In the 1960s, while at
lunch, swapping stories about being the parents of ‘baby boomers’ was common
(and, I believe, to some it was therapy.) Here’s a typical one;
A middle- aged manager on a business trip stayed in Boston
an extra day after his business meeting
to catch his son’s freshman football team play a local college.
Very excited that his
son was switched to offensive guard by his coach; a position the dad played as
a youth. His son even wore the same number, 53, his dad wore; every proud
indeed!
The dad arrived at the
opposing school’s stadium just in time
for the kickoff. Freshman games generally attract few fans and this was no
exception. Undaunted our proud Dad was able to move freely as the teams progressed
up and down the field, privately waving every time his son managed a look to
the stands.
Then late in the game
came THE play. An exact same situation as he was in many years before as first
string offensive guard for his team. His son’s team managed to move the ball
down to the opponents 5 yard line. They were down by a few points; same as 20
years ago. At that time the dad was considered the most dependable guard to
open the hole for the ballcarrier. So far in this game his son was proving to
be the same. Then, Dad’s team called the play with he lead blocking the
defender. With legs like pistons, Dad drove his shoulders into the defender and
carried the defender all the way into the end zone. The runner followed for the
game winning touchdown. This day, 20 years later, he was transfixed watching
his son lung and drive the defender into the end zone, looking down as the
defender lay helpless on his back as the
runner scored the game winning touchdown.
Dad was tearful and
swelling with pride. He ran along the stands as his son’s team wooped it up and
headed for the locker room. He could’nt wait to tell his son all about the
deju- vous phenomena at the dinner they had planned.
After
exiting the locker room father and son powerfully embraced as the rest of the
team headed for their bus. Just as he began to explain the grand phenomena Son
interrupted and said he was sorry but the ‘guys want to all eat together some
where along the road’ and was little
anxious as he half listened to Dad explain the Father/Son forever bonding
event. The bus horn beeped as Dad finished and waited. He got a quick, “That’s great Dad. But I really have to go. So can I have that 50
bucks you promised, I’m kinda broke?’ Dad in partial shock peeled off 3
twenties. Pocketing the twenties as he hugged his father, ‘Thanks for being
here and for the money, I’ll see you in a couple of weeks. Bye!!!!”
Dad just stood there as the bus pulled away from the empty parking lot. He looked around, as if to see if anyone noticed him looking a little sad. ‘Well, home it is, I guess!’
A true story; I know!!
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