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My Father's Dolphins Cap
My dad used to wear this old school 1980s Miami Dolphins cap all the time. Whenever he wasn't at work, or doing something formal, he made sure he had that hat on. He bought it in the good old Orange Bowl back when he lived in Miami, during the 1986 AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots (which the Dolphins surprisingly lost). That would've been the last game the Dolphins played in the legendary Orange Bowl since they moved to Joe Robbie Stadium the next year (now known as Hard Rock Stadium). Anyways, fast forward to September 18, 1997. I was born here in Monterrey, since my dad moved here because of my mom. When I got home from the hospital the first thing my dad did was dress me up in a huge Dan Marino jersey, put that cap on my tiny head, and take a picture of me. That picture is framed in my house to this day. The second I was born my dad had already turned me into a Dolphins' fan. Ever since Dan Marino's prime, my parents' wedding, my birth, Dan Marino's retirement, several depressing Dolphins losing seasons, and just overall tough and not so tough times, that cap has always been in the family. A couple of years ago my dad decided to give it to me and I have it on top of a shelf in my room. I don't wear it much since it is pretty old and worn out, but it means the world to my family and me, it resembles tradition in the family and it certainly is more than just a cap. My dad's loyalty passion for the Dolphins has taught and given me more than I could think of; I hadn't realized it until now that I'm writing this. It has taught me to be there for the people I care about through the toughest of times and stay loyal to them, it has given me more patience throughout the years since the Dolphins haven't been pretty good as of late, thus helping me in other situations where I could use my patience. It has also helped me embrace the little things, I remember watching the only game the Dolphins won during the 2007 1-15 season with my dad. It was an overtime thriller against Baltimore and I remember we celebrated it as if the Dolphins had just won the Super Bowl. Ever since then I know how to make the most out of any and every opportunity. But the thing it has given to me the most, is a special bond between me and my dad. Whenever we have nothing to talk about, we just talk about the Dolphins, if we are ever mad at each other, we just talk about the Dolphins and we forget about it. Every single football Sunday I watch the games with my dad and spend quality father and son time with him. All of this can be symbolized by one simple old-school cap, and that is what makes it so special.
