Matt couldn't be there on the day of my confirmation, and Mr. Payment stood in for him. We were in the parking lot of the church listening to the ND-Tennessee game on the radio, and the confirmation mass was starting, with ND driving at the end of the game. I asked Mr. Payment what we should do, and he said, "It's Notre Dame. God'll understand." ND missed the kick to win the game, and I missed part of my confirmation. I'm glad I did.

Mr. Payment has been dying of cancer, and I went over to his place this week to watch the Michigan game with him. I asked him if he could get in there and play, and he said he'd run the defense. He did a stellar job.

I held his hand during the alma mater, and he cried during it. He knew it'd be his last one. He was right.

Thank you, team, for winning this game. It means more to me than every other ND game I've seen put together, because it was Mr. Payment's last one. You sent him out with win.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words, thoughts, and prayers *

Thank you for this story. God bless you and Mr. Payment *

That's what it's all about

what a great story.

May God bless.

We should be so lucky to have influences like that in life. *

Great stuff *

Thank you Rochester. *

God bless you, Joe.

That was beautiful.
May God rest the soul of Mr. Payment.
Every time they play the Alma Mater after the game, win or lose, I always cry. And I didn't even go to ND. Like me, he's another member of the "extended family" of ND, so your story brings a tear to my eye on the passing of a family member.

Thank you so much for sharing that.

Awesome. Another page to add to ND football lore. *

Thank you. May God rest his soul. *

beautiful-in his honor I hope to send my grandkids "in" for

a play some day and I will remember you and your friend, Mr. Payment. I promise.
thanks for that

Thank you for posting that. *

God: "I need you in Heaven, Mr. Payment."

Mr. Payment: "Send me in."

RD, I absolutely love this story.

It's a bit hard to see the screen right now, however.

I'm sure you understand.

Thanks for sharing.

God Bless Mr. Payment.

Irish Forever

The Power of Notre Dame Football.

I am sorry for your loss. He sounds like a great person.

Thank you, Joe. *

I am sorry for your loss, God Bless Mr. Payment

You are my prayers and thanks for sharing.

Thank you. *

Posts like this makes this board special. Thanks for sharing *

Good stuff. *

R.I.P. Mr. Payment

thank you for the post.

Thank you *

Thanks for sharing this. *

Thank you for this post *

Well done. *

Fantastic story

I now understand why Michigan couldn't hold onto the ball.

Thanks *

Beautiful story.

I suspect he'll be in there this week too.