The Jock and The Journalist

Wealth and influence are not enough. They are just things that can make life better depending on the intentions and actions of their possessor. However, the heart is where true happiness resides. Think of two people that shared a life-altering love affair and then went their separate ways to pursue their career goals.

Would those two people have regrets? Would they ever be able to find with someone else what they found with one another? Would they try to get back what they lost if given a chance? The two people in this story took the latter approach and this is their story.

Josh Hewitt, super bowl winning quarterback of the St Louis Rams, rushes into the gymnasium for his reunion at Dayton Street High School.

"I never thought I would be back here," he says, running his fingers through his hair. Josh is pretty much the same decent guy who graduated from this school years ago, except now he's famous, wealthy, and well-traveled. Son of Chris and Elaine Hewitt, he wanted to play quarterback in the NFL ever since he was eight years old. He would watch games with his Dad every Sunday, and after the games, his dad wanted to see went go off, Chris and his son would go to the backyard and throw the football together. This is how Josh fell in love with the game.

He told his dad, on one of those Sundays in the backyard, that he was going to play quarterback in the NFL one day. Chris wasn't one of those overbearing sports dads. He encouraged his son, helped him pursue his dream, and showed up to every game Josh had in grammar school. This treatment from his Dad made his love for the game grow even stronger because he continued to put his role as his father first.

Elaine, his mother, had concerns about the violence of the game. Despite her concerns, she supported her son because she could see how serious he was about it, even at such a young age. She would drive him to practice, and she also showed up for every game he had in grammar school. The support of his parents meant a lot to Josh and he got better and better every year.

As he walked through the doors of Dayton Street High, all of the memories came flooding back. However, most of those memories revolved around the woman he hoped he would see. He truly came to this reunion to reunite with the love of his life who got away. The daughter of Peter and Helen James, Diane. Diane made up her mind during her senior year in high school that she wanted to be a journalist.

She told Christie, her best friend, that she wanted to inform people of what was going on in the world and make a difference while doing it. She was a very inquisitive child and in high school, she became more and more concerned about important issues taking place in America and abroad.

In light of her concerns, she started to study politics and became fascinated with the careers of Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer, and Jane Pauley. Her mother and father were pleased with her career choice. However, her father, who has always been a practical man, wanted to make sure she had thought this career choice through.

"What is your plan?" He asked her. They raised her to be an independent thinker and a person who plans. That being the case, Diane replied,

"I'm going to try and get a scholarship in journalism and major in that when I go to college." Her parents answered,

"Alright Diane, if this is what you want to do. Of course, we will support you in any way we can."

Diane is now the co-anchor on CBS This Morning and whenever Josh has the time he watches her and marvels at how she has gotten even more beautiful over the years. He also notices she still has that charm and sweetness that he fell in love with. All of that added to his desire to rekindle their romance. As the reunion attendants, media, and star watchers crowded around Josh, he spotted Diane by the punch bowl. When they saw each other it was all smiles.

The smiles were only a subtle indication of how excited they were to see each other. They shyly headed toward one another. The anticipation grew as they got closer. Both of them are successful in the careers that caused their separation, but now they are hoping to find their way back to the only true love each of them has ever known. They fell in love during their senior year of high school. Christie introduced them because she got tired of hearing Diane rave about Josh the quarterback.

"Josh is so cute… He's a nice guy…" Diane would say. After hearing her talk about Josh for a month Christie took action. They were all in the cafeteria for lunch when Christie said to Diane,

"Come with me." They walked over to the table where Josh and his football buddies were sitting and when they got there Christie said,

"Hello, guys. Josh, I'm sure you know my best friend Diane."

Josh replied, "Of course, I at least try to know the names of all the beautiful women in this school." Diane blushed after Josh finished his statement. Christie was blunt and didn't beat around the bush,

"Look! If you know her name why haven't you asked her out?" All the guys at the table chuckled and looked at Josh. Josh realized that this was his best chance to go on a date with one of the most beautiful and intelligent women in the school.

