Too often in life, me included, we go through the motions to get what we want. We don't appreciate what we already have. Perhaps I'm projecting a bit here, but let me tell a little story.
I grew up good. I had a nice life back then. On the cusp of entering my first year of Little League, my Father decided to coach a team called Don Lewis in Clarion, Pennsylvania. My Father was a great athlete and still is. He once made a last second shot when our local alumni faced off against some of the Pittsburgh Steelers. That shot won the game, or so I thought. I wrote about that once before. Of course, they turned back the clock so the Steelers could cement victory and save face, yet I look back on that as an introduction to Corporate America. I understand its place, but I never did like Corporate America. I love the Steelers, though:)
When my Father decided to coach that Little League Team, I was excited and scared. I, of course, became a part of that Little League team. We had talent that year, no doubt about that. But Don Lewis was never known as being an elite team in our particular area. We ended up going 18-0 that year. I suppose I could attribute that to players such as Mr. Doran, Mr. Foster, Mr. Fleming, and maybe even a young kid who tended to be a classic underachiever until something important needed to be done. My Dad was just as responsible for that, though. While he knew the sport, knew how to practice and teach it, I believe that his greatest quality was he was fun every step of the way. And he was loving...
Winning isn't what my Father taught me about. There's two things I learned in my time back then. The first thing was when I grabbed a live ball out of mid-air (what some would call a great catch) and that sucker (My Dad) ran onto to the field and lifted me up in the air, giving me a great big hug. I wasn't wise in those days, but I didn't think that would look so good or professional. He didn't much care; I was his son. I was embarrassed back then, but lend a tear to my cheek when I think of it now. The guy really loves me.
The other thing I learned from those times is when I got hit by a pitch for the first time. For anyone who hasn't been hit by a baseball flying at you at any speed (in this case, I believe it was about 70 mph), it stings a bit. I was probably only 12 years old at that time and after I got hit, I went my way to first base. My Father ran out to the field and I didn't feel much until I looked into his eyes. There was a bit of concern in there. That's when I began to cry. I didn't cry because I was hurt and decades later we both learned physical pain isn't much of a thing to me, but I cried because he was worried and I didn't ever want to see him in that position again. In hindsight, I think I also cried because he cared enough to worry in the first place.
He has a heart of gold, a heart of gold...
Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you with every breath I'll ever take. And when those breaths stop, I'll love you on the other side.
your son...
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY MR. SARDI!!!!!
You deserve a huge 'thanks' from me for raising such a beautiful soul. I have a deep appreciation for all that you accomplished ;) Big hug from me!!!
Gee, he was cute once, wasn't he??
Jason. a very nice, thoughful tribute to your dad... question though, who was throwing 70 miles an hour at the age of 12? lol And I am amazed that you can still remember your coaches names from back then. Seriously, nice job here and thanks for sharing.
PS... it's amazing, when we were younger, trying to second guess what our fathers tried teaching us... yet we look back now and most of it all makes sense. ;o) Or what we learned from them.
Jeff - Joe McPherson was the pitcher's name and he threw pretty hard. He was a year older than me. My guess is 70 mph, have you watched the Little League World Series lately? We weren't that good, but there were some heaters being thrown none the less. The names I pointed out were fellow players, not coaches. But I remember the latter too:) Thanks my man and you are right. It is amazing how we look back and can finally admit that their wisdom far outweighed ours.
My Jennifer- And to think that sweet looking kid turned out to be such a prick;) I seemed so proper back then. MWA!
Sweet post, Jason! And I love the look on your dad's face in the photo!
Jason, thanks for sharing your love for your Dad with us! He raised one hell of a man! Happy Father's Day to you too...
Nice tribute to your father Jason. I'm sure he is very proud of you. He done good.
Jason... yes, it is amazing... okay, so teammates.. but to still remember their full names... lol ... incredible at times. And I guess, about the heaters. I remember we had a kid on our team, when I was in 4th and 5th grade that threw extremely hard... but I couldn't guess how fast it was back then. thanks
Hi Jason - we are blessed to have those kinds of relationships with our dads. Unfortunately, there are too many who weren't as fortunate. I just got off the phone with my dad and will be seeing him in a couple of weeks when he comes up here for a week or so - looking forward to that.
MWA!
Ann
Jason,
Well said!
Jeff,
I believe it It's all strength and technique, at 12 I could take a hay bale from the ground to the top their of the wagon load of hay. It's things we were taught and coached in. We all strive to make Dad proud!
My best to both of you and your Fathers, I like their kids!
Bill
Awww, Very nice to read, and I loved the photo. My 'Daddy' is gone so Father's Days are bitter sweet.
Sardi - it's nice to see this side of you. Hope your dad is as proud of you as you are of him.
Patricia - Thanks. He looks quite proud. Actually, he also looks a bit mystified. On both accounts, I hope to help him continue just that:) Upon further review, I also notice someone in that picture who looks to be a life guard or something that appears to be ready to dive into the pool. Hmmm, that picture has a lot of inspiration for a shark film or something;)
Lee & Pamela - Wow, that's nice of you. Warts and all, I'm not that bad. As far as my Dad, he's top tier in my book... which I still need to write.
Bryant - Thank you, Sir. I'm pretty sure you know (as weird as it may sound) that I hold you in very high regards. And it's not just because you married a very lovely wife.
Belonger - I could probably name the line-up for that team. Scary, I know. It's weird what we remember. I think we should play a game of softball so I can strike your ass out, or watch you hit one over the fence at the expense of my right arm. Either way, I go head first when going home. Watch out:)
Ann - First off, MWA! I'm glad to hear that you will be seeing your Father soon. "Unfortunately, there are too many who weren't as fortunate." True that, my dear.
