As I listen to the sounds of fireworks all around me, I remember all of the fun 4th of July’s that we had with the boys and our family. I am writing my blog tonight down at the seashore on Long Beach Island. It sounds like World War Three right now. The rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air is in full effect. A glaring difference to last year’s Covid summer. It’s so wonderful to see all of the families celebrating here, the barbecues, the walkers and bike riders, the beach goers and laughter all around. “We’re back America!”
Fade back to spring of 2001. I was beginning to feel alive again. Slowly moving forward everyday on the path of wellness and hematalogic remission. Before my body began to betray me again following my second Doner Lymphocyte Infusion a year ago, I was able to take Joseph out on the ice for his first ice skating lesson. He was three and a half years old and ever so eager to get out there. Hell, he was just in nursery school. I bought him a hockey helmet and some warm gloves and off we went. I rented him figure skates to start, just to see how it would play out. He loved it! After the usual boards grabbing, getting his legs, warm up, off he went. We had such a great time. Joe was a natural. This was the first and last time for a while though. I was going down hill very fast and the Interferon was debilitating me. You know the story.
Joe was now four and a half and raring to go. I started picking him up at his pre-k around noon every Wednesday, taking him to the Face Off Circle arena. He was totally outfitted in a complete set of Hockey equipment, hockey skates, pants, gloves, shin pads, stick, etc, with an attitude to seal the deal. The kid had mounds of confidence. Lookout big guys, here I come. I literally dropped him through the door of the boards and said good luck buddy! Baptism by fire. Get out there, stay low, don’t skate in front of or behind the net. Missiles were flying everywhere. A couple weeks in, he was participating in scrimmages with the men out there! I had his back though. He was not even five years old yet. They loved him though and took care of him too. This was the beginning of Joe’s love for the game of Hockey. And my resurgence into coaching. I had boys. All guys want boys. Especially sports guys.
We lived in Upper Moreland Township at the time. A big sports town. Their baseball complex was among the best you would ever see! I was fortunate to coach Nick and Joe in Soccer and Baseball for many seasons, Hockey at our local arena- The Wintersports Royals and the Upper Moreland Middle school hockey team. I enjoyed so much the relationships that I formed with all of the young boys and girls that I was so fortunate to coach. I always felt great when they called me “Coach”. I always took my job seriously and my goal was to teach sportsmanship , skills and humility. Work hard, play hard, play fair and win. Life lessons. Also had to play the politics too. They were the worst part of being a coach. I played the game though. Never a dull moment. I’ll get into some ” You won’t believe this shit” moments, later. But for now, times were great. Gleevec was doing its job. I had both of my boys on the ice. Nick was becoming a smooth skater. Joe was tearing it up. I was in my glory…. and life was getting better. Day by day.
Next up: Relationships