The Most Annoying Fan

I really enjoy going to my son's lacrosse games. Granted there is a level of anxiety; worrying about how he will perform, praying that he won't get hurt, hoping that he has fun.  But even with that anxiety it is always wonderful to be involved in your baby's activities and to see him "performing".  It is also a nice time to interact with some of the other player's parents.  Usually.

That was not the case at a recent game where I met one of the most obnoxious men.  To be fair, I really don't know him outside of this particular situation, that of father of a lacrosse parent, so maybe he is a wonderful professional and human being off the field.  I had just met him so of course I was pleasant and full of small talk:  how many kids do you  have?  what other sports are they into? do your boys like playing lacrosse, blah blah blah.  Then the game starts.

Initially he is yelling plays at the team.  Not so crazy we all yell words of encouragement.  But it doesn't stop there.  He then yells at the parents yelling at the team.  Letting these parents know that the encouragement they are offering is wrong.  He moves to individual critiques of the players.  That one doesn't pass enough, that one is slow, that one couldn't make the net if he was on top of it.  My son was not playing his best.  This guy is lucky that he said nothing, or he would have had a full cup of Tim Horton's black poured over his arrogant head.

I wanted to say something.  As I am thinking of a witty remark or put down, he yells to one of the players and proceeds to explain what that particular kid is doing wrong.  I thought for sure this teenager would throw a ball at his head.  Instead, the player said "Thank you sir".  How PERFECT!  I wanted to hug that kid.  You knew he was irritated, I mean really how could you not be?  But he showed this strange dad respect and frankly shut him up.  I could not have possibly been more adult or eloquent than those simple words.  Particularly because mine comments would have included various objects and his anatomy.

This was the first game this team lost all season, so maybe the Mr. KnowItAll was accurate in his suggestions.  But it doesn't matter.  The delivery sucked.

If you really want to coach join the coaching staff otherwise try to control yourself.  Team sports are supposed to teach more than just competition and the art of winning.  They should teach sportsmanship and life lessons.  Plus shouldn't it be fun for players and fans?

Happy Birthday Daddy

I am fortunate enough to say I had a great childhood and still participate in a very loving family.  That statement could not be made were it not for the efforts, love and unyielding support of my father.  There is no way I could convey the love and respect I feel for my dad in a few paragraphs.  From the time I can remember he has always been there - I mean really there - for me.

As a little girl, he would play ridiculous games with me and my siblings in the pool, creating nicknames and reason after reason for laughing.  He was the one who told me how beautiful I looked in a dress and insisted we buy it without ever mentioning the price tag.  It was my dad, who interrogated my boyfriends to ensure they showed me the respect I deserved.  And it was my dad who made me know that I could go out and try anything without fear of failure because I was always welcome back home.

As an adult we discussed current topics, although his social security views were not as progressive as mine, he taught me how to stand up for myself and present my opinions intelligently and respectfully.  When it was time for me to marry, he completely accepted my husband as his son and became the father-in-law any man would dream of.   His love for my mother and commitment to his marriage is a beautiful example for my husband and me.  As a grandfather, he is jaja to my son.  Recreating the laughter of my childhood for my son and his cousins.

On this day, he doesn't have the energy he had when he was my age and unfortunately I found out he is not an all knowing god.  But he is perfect to me and I love him very much.  I look forward to spending many more years with him.

Happy Birthday Daddy!