Temps were in the 40’s yesterday. In my family, that means it’s warm enough to get at least a little baseball in while the sun is out.
My 13-yr old Nolan and I grabbed the gloves got loose. After a little long-toss, I heard the scariest and sweetest sound in my life…a sound that means something amazing is about to happen and I know it won’t last forever.
POP…pop….POP….crack…and a groan. After a symphony of old man sounds echoed against the neighbors homes, I’m down in a catcher’s crouch. “Did you hear that?” I ask Nolan. “Gettin’ old” he says and that’s when my smile goes ear-to-ear. At least until he drops the curveball in at 59 ft. Ugh.
I feared this moment and these sounds for a LONG time. I don’t anymore. It’s good to hear the POPS and CLICKS in my joints – they reawaken the good memories of time I’ve spent with my kids and the small physical sacrifices that have hopefully lead to joy and smiles in their lives. As my dad used to say: “it’s paid for”. Not with money, but time and effort. Yeah, it would be easier to sit on the couch or tell them to play with their friends cuz dad’s knees are shot, but I’m not about to miss this time.
I know I sound like I’m on my death-bed reliving memories, but it’s actually the opposite. I’m choosing to live in the moment and appreciate this stuff NOW. I like to think that I’ve listened to the people in my life that have said “it goes too fast”. I’m not gonna let this get past me without getting in the game.
Woke up today with sore joints and a smile…and God willing, another chance to do it today. To me, my knees popping and clicking are a gauge of effort – and when it’s all said and done, that’s what I hope I’m judged on.
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