Yesterday traveling to the Metro-East area to work a Dupo high school boys' basketball camp with Coach/son Steve, I tuned the radio dial to 1120 KMOX as I always do out of sheer habit. Growing up and coming of age in that metropolitan region in the 1940's and 1950's radio listeners became comfortable getting factual news and stimulating conversational-debate from on-air personalities i.e., Rex Davis, Anne Keith and Bob Hardy. These well-read clever talk show host and hostess never exposed personal political,preferences but caused listeners to consider, express and defend such position with civil discourse. Today's KMOX is a pathetic imitation of those times with a mid-day hate-spewing Rush Limbaugh and light weight right-winger wannabe, Mark Reardon.
The one on-air personality worthy of my time is Charlie Brennan and he had my ear at the ten o'clock hour. Charlie was interviewing one interesting individual after another as he professionally weaved traffic and weather reports into the programming as well as a St. Louis 'Walk of Fame' vote- tally and a question for those with desires to 'call in' with opinions and thoughts.
It was Charlie's question that caught my attention: 'As Father's Day approaches, what lessons do YOU recall, which were taught by YOUR DAD?" KMOX phone lines were hot for the next several minutes with eager callers. I did not telephone KMOX with my personal thoughts but had I the lessons from my Dad are the following: 1) pull your weight ( Don't depend on others to do your job or assume your responsibility.) 2) appreciate favors but be careful in doing so to protect your independence / don't place yourself in a compromised circumstance. 3) don't complain. Everybody has challenges and difficult times in life...make the best out of the worst. (This came from a man whose life was touched by a nation's economic Depression Era and whose life was put on 'hold' to fight World War II.
As you wish you Dad Happy Father's Day this Sunday or remember his life, What lessons did he leave with you?
(Touch)
I Remember His Lessons
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
A Father Figure?...I Wanna Tell You!
My wife usually arranges her daily chores so that she might take a break mid-afternoon to watch television's psychoanalyst guru, Dr. Phil. Actually, Hallmark Movies, Dr. Phil, The Big Bang Theory and Cuomo Prime Time 'float her boat.' A few days ago, I watched a Dr.Phil episode with her and noted an oft used phrase by the good Doctor. In making a point regarding parenting, Phil said, "The most influential parent in a child's life is the same sex parent."
I didn't doubt that the first time I heard it and I'll always subscribe to the notion. I suppose with Fathers' Day approaching, I gave more thought than usual to my own father's impact on my developmental years. From as far back as I recall I felt loved by both parents. I had a strong sense of security and self-esteem. I suppose like many young boys, I sought my Dad's approval more strongly than mom's. Perhaps mother's more readily emit for a child's consumption a feeling of pride and endorsement. I got a clear picture early; I was loved but not worshiped.
Those motivating "Atta Boys" from Dad during adolescent years soon were tempered with more subtle comments suggesting that which I was accomplishing is being done by many and some are doing more. Many of my father's staple comments kept me grounded and focused: "Teammates don't like 'gold bricks' but everybody loves a humble hustler." "Don't complain about things in your life; make things better."
As a young adult, I began appreciating more his lessons taught through observation. He presented himself with dignity and class but always expressing interest and concern for the other guy. His leadership skills were to be committed to memory. I marveled at my father's ability to create a ownership atmosphere for a group in pursuit of a purpose or cause. He was a master at it and quick to give credit to another.
This Father's Day, I shall remember many moments with my father. Certainly I will recall St. Louis baseball games at Sportsman's Park with my dad. We saw Stan Musial hit five home runs (May 1954) in a double-header against the N.Y. Giants. We also watched Musial's final game (1963) when he got two hits off Red's pitcher, Jim Maloney. But the best Cardinals' game I ever watched with my dad was the Cardinals-Brewers' final game of the 1982 World Series. I sat with dad in his private room at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis) where he was recovering from one of his worst heart failure episodes. That was one special night!
Call it luck or call it a blessing; my good fortune was being born to those parents and I will attest to the claim made by Dr. Phil.
May your Father's Day recollections also be heart-warming. And if your Pop is still sharing this life's journey, may I suggest you get all you can from the moment.
