Babe Laufenberg

RIP My Sweet Luke. May 12, 1998-August 22, 2019. Strongest person I have ever seen. My hero. You may have left this earth, but you will never leave our hearts.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

Today we lost a son, a brother, a friend, and a warrior. Have never seen a person battle like Luke Laufenberg, but he lost his fight with cancer. He was truly inspirational. The hole in our hearts will never be filled. You are my hero. RIP my sweet Luke. See you on the other side

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

I asked Roger Staubach if he would mind if I invited Troy and Jason next time. He said “let me think about that.”

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

Had a wonderful coffee and convo with @townbrad this morning. He was engaging and informative. A far cry from the insipid @DavidMooreDMN

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

If you were to ask me what my most rewarding day is, it is sharing coffee and conversation with my Joe Willie. So we did today. I am a simple man with simple needs.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

You wonder how they are able to grow grass at Dallas Stadium for the World Cup matches? I landed an “exclusive” interview with the assistant greens keeper.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

7 years ago today we walked into an exam room for the results of a CT scan. Doctor said Luke was terminal. 8-12 weeks to live. Luke slowly dropped his head and asked “how will I die?” At 21. My heart goes out to every parent who has heard or will hear those devastating words.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

Thank you for your kind words. I post for myself, but I also post to (subtly) remind people not to take tomorrow for granted. Luke was always the first to help OTHER people. And through these posts, I like to think that Luke is still helping other people from above #LiveLikeLuke

[Blake P @FF_BP42]

@BabeLaufenberg @UTEPFB I have two sons 6 & 9. I can’t explain well enough how seeing your love & post for your sons, especially Luke, has inspired me to be the best dad I can & commit all the time life will allow me to them. 🫡
It is a privilege to be a father. Much respect Babe

[Jason Villalba @JasonVillalba]

@BabeLaufenberg @UTEPFB Luke’s legacy is that of man who inspired dads and sons across the country to take a moment to appreciate the love between father and son. We sometimes forget. Luke’s life and your love will ensure that this dad never forgets what a blessing it is to have a son.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

July 9, 2019. Luke was doing well (we thought) after a t-cell transfusion after his cancer returned. He was working hard to get to @UTEPFB training camp. 3 days later, we walked into an exam room where doctor told him he had 8–12 weeks to live. At 21 years old. Strangely, I am happy that I was the last one to throw him passes. We were a team.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

Thoreau said “most men fish all their lives and never realize it’s not the fish they’re after.” I like to spend my money on memories, not things. Made some good memories with my Joe Willie and our friend Matt. And they like me spending my money on their memories, too😜

[Tolbert Garage Door🇺🇸 @DoorTolbert]

🤳📸 Take A Picture, Tag, & Post. That easy!! Someone is getting a new Windsor Door. Why not you? 🤷‍♂️ @WindsorDoorUSA

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

I know Bob Dylan is not for everyone, but he sure as heck is for me. Great show last night @WinStarWorld Yes, 85 years old (him, not me) but the “Never Ending Tour” continues. First time to #LucasOilLive and what a great venue they built. Great acoustics. Can’t wait to get back.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

What brings me joy is talking to my buddy, Ed. But since you spend have your time in Colorado, I have to find something to do. So I went to Montana.

[Ed Werder @WerderEdNFL]

Glad to see you doing what brings you joy.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

Dr Fred. Hello. And it really is. It is cathartic. Helps your mental and emotional state of mind. Actually catching fish is secondary. You be safe.

[Fred Ghali, MD @FredGhali]

@BabeLaufenberg Your happy place my friend 🙏

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

It went to video replay in New York and they confirmed it was a (double) catch!

[Will Williams @willnapagrape]

@BabeLaufenberg Dez fish caught it! Twice!! 😂

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

OK. This will appeal mainly to fly fisherpeople but first time I have hit on a dry/dropper. Which means one fly is on top of water, one trails about 18” behind it under water. A fish took my dry, then another grabbed the nymph as I was bringing in the first fish. “TWO fish on! “

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

I am under the watchful eye of Joe Willie on the Gallatin River in Montana. In the movie “A River Runs Through It” it has them on the Blackfoot River, but was actually filmed on the Gallatin.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

“Fish on!”

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

My final Father’s Day card from Luke. What I wouldn’t give to get one more. And may sound crazy, but it was fun being his “coach” but an honor to be his “nurse.”

[Brad Townsend @townbrad]

A year later, Babe tells me “not much has changed,” but in these past 373 days I’ve lost count of how many Dads, and Moms, have mentioned this story and marveled of Babe’s strength and profound love of his sons, present tense: Joe Willie and Luke.

[Babe Laufenberg @BabeLaufenberg]

Happy Father’s Day to…me!