Congratulations to Dan H of Iowa who has been chosen as the winner of the Laila's Family Portrait Photo & Essay Contest 

Dan's Winning Essay and Photos:

My name is Dan. I was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on September 1967. I grew up in a town in northern Minnesota named Virginia, and I went to high school for 2 years in Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin.  My father was a football coach my entire life, and when I was a kid my idol and hero was Muhammad Ali.  My father, Art, passed away on March 5th, 2007 and I will always remember my Dad as being the greatest football coach who ever lived. 

My Dad, my Mom, Carol, and my childhood idol Muhammad Ali taught me discipline, dedication, hard work, and to never give up. I remember staying up late one night in my bedroom when I was 6 years old, and I was listening to the first Ali-Norton fight on the radio. When Muhammad Ali lost I started to cry. My Dad, who was also a big fan of Muhammad Ali's,  told me the next day "Don't worry, Danny. Ali came in to the fight out of shape, but he will get back in to shape and he will win his next fight." 

I could not wait for Ali's next fight. I would walk in to my class room and tell all of the other kid's that Ali was going to be the champ again, and he can't possibly be beat. I would pretend I was Muhammad Ali, and I would tell one of my buddies to be Joe Frazier. I would walk into class, and a buddy of mine would pretend he was Howard Cosell, and I would pretend I was Muhammad Ali being interviewed for my next fight. "I am the greatest of all time" I would tell all of my class mates.

Then that day finally came, October 30th, 1974. I guaranteed to all of my classmates that Ali would beat George Foreman. I knew deep in my soul that my hero, Muhammad Ali, would not let me down or dissapoint me, and he didn't.  Just as Muhammad Ali was the greatest boxer who ever lived, I will always remember my Dad as being the greatest football coach who ever lived. 

I have a website dedicated to my Dad at www.coachfootballnow.com    Below is a picture of my Dad and me when I played football for him my sophomore season at Assumption High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin in 1983. I was a Quarterback. As you can see, I am wearing #1. The other picture is of the victory celebration in the pool after my Dad's team went 8 and 0 and won the conference championship at Two Rivers High School in Two Rivers, Wisconsin in 1968.  The last picture is from when I was 5 years old.

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Runner Up Entry 1:

This story is about my mother, my child and the bond they share.  In September 2002, my son Riley was born.  My husband and I were living with my parents and Riley brought so much joy to the household.  He was so beautiful and so perfect!  

In October 2002, 1 ½ months after my son’s birth, my mother had a brain aneurysm and was brought to the emergency.  She was transferred to another hospital and underwent surgery.  She spent 5 ½ weeks in the hospital going from the recovery unit to the intensive care unit and then back to the recovery unit.  She went through some times when we thought she wasn’t going to survive.  Even the surgeon said that it was a miracle she had survived.  She doesn’t remember much of her time spent in the hospital but she remembers me bringing Riley over to visit.  She would just look at him and  I think he gave her the strength she needed to heal.

Riley is now 5 ½ years old and almost every day, he wants to visit his “mémère”.  They are so close.  It’s wonderful to see them together, laughing, playing and just enjoying each other’s company.  They have an unbreakable bond.

Natalie C.

Runner Up Entry 2:

My name is Brittany B, and I am from Houston, TX. The photo that I have submitted is of my father and I, as we were attending his retirement party in 1983. My father retired from the NFL after playing 16 consecutive seasons for the Houston Oilers. Many people have told me that I favor and remind them of you. I've always been a daddy's girl (as well as a tough girl being that I grew up with 2 brothers), such as yourself, and I have been one of your greatest fans. I admire you for all that you have done, including all of the things that you have experienced throughout your life. I for a fact, understand and know what it's like to be a daughter of a professional athlete, as well as the tribulations that go along with the life. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your new husband, and I must say, I really enjoyed reading your article in last month's Essence magazine. You are definitely a beautiful woman and I am more than 100% sure that you will be a beautiful mother. Congratulations!

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As the birth of Laila's first child inches near, Laila's begun looking back on her childhood memories, experiences and photos. To celebrate and welcome the upcoming birth of Laila's child, Laila would like to see her fans share their favorite photos and memories of their parent or child. Share the love you have by writing a short story describing your parent or child, your favorite memory, etc. and sending in your favorite photo with them. All submissions must be received by Friday June 13, 2008 at 11:59pm ET. The winning submission will be posted to the site on Monday June 23, 2008!! So start looking through old albums, thinking back on your childhood or the birth of your own child and enter to win the opportunity to share these memories with Laila!

Read the complete contest rules.

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