DEAR SOPHIA,

THE WORD, “NIKE,” IN OUR CULTURE GENERALLY MEANS THE ATHLETIC STORE WITH CLOTHES AND SHOES.

BUT THE WORD ACTUALLY MEANS (YOU GUESSED IT, IT’S GREEK) VICTORY.

WHEN THE RUNNER FROM THE MARATHON REACHED ATHENS, HE ONLY SAID ONE WORD, “NIKE,” MEANING VICTORY AND THEN HE DIED.

Nike alone is often depicted in Greek art winged and carrying a symbol of victory, such as a laurel wreath or a palm frond. Statues of her attempt to evoke a sense of flight.

IN THE OLYMPICS, THE CONTESTANT WHO IS VICTORIOUS RECEIVES A LAUREL WREATH AROUND HIS HEAD. WHILE YOU ARE WATCHING THE OLYMPICS, IF YOU SEE ATHLETES WITH THE NIKE SWOOP ON THEIR CLOTHES – THAT SWOOP IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE WINGS OF THE GODDESS NIKE. I’LL BET YOU A DOLLAR THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WEARING THAT SYMBOL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE NAME MEANS AND WHAT THE SYMBOL MEANS BUT NOW YOU DO. IT IS PART OF YOUR HERITAGE. BE VERY PROUD. YOU LIVE IN A WORLD WHICH IS SURROUNDED BY SYMBOLS OF YOUR HERITAGE FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO THE PRESENT. NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT PRIDE AWAY FROM YOU.

STAY SAFE. ONE DAY CLOSER TO SEEING YOU.

143.

LOVE,

DAD