May your Father's Day recollections also be heart-warming. And if your Pop is still sharing this life's journey, may I suggest you get all you can from the moment.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Hope They Saved The Letter
I coulda bet money and won. Let me explain. A few days ago, I wrote a blog in which I mused that I perhaps should write a letter to my grown children telling them that upon my departure from this earth they should grieve briefly but then celebrate the wonderful blessed life I've lived. My intention, as stated was not to be morbid nor melodramatic but cushion my children underscoring my great life.
Now let me preface the explanation of my tongue-in cheek suggestion that I knew in advance how my children would react: First, my son is one of About 400 people who read my blog and my two daughters are not counted in that number. I have no idea why he does and they don't and I never cared to ask. Knowing that two of three would not 'see' my letter to my kids on the blog, I sent each a hard copy via mail.
Oldest daughter, Dawn telephoned her mother, "Mom, what's wrong with Dad?" Her mom, being funny answered, "Where do I begin?" Dawn, "No mom, I'm serious, he wrote me a disturbing letter."
My wife then knew it was all about the blog and told Dawn to relax. Of course, Dawn called her younger sister, Pam and got her buzzed up before calling my wife.
Finally, both daughters got me on the telephone and when each said, "Dad, I got your letter and want to know if you're GOING SOME PLACE?" I answered, "Well, it's like my Kentucky friend Richard told me when I asked him that question one time: 'Heaven, I hope but in the meantime I'm headed to Hardees' for biscuits & gravy,' "
Oh, my son, Steve had no comment but he did post under that blog...Curtis Mayfield's recording of the song, "People Get Ready."
Glad that worked out.
(Touch)
There's a Train a Comin'
Now let me preface the explanation of my tongue-in cheek suggestion that I knew in advance how my children would react: First, my son is one of About 400 people who read my blog and my two daughters are not counted in that number. I have no idea why he does and they don't and I never cared to ask. Knowing that two of three would not 'see' my letter to my kids on the blog, I sent each a hard copy via mail.
Oldest daughter, Dawn telephoned her mother, "Mom, what's wrong with Dad?" Her mom, being funny answered, "Where do I begin?" Dawn, "No mom, I'm serious, he wrote me a disturbing letter."
My wife then knew it was all about the blog and told Dawn to relax. Of course, Dawn called her younger sister, Pam and got her buzzed up before calling my wife.
Finally, both daughters got me on the telephone and when each said, "Dad, I got your letter and want to know if you're GOING SOME PLACE?" I answered, "Well, it's like my Kentucky friend Richard told me when I asked him that question one time: 'Heaven, I hope but in the meantime I'm headed to Hardees' for biscuits & gravy,' "
Oh, my son, Steve had no comment but he did post under that blog...Curtis Mayfield's recording of the song, "People Get Ready."
Glad that worked out.
(Touch)
There's a Train a Comin'
Friday, June 7, 2019
Pick Your Era, I Did!
Baseball people, sports reporters, baseball historians and fans seem to enjoy discussing and debating the various era's of baseball. Those debates produce a plethora of opinions as fans and writers attempt to compare players' talent and statistics. Of course, baseball is not unlike other sports' debates. I noted yesterday a question appearing on Facebook as somebody asked: "Who would win a one-on-one game between Michael Jordan or LeBron James?" Well, we'll never know! That's like asking, would Bob Gibson strike out Babe Ruth or would Ruth hit a home run off Gibson? The answer is 'YES.'
Looking at baseball...
1901-1920...Dead Ball Era #1> Gave us Ty, Shoeless Joe, Honus, Walter, Christy & Home Run Baker
1941-1945...WWII Era> Enter Joltin' Joe, Splendid Splinter, The Man, Feller, Dizzy, Mort & Dutch.
1901-1947... Segregation Era> Welcome Robinson & Doby
1945-Early1960's> Post War / Yankee Era...Yankees win 10-of-13 World Series appearances.
1953-1961...Western Expansion Era>Bums & Giants start the expansion.
1960's...Dead Ball Era # 2>But still Roger Maris hits 61 Home Runs.
1973...Designator Hitter Era>Yankees' Ron Blomberg was the first DH April 6, 1973, He walked.
1975-Now...Free Agency Era> MLB players owe gratitude to Curt Flood.
