There are some benefits in growing older, not many but some. One is that the simpler things in life become more important. A son’s phone call, your wife’s grin and the renewal of an old friendship become extremely important in one’s life.

Some would accuse me of being overly sentimental, but I don’t think so. I think that as one grows older it’s easier to recognize what is important. It is not the Bon Mot or the witticism tossed off at a party, it is the firm handshake of an old friend.

I was watching the movie “Field of Dreams” the other night and at the end, Kevin Costner plays catch with his living, young father. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to do the same. A simple thing years ago, but now so meaningful.

Little things become important, not necessarily spectacular things. The opportunity to get up in the morning, have a nice breakfast of orange juice, eggs over easy, toast and maybe a piece of bacon. Go to church, say hello to God and shake the hand of fellowship at a potluck lunch. Then leave for home, put on casual clothes, and read the Sunday paper sports page, comics and Garrison Keillor. I lean toward the majority in Minnesota, so Keillor doesn’t offend me much.

Then it’s time during an autumn Sunday to watch the Minnesota Vikings. This year it’s not just the Minnesota Vikings, it’s the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre. I was never a huge fan of Favre and his retiring or not retiring. However, his stops and starts may not have been his seeking the limelight, but rather not to go to training camp. Some national attention may have played a role in it, but I think it was mostly to stay at home and play catch with a high school student and not have to go through the Vikings’ two-a-days.

You have to credit Favre for a flair for the dramatic. First, to go to the media center of football, the New York Jets and then to sign with his old team’s archrivals, the Vikings. Favre has kind of grown on me. I suppose it helps that his record is 7-1, but he has impressed me as being a big kid. You know, the kid that was head of the neighborhood football players. You might resent him at times, but you couldn’t help but like him.

It didn’t take Favre long to claim the Vikings as his team. Remember when we first heard of his coming to Minnesota? He was not going to be the old riverboat gambler. He was to be respectful of his age, play a conservative game and follow Brad Childress dictates to the letter. Well, we’re halfway through the season, Favre is playing like the Favre of old and we know whose team the Vikings are and it’s not Adrian Peterson’s or even Brad Childress’, It’s Brett Favre’s.

Almost against my wishes I’ve gotten to like Favre. I suppose part of it is that he turned 40 and us old guys like to stick together. He is by far the biggest story on the Minnesota sports scene and the only thing that could rival him would be the signing of Joe Mauer to a four-year contract.

So far Favre has proven he is still a fine quarterback. In fact that even at his age, he has played extremely well and is rivaling the Mannings. It appears that if the Vikings don’t reach the Super Bowl it will not be Favre’s fault. Well, whose fault is it then? The Wilfs and their money want a championship. Whatever Coach Childress has wanted for the team, Childress has gotten. The Wilf’s want a championship and they want it now, this year. If they don’t get it, Childress is in deep trouble.