'Tis the Season

Spring, the season of renewal, brings lots of familiar sights and sounds. Green grass, blooming trees and flowers, and of course, another season of kids sports. This year I thought we got lucky, as my eight year old Hank announced he was giving up baseball to focus on lacrosse. Meant less car pooling and a less hectic schedule for T, since she does most of the running around. It also meant less having to listen the handful of dads who live vicariously through their sons, attempting to cultivate a professional caliber athlete at such a young age and expressing genuine disappointment upon failure to deliver.

I’ve never quite understood those dads. Don’t get me wrong, I love the competition that athletics bring and enjoy playing sports as much as the next guy. As a father though, I am more concerned about teaching my sons to be men of substance and impact more than anything else. So for those of you who are of the same opinion (and to you wives looking for a Father’s Day gift) I recommend reading “Season of Life” by Jeffrey Marx (shout out to Sean M). In addition to being an easy read, it puts things in perspective for fathers of sons in a way that few books do.

Fast forward, Hank wasn’t ready to give up baseball. No worries though. He’s got great coaches who get the joke and for that I’m grateful.

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