"Diane, I apologize for being a jerk, and I hope you'll overlook it and go out with me on Saturday night," Diane replied,

"Sometimes my friend can be a bit too forward, but I would like to go out with you." Josh smiled and answered,

"I understand. I have a few friends like that, but I know they mean well. I believe that's Christie's case and I appreciate your help, Christie. What time should I come to get you on Saturday Diane?"

"Why don't you just call me tonight and we'll talk about it," Diane replied. She wrote her number on a napkin, handed it to Josh, and she and Christie started heading to their table. As they were walking away Christie said,

"You see how easy that was? Goodbye, guys." Diane waved before she walked away with her best friend. Josh and Diane's first date started with dinner at Red Lobster. They did a lifetime of talking that night. They were so comfortable with each other. They had so much in common, they loved reading, long walks, shellfish, looked forward to marriage and children, saved coupons from the newspaper because they loved discounts, and both of them were fixated on their career goals. They expressed so much love and affection during that school year. They were practically inseparable.

It was only their drive and determination to achieve their goals that pulled them apart. A wealth of love manifested in one school year, and despite their distance and separate lives they never experienced the feelings they shared with anyone else. All the memories stayed with them.

The way she laughed at his jokes, the way he held her hand when they crossed the street, how they made each other feel safe and protected, and the gentle passionate way they expressed their desire for one another. All of those memories wouldn't allow their love for one another to die. They never wanted to be without each other, but it happened unconsciously. Not returning a phone call, not responding to an email, and just being too busy to even chat on Facebook or Twitter.

They lost touch with each other. By the time they started missing one another, both of them felt too ashamed to contact the other. They loved each other so much, but as time passed they started to reluctantly accept that they might never be together again.

Both of them got scholarships for their chosen fields. Diane went to Princeton and Josh went to Stanford. As they went on with their lives apart, they dated other people, but they never felt a strong connection with anyone. One day in the fall they each received an e-mail from Dayton Street High School about a reunion on October 25th. To say they were elated would be an understatement. They viewed this as not only a chance to see each other again but to recapture the love affair they walked away from years ago.

Standing here where their love started and bloomed, both of them are determined to be a part of each other's life. As they pose for pictures and sign autographs, they never leave each other's side. They dance, laugh, reminisce, and finally they sneak outside to steal some kisses to seal their reunion. The chemistry is still clear and palpable, but now they're older and truly realize what they've missed being separated from each other. Josh walks Diane to her car and she whispers to him,

"I watched you in both Super Bowls and I was rooting for you. I wanted to call you, but I was too embarrassed because I thought too much time had passed." Josh replied,

"I watch you almost every morning and I wanted to call you when you were given the anchor chair on CBS This Morning, but I felt the same way you did. I came here to see you, Diane. I never stopped thinking about you." Diane was startled and pleased by Josh's statement and said,

"I came here to see you too. I guess we still think alike." They kissed each other deeply and passionately, then Diane got into her car and drove away. The day after the reunion, Diane and Josh returned to work. The Rams were playing the Jets on Monday Night Football so Josh stopped in to see Diane at the CBS studio before he went to practice. During a commercial, the producer pointed toward the door and said,

"Diane, someone is here to see you." Diane looked towards the door and Josh was standing there smiling with white roses in his hand. Diane smiled the way no one in the studio had ever seen her smile before. They knew about her and Josh being together in high school, but they didn't realize how much she loved him until they saw that look on her face. Seeing is better than being told.

"Josh, what are you doing here?" Diane exclaimed as she walked over, kissed him on the cheek, and took the roses.

"Thank you. This is so sweet Josh." Josh was never shy when it came to complimenting Diane, even in public.

"Not sweeter than you," Josh said. Everyone in the studio knew Josh. After all, he is a Super Bowl MVP. Diane introduced him to everyone and Josh was polite and down to earth. Diane's co-anchor was doing the next segment, so Josh and Diane went to her dressing room. After the Jets game, the Rams had their bye week. Josh spent a few more days in New York. They spent all the time they could together before Josh had to go back.

