Early on in the game I realized that it really wasn't a very entertaining game to watch. Yet there in the front row were Mom and Dad. Dad was struggling with the heat a little bit, but seemed happy anyways.
I thought about all the hundreds, make it thousands of games that Dad attended over the years, usually after a full 8-12 hour day at work. And let's face it people, most of these games were not pretty. 8 year olds playing baseball. 10 year olds "dribbling" around with their head down, traveling on every play, shooting from their chest with both hands, only to have the ball slam off the backboard without hitting the rim. Heck, that description doesn't just apply to our teams when we were 10, it applies to my high school varsity team as well.
But Dad was always there, as far as I can remember. I know he was tired, especially when I was playing basketball in high school. When we played in Salem he wouldn't even really have time to go home before the game, and even when we'd be losing to Sprague 37-6 at half time, he'd stick around to see how it finished. He would always tell me I played well, even when I didn't.
So after Saturday's All-Star game, I was most anxious to talk to Dad, to hear him tell me I played well just one more time. And he did.
Dad is a good guy. He's goofy and weird sometimes, but that's part of what makes him great. I hope we can all let Dad know how much he means to us, maybe tell him a story about a time when he did something meaningful for us individually, and maybe we could spend a little less time teasing him or making fun of him. Just a thought.
4 comments:
Goofy and weird is what makes him a great dad!! I don't get to see him much, and haven't gotten to spend a lot of time with him over the years, but he reminds me so much of mom that I am always comfortable around him. You guys certaintly have a fantastic dad!!
Mom used to embarass me when she acted goofy when I was a kid, but as an adult, I realize that is what makes her awesome. Plus, she handed it on to me, so now I can torture MY kids with it. =)
I agree. Thanks for the great tribute, Stephen!
Thanks, Stephen - you are definitely right on! I remember all of the times Dad looked you right in the eye and said, "How are you doing?" and he meant it. I appreciate that. I am constantly amazed at dad's positive attitude in dealing with his M.S. and how he continues to plug away and do amazing things like string up Christmas lights all over the house and hang up the hammock swing so my girls could spend even just a few minutes swinging, and make "Killer Salads" every night for mom when she comes home from work, AND do the dishes while sitting down! Thanks dad for your example. I hope I can deal with any challenges that come my way with the same positive attitude.
aw shucks
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