A devoted father who works as a miner was spotted at a basketball game with his son, still wearing his sooty work clothes. The photo of father and son went viral.
On Oct. 22, Michael Joe McGuire attended the annual University of Kentucky men’s basketball game with his wife Molly and their son. The game was a fundraiser for flood victims in eastern Kentucky.The participant, Sue Keener, spotted Michael sitting in the bleachers in work clothes, took a picture and shared it on social media.
I don’t know who this guy is, but I’m voting for him as “father of the year.” He obviously just got off work and brought his little boy right to the White and Blue game!”
– she wrote.The photo was later shared by University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari. Noting Michael’s work ethic and family values, he wrote:
“My family’s American dream started in a coal mine in Clarksburg, West Virginia, so this picture strikes me … I have tickets for him and his family at Rupp to be treated like VIPs!”
As it turns out, the McGuires aren’t used to combining Michael’s work and family time. Three days after the game, Molly took to social media herself to respond to the media attention.
Molly wrote:
“We’re just like any other family here in Eastern Kentucky, it was a regular night for us when we had plans, but he had to work late. “According to Molly, her husband worked until 5 p.m. and the game started at 6 p.m. But Michael, who often misses events because of work, called ahead and told his wife and son he would meet them there.
“My husband chose the job he has to do to support our family so I can be home and raise our wonderful children. So any chance he could be there for us, he is, no matter how tired or dirty he is.”
– Molly said.
It never occurred to Molly and Michael that attending a game in uniform would draw so much attention, but the family is grateful for the influx of love and support for Michael and the miners everywhere.