On being all time quarterback

Yesterday was Father's Day and I was talking with David about being a dad. We were talking about our time together when he was young. One of the things that he remembers were the times in North Alabama when we would play football in our yard. I always got to be all time quarterback-something David remembers fondly. I remember it with a great sense of fondness, too. Being all time quarterback was one of the many good things about being dad. I was pretty good at it also, not that I was a great passer or play caller but I think I knew how to manage "the game." For you future all time quarterbacks here are some pointers.

1. Always be aware of the importance of dividing up the teams correctly. The older kids invariably want to be on the same team so they can show their "prowess" in beating the younger kids. Even them up but keep the siblings separte where you can. Also be careful to divide up the speed guys.

2. You have to be very skillful in managing the game itself. Usually one team really starts "sticking" it to the other. You have to know how to overthrow the ball so that it doesn't look like it. If it looks good-the "my bad" line usually works. You just can't do it too often or you'll be accused of "cheating". Not that I ever did that but you might need it in your bag of tricks. Another valuable skill is knowing the right time to throw that ill timed interception. The best time to throw it is on a down and in/or out. You throw the interception and claim that you thought they were going to cut the other way. When you throw this interception the key is to throw it so the weaker team can return it for a TD. This can be a momentum changer. Occasionally you want to give the weaker team an interception but ALWAYS when teh weaker team has little chance of a first down.Again, be careful not to use this one too often. The other trick is to know the right time to call a penalty. Never make a flagrant bad call but always err to the weak team in close calls but every now and then throw the strong team a bone on a penalty.

3. Uaually in these games there is one kid that isn't nearly as good as the other ones. You have to know how to set up that one play so that kid gets to be the hero. Maybe a trick play or maybe it is the "interception". Sometimes you even have to get the other kids in on it. But believe me it works.

4. The most important thing about being all time quarterback is having plenty of goodies for half time or at the end. Plan to have hot dogs and cokes, win or lose evry kid enjoys that part of the game.

As you can see, I have the finer points in being all time quarterback down pat. I must say I don't remember any bad games at "all time quarterback". I think I might one day make the Hall of Fame. I'd get my vote!! It was a blast. Try it sometime. I hope that I can live long enough to be all time quarterback for Brendan and Will.

My Father's Day Gifts-Already Given

Well, Father's Day will be here on Sunday. I guess this will be my 30th year to be recognized on this day. I always got a kick out of this day especially when the boys were little. I don't remember what the present was on my first Father's day but I do remember the sense of awe of actually being a father on that day. Being a dad has always been a special role for me, not that I was necessarily a great dad but I was a good one. I love being a father and today I still love that role. And now I get to add the role of being a grand father. I have reflected this year more on being a dad more than others in recent years and for a number of reasons.

One is that I am "watching" my youngest son become a father for the second time. Little Will is due anyday now. I really hope he is a Father's Day baby, even though if he were born a little late he could be born on my birthday. But what could be a better Father's Day present for my son than to have little Will being born on Father's Day. It is really cool to watch David being a dad. He is a damn great dad!!!
I am awed by his patience, gentleness, love and determination in being a dad. David is a "stay at home dad". He relishes the role of dad and primary caregiver. He is great at what he does. I realize as I watch him father Brendan how short of his mark that I fell. I believe David would be a great dad even if he weren't the primary caregiver. So David, the best present you could give me on this Father's Day is one that you have already given to me-being the best dad for which Brendan and Will could hope. Your past accomplishments, and they are many, do not compare to what you are doing now. David, I love you.

The other reason that I have reflected so much on this Father's Day is my oldest son Zac. I have had the opportunity the last few months to see my son in a different light. Several months ago Zac found out that he had a disease/disorder that he would have to deal with the rest of his life. I have seen him tackle the disease head on and never back down from it. I know that at times he has probably wanted to give up be he never has. I remember getting off the plane in Oakland shortly after he experienced a life and death situation and was diagnosed with this disease. I was horrified at what I saw. He looked like a dead man walking. His eyes were sunken, his was frail and had an ashen color. I am so glad that his mom did not see him that day. His mom and I have had the opportunity to help nurse him back to health, more his mom than me but more Zac than anyone. I have seen a courage, a strength and a determination that I didn't know that he had. One that I don't think that I could have. I have seen sunken eyes begin to sparkle, fraility turn in to strength and a ashen look turn into a healthly look. I have heard him begin to laugh more and to communicate more. I have heard him say that what has happened to him the last few months is a miracle. So Zac, the best present I could get from you on this Father's Day has already been given-it is you-it is the miracle of you. Zac, I love you.