1980's to 2005...Steroid Era> Barry Bonds goes from 185lbs (1991) to 225lbs (2002) hits 73 Homers.
2018-to Current...Launch Angle Era>
Best explained this way:
1957 @ age 39 Ted Williams (Red Sox) Batting Average>.388...38 home runs and 43 strike outs
salary $150,000.00
2016 @ age 29 Giancarlo Stanton (Miami) Batting Average> .240...27 home runs and 140 strike outs
salary $9,000,000.00
This 'Launch Angle Era' makes me long for the WWII Era> "That greatest generation."
Looking at baseball...
1901-1920...Dead Ball Era #1> Gave us Ty, Shoeless Joe, Honus, Walter, Christy & Home Run Baker
1941-1945...WWII Era> Enter Joltin' Joe, Splendid Splinter, The Man, Feller, Dizzy, Mort & Dutch.
1901-1947... Segregation Era> Welcome Robinson & Doby
1945-Early1960's> Post War / Yankee Era...Yankees win 10-of-13 World Series appearances.
1953-1961...Western Expansion Era>Bums & Giants start the expansion.
1960's...Dead Ball Era # 2>But still Roger Maris hits 61 Home Runs.
1973...Designator Hitter Era>Yankees' Ron Blomberg was the first DH April 6, 1973, He walked.
1975-Now...Free Agency Era> MLB players owe gratitude to Curt Flood.
1980's to 2005...Steroid Era> Barry Bonds goes from 185lbs (1991) to 225lbs (2002) hits 73 Homers.
2018-to Current...Launch Angle Era>
Best explained this way:
1957 @ age 39 Ted Williams (Red Sox) Batting Average>.388...38 home runs and 43 strike outs
salary $150,000.00
2016 @ age 29 Giancarlo Stanton (Miami) Batting Average> .240...27 home runs and 140 strike outs
salary $9,000,000.00
This 'Launch Angle Era' makes me long for the WWII Era> "That greatest generation."
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Hope
This June 6, 2019, we Americans and millions around the world pause to remember this 75th Anniversary of D-Day when American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II. I was five years old when my father received his draft notice to report. I can still see those tears in my mother's eyes as she contemplated her 26-year old sweetheart and father of two sons soon engulfed in military battle.
For the next two years while my father served in the 89th Infintry Division under the command of General George Patton, I remember running home from school each day to check if our service window Star was still that blue star in a field of white with a red border. I prayed all the way home that no dreaded Gold Star would be in our neighborhood windows. I also recall those wonderful 'voice' records of my father sent from training camp, which were compliments of cola companies.
There are no words to express the excitement in an eight year boy's body watching and waiting for that military train to pull into the St. Louis station at the end of my father's two-year stint. Oh, my God; To see my dad again! My mother lived to age 93 and I never saw her so overjoyed and nervous THAT day at that station.
And then there are these days and THESE American times. Yesterday, I read the interview conducted by British talk show host, Piers Morgan with President Donald Trump who was in Great Britain for events commemorating D-Day. Answering a question about his draft dodging during the Vietnam War, the United States' President said this: "I was never a 'fan' of the Vietnam War, I'll be honest with you it was very far away." Trump continued saying that he would be proud to have been called up for a war 'he' supported. A fan? A fan of war?
Over 400,000 American soldiers died in WWII and 68,000 American soldiers died in the Vietnam War. I wonder if all those noble souls were 'fans' of killing? I don't know if this man (Trump) is simply a social moron, a self-centered narcissist or an empathy-lacking fool.
For the record, It's approximately 5,000 miles to Normandy Beach from the United States and over 8,000 miles from the USA to Vietnam. And...it's only 4,000 miles from the White House to Trump's Ireland golf course where POTUS will be tonight. Trump's a fan of golf.
Each night, I say prayers. I ask God to keep our nation safe from evil forces and President Trump. I know...that's redundant.
(Touch)
Till Then
For the next two years while my father served in the 89th Infintry Division under the command of General George Patton, I remember running home from school each day to check if our service window Star was still that blue star in a field of white with a red border. I prayed all the way home that no dreaded Gold Star would be in our neighborhood windows. I also recall those wonderful 'voice' records of my father sent from training camp, which were compliments of cola companies.
