Uncle Jimmy

Dear JJ,

Today is the 11th anniversary of when your uncle Jimmy died. Those of us who knew him will always miss him - and I am so sad that you never were able to meet the man we named you after.

You have so many of his traits: you smile a lot, you are kind, and when you get in trouble at school it is because you are being social with your friends - just like him.  He would have loved to know you, and you would have been a reason he would have come to Arizona.  He would have come to cheer you on in his favorite sport, baseball. He would have spent hours kicking a soccer ball around with you.

You are lucky to have many fine relatives in your life - but I am so sad today that one of the finest is just a memory. That memory comes alive not just on a day like today when it is the anniversary of his death, but in your personality I see it often.

Keep being kind, keep loving your friends, keep smiling. You are your own person - and sorry if sometimes we see and remember another. 

Love,

Dad

The three of us - Jimmy, myself, Ron

The Joy of Competition

Dear JJ,

Soccer season finished on Saturday - your first full year.  Your team lost 4-0.  But the best part was when we asked how you liked the game you said you loved it. 

Over the course of the year you have loved playing soccer - sometimes in the hallway with me as different photographs fall off the wall when struck.  Sometimes in the backyard (one way we get Lucky's dog poops cleaned up).  But you always love it.

Turns out you are a pretty good player.

You love the game, love playing with friends, and while you like telling me when you win - you still like the game.

That, my son - is what it is all about.

When I play golf I never hope my opponent will have a bad shot. I want his shot to be good, I want his putt to go into the cup.  If I win the match, I am not beating him - I am beating myself. I am playing my best. 

Celebrate the good plays of others- and play your best game.

Competition isn't about winning, it is about bringing out the best in yourself.  Unless we are racing to get ready in the morning - then it is about winning.