The goalkeeper!

The crowd went wild with joy. Every shot that came near the goalpost was blocked effectively by Samuel Bartram, the goalkeeper. The organizers and the crowd had wondered if the game would ever take place. It was December 25, 1937. The terribly cold climate of England and the fog that descended on the buildings frequently threatened the cancellation of the game. But the game had begun. And what a show Sam Bartram exhibited!

Bartram was playing for Charlton Athletic against Chelsea. Stamford Bridge Stadium was full, the crowd cheering the players. Vic Woodley was the goalkeeper for Chelsea. As the game was in progress, Sam Bartram noticed the fog coming down heavily on the ground. He could see Vic Woodley faintly through the fog at the other side of the ground, as the fog crossed him and hurtled towards his own goalpost, thickening into a heavy blackness that blotted out everything.

The referee stopped the game and then restarted it after some time as the fog cleared a bit. As time passed by, the fog became so thick that even sound didn’t travel much. Sam stood alert, every sense alert, peering into the impenetrable fog, waiting for the play to come his way. After an unusually long time of silence, a figure loomed out of the fog at Sam. It was a policeman startled at seeing Sam at the goalpost. He informed Sam that the game had been stopped fifteen minutes ago due to fog. Not knowing that, Sam had remained at his post, faithful.

This shows the tremendous loyalty and dedication that Sam showed towards his profession. We too might not be able to see what is happening around us. There could be an awful silence shrouding us. It pays to wait till we know for certain, and not leave our post.

Hold your fort!

Fulfill your duty!