Finding Purpose Through Football Freddie: How Writing 11 Books Has Helped Me Navigate Life’s Challenges
Life has a way of throwing curveballs—or in my case, footballs.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: mother, daughter, caregiver, partner, fiancée and author. Raising three children, caring for my mom as she navigates dementia, building relationships, experiencing love and loss—it’s all been a whirlwind. And in the midst of it all, Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog: GameDay in the USA has been more than just a book series. It has been my anchor, my passion, my lifeline.
When I first started writing, I thought I was just telling stories—sharing my love of football, my family’s deep-rooted history in the game, and the joy of being a fan. But as the books grew, so did I. Each story became a place to pour my energy, creativity, and love, giving me purpose when life felt overwhelming.
What I love about football is that you get four chances to get another four chances. Sometimes you must punt, but unless you really blow it, you will get the ball back and try again. That is how life works too. Challenges are opportunities, and even setbacks can be blessings in disguise. Pain, as hard as it is, is often a powerful motivator. My grandfather, Leonard Tose, always said, “If there are no solutions, then there are no problems.” That perspective has carried me through some of my toughest days.
Writing 11 books has not been easy—just like life is not easy. There have been moments of exhaustion, doubt, and heartbreak. Watching my mom’s memories fade has been a lesson in both patience and grief. Balancing it all—kids, career, relationships, and caregiving—can feel like an impossible task. But when you have something to pour your heart into, something that fuels your soul, it makes all the difference. I’m so incredibly grateful for the support from the amazing people in my life!
Football Freddie is not just about teaching kids’ history or getting them excited about football—it’s about connection. It’s about finding joy in the game, in the stories, in the moments that bring us together. It’s about reminding myself, and hopefully others, that no matter how hard life gets, we can always find something to hold onto.
If you don’t have something you love—something that gives you purpose—life can feel incredibly lonely. I’ve felt that loneliness. But through writing, through sharing these books with kids, schools, and communities, I’ve found a way to keep going.
So here’s to finding what fuels you. To pouring your heart into something bigger than yourself. To knowing that even in life’s hardest moments, passion and purpose can help carry you through.
And if you ever need a reminder? Just pick up a book, turn the page, and let the story unfold.