Bill - I like you as well you Republican bastard;)
Susie - Understood. Thank you so much. Somewhere, I'd be willing to bet that your 'Daddy' is still with you.
Saunders - I think so. I think so. I have a long way to go, though.
Sardi,
That's"you Conservative bastard, Sir!"
Bill :>)
Jason, great tribute. Oh the lessons we learn from Little League sports. Nice to see that soft side of you. :)
Having kids is the BIGGEST joy on earth.
Archambault - Touche. I sit corrected. By the way, I love you man and I'm not even smoking a joint.
Missy - I'll bet you're one heck of a Mother. Thank you Missy.
I just adore My Uncle Bill! Happy Father's Day to you too Sir! ❤
Jason, those people we find in life with hearts of gold we need to treasure. I know you treasure your Dad Jason. Great thoughts!
Well Jason-YOUR secret is ou,t YOU old softie. I love it. I am sure your dad is proud of YOU. YOU are a good person Jason. So you are rough around the edges. Diamonds have rough edges and under pressure until they become diamonds. So maybe you are a diamond in the rough. YOU are young yet. Just be YOU and that is all you need to do. <SMILE>
Jason, it is so wonderful to hear how loving and caring your father was then and now too I'm sure. I'm sure he is very proud of you today and loves your sweet Jennifer too!
Jason - So there really is a Mister Softie hiding behind that veneer? :) What a beautiful story about your Dad. The memories you shared are priceless. BTW....loved the video and song!
My Dad once threw a ball and hit me! Sounds like your Dad is a great guy my friend and this was a wonderful tribute to him.
Dads are amazing creatures. I know that I wonder every day how mine managed what he did.. They make it look so easy.
My Jennifer - I adore him as well. And I adore you.
Woltal - Yup, the guy's cool with me. In many ways, he's my hero. And that ain't lip service.
Sharon - I'm rough around the edges? Where did you ever get the idea?? While I express it in ways that aren't always conventional, I love my Dad. In the end, he knows that.
Diane - Actually, I think he is still pissed because I accidently texted him when I was meaning for it to go to her. The reason he may be pissed: I asked her to pick me up a pack of lung cancer. He never did like smoking and I really can't advocate retorting such a belief. He is right and I'm wrong. And Jennifer isn't an enabler, so to speak. I'm guessing that she just doesn't like me grumpy in the morning.
Donna - I've always been a softie. He has a good heart; that's one trait that I'm pretty sure was passed down. And I love to pass it around.
JL - You'd love him. Most do. While forums such as this aren't his cup of tea, he is real life charisma at its best.
Lane - Some folks say that wisdom approaches us with age. In my life, age has approached me with wisdom. Amazing creatures, indeed.
Jason I will rephrase that and say you are wonderfully unique and refreshingly honest. Have a great week. <SMILE>
Well done my young friend!
It's been 26 Fathers days that I haven't had mine. He too was my biggest supporter, likely my best friend and nearly always my role model. I miss him terribly.
Sunday, I celebrated my 25th Fathers Day as a Dad. It still amazes me that I'm somebody's Dad. And a darn lucky one at that. I have 2 kids that mean every thing to me and are likely the reason that I made many of the choices I have over these last 25 years. Life is good! I'm lucky to have them.
Mr. Softie????? Hmpft........I once had a Mister Softie tee shirt, another story for another day.....
Sharon - Noted. And thank you.
Geary - I would have loved to have met your Father. I'm quite sure I will, eventually. Happy Belated Father's Day. You have everything, in my mind, it takes to be a good Dad. You've got heart. The rest eventually takes care of itself... or so I'm told;)
And leave Mr. Softie out of this.
Well ... you did it. You made me cry. And that doesn't come easily for me, Mr. Sardi. You have written a beautiful tribute to your dad and I'm sure he is very proud of you, as well. I hope when you and your Jen come this way for one of the holidays we can meet up and have dinner or lunch or something.
Most folks think our dads are/were the best, Jason. And you know what? We all are correct! Lovely tribute.
My father died when I was six, so all I can say is that those who have them in their lives should appreciate them. Fortunately, I did have a wise old grandmother who raised me properly.
Jason- What a wonderful tribute to your father. Is that you in the photo being held up by your dad? You mean, you used to be adorable? LOL!
Jason, this post brought tears to my eyes. I love when you say "I didn't feel much until I looked into his eyes. There was a bit of concern in there. That's when I began to cry." I feel this way about my mom. When I was in labor with my first child, I was pretty stoic about the absolutely breathtaking pain. It wasn't until I was in the hospital bed, hooked up to an IV, that I called my mom. And as soon as I heard her voice, I remember saying... "Mommy, it hurts". And that's when I started to cry. In that moment, I was her little girl again and I wanted her to make it better. I love my mom fiercely. This is beautiful Jason. xxoo
I missed this lil bro! I love the pics :) You were a cute kid and a proud father you have indeed.
Awwww.......so cute!!!!!! You look alot like your father.
Homeboy....I thought I was the only one with perfect parents. I really think that I am, but after reading this....I'll give you kudos. You're father must be great to put up with you and some of your political beliefs....ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....he's probably the one who taught you them. Needless to say....maybe I am the only one with perfect parents.
Dude....seriously.....rocking story and great photo to. I forget that even a 6'3" guy like me was held by my dad that same way. WOW!!! Sorry I'm so late with my banter, but somehow I missed it. Great post.
I am glad for you that your Dad is still around for you to love and appreciate! Gives me hope that my (teenaged) sons will appreciate their parents at some point in their lives!
Your father sounds a lot like mine and these are the exact reasons I coach today, I want ever kid on that field to feel loved and learn that together you can achieve anything! I'm glad you realized that your dad loved you and got over the embarrassment.
