"My son turned ten just the other day. He said, "Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play.Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today, I got a lot to do." He said, "That's ok."And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed, Said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah.You know I'm gonna be like him."I make every effort I can to be at my kid's events. Whether it's an Honors Assembly or field trip with Ciera, or one of Rakes' soccer games. Even when I'm in the hell known as Furniture Market. So with my brother-in-law Keith's permission, I ducked out around 15 minutes early today and drove the 40 minutes home to catch my 2 foot tall version of Pele wreak havoc on the soccer field.
He only scored once tonight, but he had a blast, slapped me a high five when he scored, and only kept kicking the ball after the whistle blew 3 times. Progress and all that.
Would I have rather caught the first inning of the Sox game? If you'd asked me at 6:55, I'd have said yes. After screaming myself horse for 30 minutes? No freaking way.
'Cause there is no way I EVER want this part of that classic Harry Chapin song to come true:
"I've long since retired and my son's moved away. I called him up just the other day. I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind."He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time. You see, my new job's a hassle, and the kid's got the flu, But it's sure nice talking to you, dad. It's been sure nice talking to you." And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, He'd grown up just like me. My boy was just like me."
I figure it'll be my time in around 17 years. Right now? It's my little girl's and the 2 Tazmanian Devils.
And that's OK with me.
I'll leave you with a picture of Trot, Rakes, and my Yankee buddies son, Ryan. He's a good kid and it's not his fault his Dad is leading him down a bad road. Plus, I figure hanging out with my two can't hurt.
Ang already has had him eating off a Red Sox plate.
Heh.
13 comments:
I love that picture of the boys. Fast forward a few years in your mind and what do you see? I know what you mean about that song and it's impact on our lives where our children are concerned. I've thought about the times when YKW grows up and moves away and I will be giving anything just to have YKW ask me to play or just talk again. I gotta run! Where's the kleenex when you need it?
Nice new widget Ted.
Scored only once? Once is a lot in soccer, that's great for Rakes.
Yeah, I really don't want to turn out like the Harry Chapin song. What a terrible but sometimes all too true song that is. Jess hates it personally but it's a good lesson learned.
there's still time to take him from the dark side.
Great post Ted. I love that song btw. one of my all time favs
Perhaps you should think twice before letting your children visit your buddy's house. He's probably returning the favor by dressing your kids in Yankee clothing & taking photos. ;-)
Edge, time just flies by. Seems like yesterday Ciera was born; I can't figure out where it's all gone.
Stephen, I saw it at Cyn's. Good way for me to keep up with who we're playing. And he usually scores around 4, but last night I think he was wore out from playing with his buddy.
Tex, we're working on him, but I think he's too far gone. ;)
It's one of my favorites too. Just one more example of how we must be related in some way. ;)
Dawn, we must have been posting at the same time. I keep hearing my name being paged at the show; don't they know I'm busy??
Good point, Dawn. I don't need the image of him in a MFY cap. Think I'll issue a ban.
Sweet picture of the boys. They look like quite a threesome. :)
I agree about the song, little brother. One minute they're born, and the next they're a junior in high school. :( It goes waaaaaaaayy too fast. Glad you're making time for all the "little" things, because they turn into the "big" things real quick.
Stacy, did you want to throttle Keith for eating pizza while you snarfed a rice cake? ;)
It's my fear as well that your kids will turn out just like you. ;)
Brotha, the key to it all is realizing that what we put in comes out. And you're a great dad to those kids. They know they're loved, and that says a LOT in today's culture. I pray I can be as good a dad to my budding family as you are to yours.
Mattie, you've got nothing to worry about. Caroline will realize one day how lucky she is.
I did ok Ted; got a Dave's special. Now ask me again in a few weeks of no pizza or La Fiesta. :)
You, sir, are a most excellent DaD. And you have quoted one of my favoritest artists. "Late" artists, I guess I should say. Nevertheless...I tip my Boston cap to you...
Right back atcha, Bickley.
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