Other than his lack of interest in sports, my father is an awesome man.
I was fortunate to grown up with two brothers and a mother who are all sports fanatics. They, along with relatives and friends, helped me develop my appreciation for athletics that ultimately led to my career in the sports field.
When my children were born, I vowed to include them in my affection for sports. I wanted to delicately guide them down the path of athletic appreciation and develop their persona as fans.
As far as that is concerned, the plan is working out nicely. Although my daughter Shannon, who will be 8 next month, and my son Grant, 5 1/2 , aren’t rabid fans yet, I’m still working on them.
The other night I was sitting in at home as the Lakers took on the Orlando Magic in the deciding game of the NBA Finals. In the second half, as it was evident the Lakers would win the title, I asked my kids if they would like to come sit beside me and watch the finish.
The kids jumped at the chance. Grant went and got his Kobe Bryant jersey — a Christmas present — out of his room and Shannon made posters with Lakers colors and words of encouragement.
They really got into the game as well. They cheered every Lakers accomplishment and booed anything the Magic did.
“I hate the Magic Touch,” is what Grant called opposing team.
When time finally ran out, and the Lakers began to celebrate their victory, our trio did its share of celebrating as well.”
It was one of those special moments that, as a father, I will never forget.
The next day, Grant wore his Kobe jersey to his summer day care class. As he walked out the door he said, “Maybe people will think I’m Kobe when he was little.”
Oh, the beauty of innocence. It’s just wonderful to experience the purity of children who are void of hatred, racial bias or bigotry.
