Chilly today, huh Jonathan Toews? You look nice, by the way
Jonathan Toews, as we live and breathe! Wait! Before you leave again, we have to know; are you injured, or is it something we did?
Whatever it is, we’re sorry.
We admit there’ve been times our lesser angels got the better of us, questioned your abilities, didn’t understand your role. We know now how hard you worked to protect us while still managing to generate that spark—what a man. The fools of us don’t reflect those who know your real worth. Priceless. Before we go any further, you must know that.
Oh Jonathan, do you remember the warm Philadelphian night in June 2010 when everything was so perfect? We were all so young and so happy and so… Of course you remember. Who could forget?
We miss you, Jonathan Toews. Please, come back.
Every day we search the internet for scraps, looking for Jonathan Toews news, updates; only to be met with deafening silence. We respect your right to privacy; you are the captain of this relation-ship, after all. But, please don’t build a wall that keeps our love at bay. If something’s wrong, we’ll support you. Nothing broken can’t be fixed. We want to be there for you, support you. Whatever it is, we’ll get through it together. The line of medical professionals here in Chicago would stretch longer than the 2013 Stanley Cup Parade. We respect you so much, but we want to fight with you. Never forget that, Jon.
You’re so strong; but let us be your captain now.
Please, Jon. Let us in. We’ve changed. We understand now that words hurt. You’re not some fly-by-night, sadsack Bears quarterback; we know that. And we shan’t treat you that way. You’re Jonathan Toews! The youngest captain in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. We’re as proud of you now as we were then, more so.
Ha! (Sigh) we just remembered the 2009 Western Conference Finals. Those Detroit Red Wings were acting like real dildos. You totally stood up for yourself and played your heart out for your team and every last one of us. Though that series was ultimately unsuccessful, you became a man before our very eyes. You’ve never stopped being that man, Hall of Fame man.
Oh, no. Please. Please, Jonathan Toews. No.
The walls are pressing in, our vision narrows. We’re in the fires of hell, yet we’re completely numb. Don’t you say it. Don’t you ever say it. Retir- NO! You promised us you’d never do that, Jonathan. It… it was 2015 and… And… we said some things, did some crazy things that summer. They were real! You said you’d never break our hearts- No, wait. This is true love, Jon.
The only thing we want more than you, Jon, is for you, Jon, to be happy.
We’ve said we’ve changed, and now we must stay true to our word. It’s what you would do. Perhaps, this yoke of responsibility across our back is but a thimble compared to what your ample shoulders have carried for over a decade. Whatever is keeping you from us, we must respect your decision. Maybe, somehow, you’re still protecting us now. Even from so many miles away, Our Captain.
Forever Jonathan’s,
Chicago
Keep reading more top corner NHL coverage from Belly Up Sports
