Robservations: Touching moments before Touchdown Atlantic — Sue Linnen meets the Roughriders

Jamal Morrow initiated a handoff, for a change. 

After the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Friday walk-through at St. Mary’s University’s Huskies Stadium, the CFL team’s always-cheerful tailback presented a football to Sue Linnen. 

Sue, who has been battling lymphoma for 12 years, is in Halifax for Touchdown Atlantic — Saturday’s game between the Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts — after having a wish granted by the Cameco Riders Touchdown for Dreams program. 

“I wanted to see a Roughriders away game,” Sue explained while standing beside her proud husband, Ken. 

Although the Linnens have watched the Roughriders on the road several times — with the lengthy list of excursions including Grey Cup trips — this weekend’s event was a must-see due to the location and the accompanying hype. 

As well, Touchdown Atlantic is being played during a landmark year for Sue and Ken, who commemorated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 21. 

For 49 of those years, they have been Roughriders season-ticket holders. 

“We just enjoy going to the games,’’ Sue said. “We have four season tickets, so we take our children and grandchildren with us on an alternating basis. 

“We’re always there, and then we alternate the kids, so they’re up-and-coming Rider fans as well.” 

One of their children — their daughter, Barbara — submitted an application to Touchdown for Dreams, which assists women who are facing a life-threatening cancer diagnosis. 

“They’ve just designated that I’m now officially called ‘palliative care,’ ” said Sue, 73. “I asked Dr. Google and you know how accurate he is. 

“Palliative care can go on for years, and that’s my plan. We’ll see how this trip goes and, if I don’t get too tired, we may look at another river cruise in Europe.” 

They might as well book that trip because, really, what sane person would bet against the indomitable Sue Linnen? 

“The first eight years (with cancer) were a breeze,” she recalled. “I would go for chemo and go for lunch with friends. No problem at all. 

“But four years ago, I lost the use of my legs in a matter of four days. On a Saturday, we went to the symphony and, by Tuesday, I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t stand. My legs wouldn’t support me. 

“I said to the doctor, ‘When am I going to get my legs back? When will I walk again?’ And he said, ‘We can’t guarantee that you’ll ever walk.’ I looked at him and I thought, ‘Watch me!’ ” 

That said, she got out of her chair on Friday and walked … and laughed … and smiled. 

What an amazing lady. 

What a remarkable and sensationally nice married couple. 

“We certainly cherish every day,” said Ken, 72. “It has been challenging. Not every day is filled with smiles and laughter, but there are far more smiles and laughter than there are signs of depression, I guess you could say.  

“We have three daughters and seven grandkids within short distances of our place.” 

Sue was quick to interject: “And three grand-dogs!” 

A grand time was had at the conclusion of Friday’s walk-through, after our interview. 

When we chatted, the Linnens had not yet been informed that they were to meet with the team  — surprise! — before the players headed to the buses. 

Hence the introduction to Morrow, who was joined by every one of his teammates before he handed the football to Sue. 

“We’re so excited to have you out here,” Morrow told her, “and we hope to give you a good show tomorrow.” 

The handoff having been executed flawlessly, Head Coach Craig Dickenson asked: “Can we take a picture with you?” 

All the players and coaches then huddled around Sue. 

“Get in there, Ken!” one player bellowed. 

Once the group photo was taken, both Linnens prominently included, a succession of players offered hugs and handshakes. 

“It’s awesome to brighten someone’s day like that,” quarterback Mason Fine said. “For Sue, showing us that support for all these years, we wanted to give that back. 

“As players, we really enjoy that. Without the fans, we’re nobody. We’re not getting paid. It’s good to give back, and it’s so awesome that her one wish was to come watch us play. 

“So you take that and maybe you put it in the back of your mind as an extra chip. You’re not only playing for your teammates and coaches, but also for people like Sue. Maybe it gives us something else to fight for going into (Saturday’s game) when you’re getting tired and stuff like that.” 

An emphasis on the larger objective is ideally aligned with the Head Coach’s mindset and mantra. 

“One of the things we try to teach our players or we try to emphasize is mindfulness and knowing that there’s other things going on in the world besides football,” Dickenson said. 

“That was one of those moments where I think the players realize that we’ve got it pretty good. Most of them are young and healthy and can do what they want. 

“Here’s a lady who is struggling with her health issues and her wish was to come watch us play, so I was proud of the team. I felt like they really came together there and showed some compassion. 

“Football is important, but it’s not everything, and it takes moments like that to realize it.” 

ROLL CREDITS … 

•  Nice people who deserve a plug: Sue Linnen, Ken Linnen, Jamal Morrow, Jake Dolegala, Karen Kuzyk, Terry Kuzyk, John Fedirko, Lori Fedirko, Ron Stansfield, Steve Sumarah, Jim Achtymichuk, Rich Simmonds, Francesca Miles, Jacqueline Hurlbert, Evan McFeeters, Kim Gallagher, Jenn Senger, Carol Hoeving, Karina Peterson, Arielle Zerr, Eva Fletcher, Tyler Daku, Ivan Daku, Kent Paul, Mark Habicht, Jonathan Halvorson, Craig Reynolds, Allyson McDonald, Blake Tiedeman, Cindy Fuchs, Jessy Kindopp, Josh MacNeil, Nick Mazurak, Kevin Clive, Morgan Fleury, Seth Strankman, Tia MacNeil, Zack Evans, Ryan Rennebohm, Robin Rennebohm, Ellie Thorn, Adrian Godbold, Erika Godbold, Matt Dayman, Danae Christian, Nathaniel Christian, Linda Allen-Hardisty, Daniel Klatt, George Reed, Molly Campbell, Dr. Tom Robinson, Bryce Bunz, Matt Baker, Jacques Bellefleur, Dale West, Joan West, Bob Woytowich, Doug Exner and Mitchell Saretzky.