It was summer of 2006 and I had just finished my freshman year of college at The University of Alabama. I spent much of my summer vacations in my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia because I rarely get to see my family—which is why I wouldn’t think twice about waking up at 5 a.m. with my Dad on Father’s Day to travel to his Charm City Lacrosse Tournament. a.) what kind of daughter would I be if I didn’t? b.) How many people can say their dad still plays on a competitive lacrosse team at age 56?
That Father’s Day turned out to be a great one. Beautiful summer weather, meeting the other families, and best of all —his team won the tournament. To this day, my dad will tell you my coming along was the best Father’s Day gift he could have asked for, but the truth is, having him as my Dad is the greatest gift that I am fortunate to have everyday.
I speak for the rest of my family when I say I look up to my Dad in so many ways. One of these ways is through this commitment to lacrosse. My Dad played at The University of Virginia and has continued to devote much of his time to the sport. Lacrosse is not just a sport to him, it is a passion. If he is not traveling with his own team of guys that, like him, wish lacrosse were their day job, he is coaching. For as long as I can remember, my Dad has goalie-coached my high school’s boys lacrosse team. On weekends he coaches individual lessons to beginning and collegiate-level goalies and every summer he helps run a clinic for young kids—all free of charge. Sure, he could make some great, extra cash from doing all of this, but he simply enjoys coaching, working out and continuing to play so much that making money off it is of no importance.
There is a sports article from 2005 taped on my Dad’s bathroom mirror about a Redskins’ lineman, Ray Brown who, at that time was entering his 20th football season. At 42, he was viewed with ‘extraordinary longevity’ and one that ‘time never caught up to’. This Ray Brown fella has served as my dad’s inspiration and made my family and our friends understand why he does what he does.
And so—we let him, and we understand, and we appreciate when he gets into lacrosse mode. In fact, this past weekend he was in Ft. Lauderdale playing for Team Harley Davidson, having a blast with all his lacrosse buddies—some lawyers, some brokers, some other grown-man professions. And like that summer day in 2006, my dad’s team won, and though I couldn’t wake up at 5 a.m. to cheer him on, I still woke up knowing I am very lucky to have him.
Happy early Father’s Day, Hot Rod!
p.s. Can I have some $ ?
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