Fatherhood Friday
After a lot of years of trying to make it work out, I finally saw a baseball game last week with my old friend, Ben. It might not sound so special, but it ranked right up there for me among special baseball memories.
Ben's dad, a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, passed away a number of years ago. As a way to honor his father and retain a special connection, every year on the anniversary of his father's death Ben catches the Cubs game, no matter where they are playing. As he put it, rather than being overwhelmed with sad feelings its actually a day he can look forward to, knowing that he'll feel extraordinarily close with his dad.
In recent year's this closeness has taken on a deeper meaning as Ben's daughter is now old enough to accompany him and his wife to these baseball games. Even though she never knew her grandfather you can still see a very special connection being formed.
Depending on where the game is being played, Ben and his family (and friends who are able to join him) are invited on to the field before the game. Other times, the scoreboard might welcome "Friends and Family of" Ben's father. While all that is greatly appreciated and contributes to warm memories, I get the sense that its extraneous to Ben's experience. For him, those three hours in the stadium are precious time that is carved out each year to spend with his father.
For years I've been hoping to join Ben for his annual outing, but something or another prevented it from happening. This year, when I found out the game would be in my new home town, I was incredibly excited to join Ben and his family. And I truly felt honored to be there.
Our time was spent talking about baseball, catching up on family and friends, discussing jobs, etc. Nothing unusual. We talked a little about his father, but that wasn't the focus. It was enough to experience the connection - the almost spiritual space that Ben carves out each year.
It really was a privilege to be able to join Ben and his family, and I've already marked off the date for next year. And its not just because I got to go on the field for batting practice - though that was pretty cool too!
(Photo Credit - flickr.com/photos/ iacas/2747432863/)
I love how you've communicated the richness of such an affirming experience for you and your friend Ben in such an economical and straightforward way. Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by: Stacy | Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 09:56 PM