They were having a wonderful time. Christie invited the couple out to dinner before Josh had to go back to St. Louis. When Diane and Josh arrived at the restaurant, Christie and her date Michael were already seated. After the greetings and introductions, Christie started right in,

"It's good to see you two. I wanted to make it to the reunion, but I was too busy with this new advertising campaign."Diane replied,

"We understand and we know you would have made it if you could." Christie was just getting started,

"I assume you two hooked up at the reunion, and honestly, I'm surprised that you aren't married with two point five kids by now." Josh and Diane blushed. Diane replied,

"Stop it, Christie. You're embarrassing us."

"Oh come on Diane," Christie answered, "Everyone in high school thought you guys were the it couple, and I'm just surprised that you let each other getaway." Now Diane had a shocked look on her face because she wasn't expecting all of this from Christie. Josh looked at Diane and said,

"She has a point." Diane's lip almost dropped to the floor because Josh agreed with Christie's statement. Christie folded her arms over her chest and gave Diane a wry glance. Diane was flustered when she said,

"Josh… What are you saying?" Josh nervously took her hand and said, Diane, you know I love you. I always have. You know you're the main reason I came to the reunion. I don't ever want to be without you again." Josh got on one knee, reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a ring box. Christie's mouth was opened in amazement and Diane started crying. Josh opened the ring box and said,

"Diane, will you do me the honor of being my wife? I promise to make you happy forever." With tears flowing down her cheeks Diane said,

"Josh… you know I'll do you the honor. I've been dreaming about this day for a long time. I love you. Of course, I'll marry you." Josh took the ring out of the box, put it on Diane's finger, and they kissed and cried together. Christie and Michael were in shock but happy for the famous couple. Everyone in the restaurant stood up and clapped to congratulate the couple on their engagement. Josh was sweating so hard, Diane grabbed a napkin and wiped his forehead. Both of them were still crying when Diane asked,

"Christie, did you know about this?"

"Absolutely not," Christie replied. Josh said,

"There is no way I would have told her. Plus, I didn't know when I was going to do it, but when Christie started talking about it, it seemed like the perfect time."

"It was sweetie." Diane assured him as she kissed him on the lips. The two couples had a beautiful dinner and celebrated the start of this lifelong commitment that Diane and Josh have been waiting for ever since high school. Diane made the announcement on CBS This Morning the next day. The gifts and media attention was a little overwhelming, even for this already famous couple, but both of them understood it would be a challenge being together. They were willing to deal with any obstacles as long as they were together. They called each other every night and piled up a lot of frequent flier miles.

They seized every opportunity they had to be together. They went to Vermont for three days for their honeymoon. That's all the time they had before Josh had to get back to playing football. During that quick honeymoon to Vermont Diane got pregnant. It was a happy time because they were looking forward to sharing a life together. After months of calls and commuting, in December the Rams were playing the Giants on Thursday Night Football. They spent all the time they could together during this trip. Josh even went with Diane to the doctor to check on the baby. They found out they were having a boy.

Diane was not a big football fan, but because her husband was playing that night she watched the game. In the 3rd quarter, Josh dropped back for a 3rd and 6 pass play and the Giants sent an all-out blitz. The outside linebacker hit Josh from the blind side and his head hit the ground hard. The medical team had to come onto the field to attend to him. Diane started crying as soon as she saw him hit the ground.

He was carried off the field and examined by the team doctor in the locker room. Josh had a concussion and a broken rib. After his examination, he was taken to the hospital where he called Diane. When Diane arrived at the hospital the nurse escorted her to Josh's room. The doctor came out to speak with her before she went in to see her husband. With tears in her eyes, she asked,

"How is he?" The doctor replied,

"He has a broken rib, but it's the concussion I'm worried about. It's his second concussion in three years and I don't think his brain can take another hit like that without there being permanent damage. I advised him that he shouldn't play football anymore." Diane put her hand over her mouth and started sobbing,

"Doctor, you don't understand… Football is his life."

