A sports fan's happy ending.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Bob Ford

PHILADELPHIA _ He is just a boy growing up in a small town between Albany and Schenectady in upstate New York, a boy who loves football and idolizes Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre. Just a boy almost 11 years old whose father asks him for his birthday wish.

I'd like to see Favre, the boy says. More than anything. Wisconsin is too far, I know, but the Packers are playing in Philadelphia soon. Is there any way we can go?

The game is sold out, the father says, but we could drive there and try to buy tickets. It would be expensive. It would mean no birthday party and no other gifts. We could give it a try if you are really, really sure.

And so it was that Bob Singleton and his son, Robbie, got into the family car and took the five-hour drive that landed them in a parking lot at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 5. Right there among the great churning mass awaiting the showdown between two division leaders. There among the charcoal grills and the cases of beer and the whiskey bottles and the chanting and the roar. Just a young Packers fan approaching his 11th birthday and his father, both hoping for an unforgettable experience.

You really want to read this story? You want to hear how this turned out?

Fine. Pour another eggnog and gather round the fire.