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The Magic of Tee Ball
Saturday was a reception as part of my high school's reunion weekend. My 35th. Cripes, I'm getting older. Sunday, my wife and I attended a tee ball baseball game of good friends of ours. Age is relative.
OK, so I have raised the topic of youthful joy recently in this newsletter, but in light of the juxtaposition of a reunion of bald, older men and kids I bring the concept to you again.
I graduated from Strake Jesuit. Our class was about 87 young men (an all boys school). We are far enough along now that as questions arose as to where some of the missing graduates were, the responses came back as "he had his second multiple bypass last month; I hope he is okay," and "he died of a heart attack a few months ago," and "he has been in and out of jail since high school." Life happens, I suppose. Many of my fellow graduates had known each other since elementary school; my acquaintanceship with them began freshman year. I have to admit, the experience made me feel older and a bit less connected than I expected. I enjoyed seeing them all, but the feelings that arose came as a surprise. Much to think about.
Sunday brought a surprise invitation to a tee ball baseball game. Saturday night's event reminded me that I am old enough to be some of the kids' dad, and Sunday's game reminded me about youth and youthfulness.
Our friends' son slid into base with no real reason except for the fun of it, and I recalled practicing slides in my front yard as a kid until my jeans were green; the players' parents cheered and supported their children in their different ways, and I recalled coaching and playing with my three sons; and, I took photographs, and I recall seeing older fans photographing friends or grandkids when I was a father-coach. Time flies.
Saturday was for recounting stories; Sunday was for recollecting them by living them anew with different perspectives and roles. I believe that is my lesson from listening Saturday and Sunday: There is value in recounting stories, but there is rejuvenation and regeneration in living them anew.
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Listen to Life is a free newsletter about learning and getting more from life by paying attention to our own stories and the stories of others, based on the presentations, writings, photography and workshops by Dion McInnis (www.dionmcinnis.com). Copyright 2009 Dion McInnis. All rights reserved.
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