for my dad

Happy Father's Day to my dad who taught me there is only one way to laugh and it needs to come from the belly. A man who NEVER missed a game of mine, he taught me to get in front of the ball, put my glove on the ground and to catch with both hands...to keep my eye on the ball and my feet firmly planted...he showed me how to "box out" and rebound...he taught me that sometimes you need to work twice as hard as someone else to be just as good...he taught me how to hustle, to be a scrappy player, to never give up...there may be extra innings or overtime and preparation is the key.

I was never a superstar at sports, although I loved playing them...there was nothing like giving it your all and winning...There is a reason people use sports metaphors...as the saying goes "Life is not a spectator sport" you need to be active participant. All the tools my dad gave to me long ago apply today...approach things head on, focus on the basics, stay grounded, box out those that do not bring you joy and hold on tightly to those that do... life goes fast and sometimes you find yourself having to pick yourself up and rebound. Good things come to those who work hard, hustle and give it their all.... it's a long game this thing called Life and sometimes you need to be scrappy to survive. Finally preparation is the key, the better prepared you are the better off you will be.

So on this father's day I want to say thank you dad for teaching me life lessons when I was younger that apply so easily today. Thank you for giving me the foundation to build a family of my own. Thank you for instilling a willingness and a desire to be the best I can be. And finally thank you for ALWAYS being on my sideline cheering me on. I love you pappy!!
xo