There are no words to express the excitement in an eight year boy's body watching and waiting for that military train to pull into the St. Louis station at the end of my father's two-year stint. Oh, my God; To see my dad again! My mother lived to age 93 and I never saw her so overjoyed and nervous THAT day at that station.
And then there are these days and THESE American times. Yesterday, I read the interview conducted by British talk show host, Piers Morgan with President Donald Trump who was in Great Britain for events commemorating D-Day. Answering a question about his draft dodging during the Vietnam War, the United States' President said this: "I was never a 'fan' of the Vietnam War, I'll be honest with you it was very far away." Trump continued saying that he would be proud to have been called up for a war 'he' supported. A fan? A fan of war?
Over 400,000 American soldiers died in WWII and 68,000 American soldiers died in the Vietnam War. I wonder if all those noble souls were 'fans' of killing? I don't know if this man (Trump) is simply a social moron, a self-centered narcissist or an empathy-lacking fool.
For the record, It's approximately 5,000 miles to Normandy Beach from the United States and over 8,000 miles from the USA to Vietnam. And...it's only 4,000 miles from the White House to Trump's Ireland golf course where POTUS will be tonight. Trump's a fan of golf.
Each night, I say prayers. I ask God to keep our nation safe from evil forces and President Trump. I know...that's redundant.
(Touch)
Till Then
Monday, June 3, 2019
I Should Share a Perspective With My Family
I've recently picked up on some subtle comments, behavior and outright requests, which cause me to think I should write some cautionary note to my adult children and grandkids. The problem is I don't know exactly how to approach the subject matter. I wish not to come off as morbid, melancholy or alarming, therefore I'm perplexed over my approach.
One of my children warns me that 'this' family member and 'that' family member are going to have difficulty with family deaths. Another comes right out with a more vivid concern...'my death.' I understand the normal journey in life creates such thoughts when loved ones grow old. I recall having those anxieties when my elder family members, i.e. grandparents and parents aged and I began witnessing their more frequent medical issues and 'slowing-down.'
Come now, we have all lost and grieved and our roles in the process change. Sooner or later, we all play each role in this theater called life. My family is no different than most others nor is yours.
If I get around to penning that letter to my family, I want them to know this: Grieve for me briefly upon my departure. Please know that I lived a full and glorious life. I was nurtured by parents and an extended family that gave me the best blueprint a child would need. I pursued a love of God, family and a passion for sports; the latter would develop into a educational profession on many gratifying and productive levels. I dated my high school sweetheart whom I married. We parented three wonderful children. I was blessed to be loved by blood relatives and in-laws.
I had numerous doors of opportunity opened to serve others through my coaching and speaking profession. I was given chances to travel and spread messages of hope for parents and coaches of athletes. I served large organizations in capacities to improve the youth and school sport experience. Suffice to say, I got to do all that I wanted to do because I was open to God's plan for me.
When the time comes for me to leave this life, I hope I did not leave something undone. Like most who have gone before, we all have that personal desire to see one more Christmas, another grandchild's wedding and who wouldn't want to teach a great grandchild how to serve a volleyball or hit a baseball.
Finally, I should include in my letter the name of my favorite love song because all the kids know my passion for singing and recording music. I'd tell them the greatest of all love songs is 'The Itsy-Bitsy Spider.' Say what? You don't believe so? Well, sing that song while looking into the face of a one year old child attempting to match your hand gestures...I rest my case and I shall Rest In Peace.
I will think upon this matter a bit more before writing such a letter...I suppose.
(Touch)
Greatest Love Song
One of my children warns me that 'this' family member and 'that' family member are going to have difficulty with family deaths. Another comes right out with a more vivid concern...'my death.' I understand the normal journey in life creates such thoughts when loved ones grow old. I recall having those anxieties when my elder family members, i.e. grandparents and parents aged and I began witnessing their more frequent medical issues and 'slowing-down.'
Come now, we have all lost and grieved and our roles in the process change. Sooner or later, we all play each role in this theater called life. My family is no different than most others nor is yours.