"You're right, I don't understand. He said the same thing, but I know that the brain can only take so much. If he takes another blow like that it may change both of your lives forever. Try to make him see that it's best for him to walk away from the game. I'm sorry. I'll be back after my rounds." He put his hand on her shoulder, and said,

"Again, I'm sorry Mrs. James. Talk to him." Diane went to the waiting room trying to figure out how she was going to ask her husband to give up the game he's loved all his life. She knew that Josh retiring from the game would be the best thing for him and their family, but it was a conversation she dreaded having with him.

Her mind kept going to what Josh would be thinking, how can the person I love the most be asking me to give up what I love? As she sat there, she thought about the child she was carrying and how she wanted him to know his father the way he is now. She got up and headed to Josh's room. When she entered, Josh was watching the end of the football game, which made her even more self-conscience about what she had to say.

"Hey sweetie," she said, "How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine. I'm sorry I worried you," Josh said, as she sat on the bed and grabbed his hand.

"I'm fine," she said, "I'm your wife now. I'm supposed to worry." She gave him a little smile and he smiled back.

"Honey, I have to talk to you about something," she said reluctantly. He replied,

"Look at it. It's a beautiful game isn't it?" She looked at the television and answered,

"Yes, it's a beautiful game, honey." She was holding back her tears because she knew that this conversation would be very difficult. She wanted to say the right words so her plea would be effective. She sat quietly with him for a few minutes while he watched the game trying to gather her thoughts.

"Lay down with me," Josh whispered. Diane curled up next to her husband. He winced a little because of his broken rib. The nurse entered the room,

"Oh… I'm sorry, I didn't know your wife was here, but I have to give you your shot."

"Could you give us a few minutes? I need to speak with my wife first." Josh replied.

"Okay." The nurse answered, "I'll be back in fifteen minutes." As soon as the nurse left the room Josh said to his lovely wife,

"Diane, I spoke to the doctor before you came and he told me I should seriously consider retiring from the game. He said one more concussion might cause irreparable damage. I pretty much knew that when I woke up on my back and the sky was spinning. I started thinking about you and the baby while I was lying there. I made my choice before they put me in the ambulance. I've performed at the highest level in this game I love. I've been to two Super Bowls, won the MVP, and have always been a top-ranked quarterback, but none of it is worth the risk of not having a normal life with you and our son. I'm going to retire because our life together is more important."

Diane was stunned but happy. She was so relieved that Josh had chosen her and the baby over his career, but she was ready to duke it out with him. Diane said,

"I was prepared to have a big argument with you about this. You think those linebackers are tough, you were in for the fight of your life." She hit him with that smile he loved so much and said,

"We were apart for so long, and I just want us to be together all in one piece."

"I know," Josh replied, "I want the same thing. This is why the decision was not difficult for me. Coach is going to come see me after the game and I'll let him know then." Diane asked,

"Do you want me to be here when you tell him?"

"No, it will be better if we talk alone. Coach and I have been through a lot together and we've always handled things one on one. I don't want it to be any different when it comes to this. I know he won't be happy, but he'll respect my decision."

Simply stated, Josh's retirement press conference was full of tears. Diane sat right next to him as he walked away from the game he loved his entire life.

"I have to leave the game because of my family," Josh said, "I'm truly blessed that I was able to play this game and win its ultimate prize. Now, I'm married to the woman I've been in love with since high school and she's having our child. I have to put them first." Diane and Josh looked at each other lovingly after he made that statement, Josh continued,

"It's not an ending but a new beginning. A new chapter of an amazing life I'm grateful to be living."

The press conference lasted about forty minutes in which he summarized the highs and lows he had playing football.

A year later Josh was offered and accepted the head coaching job for the NY Jets. Diane continued to co-host CBS This Morning until she went on maternity leave. Diane delivered an 8-pound 5-ounce baby boy 9 months later. Life is going great for them and they did it together.

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