If I get around to penning that letter to my family, I want them to know this: Grieve for me briefly upon my departure. Please know that I lived a full and glorious life. I was nurtured by parents and an extended family that gave me the best blueprint a child would need. I pursued a love of God, family and a passion for sports; the latter would develop into a educational profession on many gratifying and productive levels. I dated my high school sweetheart whom I married. We parented three wonderful children. I was blessed to be loved by blood relatives and in-laws.
I had numerous doors of opportunity opened to serve others through my coaching and speaking profession. I was given chances to travel and spread messages of hope for parents and coaches of athletes. I served large organizations in capacities to improve the youth and school sport experience. Suffice to say, I got to do all that I wanted to do because I was open to God's plan for me.
When the time comes for me to leave this life, I hope I did not leave something undone. Like most who have gone before, we all have that personal desire to see one more Christmas, another grandchild's wedding and who wouldn't want to teach a great grandchild how to serve a volleyball or hit a baseball.
Finally, I should include in my letter the name of my favorite love song because all the kids know my passion for singing and recording music. I'd tell them the greatest of all love songs is 'The Itsy-Bitsy Spider.' Say what? You don't believe so? Well, sing that song while looking into the face of a one year old child attempting to match your hand gestures...I rest my case and I shall Rest In Peace.
I will think upon this matter a bit more before writing such a letter...I suppose.
(Touch)
Greatest Love Song
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Fret Over Foolishness
I like the saying: "Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Simple minds discuss people."I would add a fourth: 'Mindless discuss falsehoods.'
Recently, I received a Facebook comment stating that I should boycott Pepsi Cola because that company produced a can with the Pledge of Allegiance printed upon it and left out the phrase, "In God we trust." The Facebook plea even explained that Pepsi did this as not to offend anybody.
It's a hoax, a lie. A lie that has been perpetuated since 2004. The fact is: Pepsi never did produce such a can. Dr. Pepper did produce such a can in 2002. But my take is this: I don't care if it's true or untrue.
I'm not interested in people telling me to boycott something due to some ideology they suspect is advancing an imaginary conspiracy.
Personally, I don't drink Pepsi any longer. I'm off of colas. I DO drink a Pepsi product called Diet Sierra Mist. I don't buy this product to read things on the can. When I get on an airplane, I don't know if that pilot was drunk the night before or doing church work. When I had back surgeries, I had no idea if the doctor beat up his wife that week or took the family to a movie. I just hope that the two aforementioned professionals are good at what they are charged to do. I'm pretty sure I have several doctors and medical technicians who periodically attend to me who are not Christian as am I, yet I allow them access to my needs because I've researched their background preparation.
It's disappointing enough that some people can't read and most choose not to read but instead grasps snippets of crap off the internet and spread it as gospel.
To those who wish to wallow around in the boogieman mud, I say enjoy. Just spare me the nonsense.
(Touch)
Boogie Man's Coming
Recently, I received a Facebook comment stating that I should boycott Pepsi Cola because that company produced a can with the Pledge of Allegiance printed upon it and left out the phrase, "In God we trust." The Facebook plea even explained that Pepsi did this as not to offend anybody.
It's a hoax, a lie. A lie that has been perpetuated since 2004. The fact is: Pepsi never did produce such a can. Dr. Pepper did produce such a can in 2002. But my take is this: I don't care if it's true or untrue.
I'm not interested in people telling me to boycott something due to some ideology they suspect is advancing an imaginary conspiracy.
Personally, I don't drink Pepsi any longer. I'm off of colas. I DO drink a Pepsi product called Diet Sierra Mist. I don't buy this product to read things on the can. When I get on an airplane, I don't know if that pilot was drunk the night before or doing church work. When I had back surgeries, I had no idea if the doctor beat up his wife that week or took the family to a movie. I just hope that the two aforementioned professionals are good at what they are charged to do. I'm pretty sure I have several doctors and medical technicians who periodically attend to me who are not Christian as am I, yet I allow them access to my needs because I've researched their background preparation.
It's disappointing enough that some people can't read and most choose not to read but instead grasps snippets of crap off the internet and spread it as gospel.
To those who wish to wallow around in the boogieman mud, I say enjoy. Just spare me the nonsense.
(Touch)
Boogie Man's Coming
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