Christmas is always a time of enjoying fun and food with family. For me it is also a time of reflecting.
I want to share two very special memories I have, not directly related to Christmas, but to two special people: my late father and my oldest son.
In the early 90's I went down to Chatham in Ontario. I grew up about 45 minutes from Detroit and cheered for the Red Wings (hockey). After Christmas I told my Dad we were going down to see Detroit play Chicago. He was quite surprised. The only challenge was I did not have any tickets and there were none available. We went to Joe Louis Arena a couple of hours before the game to see if anyone was selling tickets. A lady came up to me and asked, "Are you looking for tickets for tonight's game?" To which I responded, "Yes we sure are!". She then proceeded to tell me that she had two season's tickets and they could not use them tonight. I asked her how much and to my amazement she said, "oh just the ticket price". Often people charge more for their tickets but they were willing to give us two amazing seats for a great price. That night was a very special night with my Dad who passed away 6 years ago.
I will never forget that night and the wonderful opportunity we had to enjoy some time together.
The second (more recent) memory happened this fall. I had an opportunity to take Joshua my oldest to see the Syracuse Orangemen in New York. We went with down with a couple of football friends. It was such an awesome time. It took me to the age of 45 before I saw my first NCAA football game. It was amazing. Not just the game.. but the band (175 piece), the warms, the cheers, the crowd, everything. But the most amazing thing I remember was watching Joshua take it all in. He really had a great time. We bought hats with the Orange S on them. He has a Syracuse poster on his wall. It was very very special day and I will never forget it.
So what is the point of these little stories. Christmas is all about family. The first Christmas was about a little family. Just a carpenter and a young mom with her baby. Take time this Christmas to make some memories. Dads, let me talk to the Dads! Take some time with your sons, your daughters, find something they really like and have funs. Sons and daughters take time with your Moms and Dads.
I miss my Dad and I am so glad I took that trip and I will never forget it. As far as Joshua and my other two sons go there will be many many many memories.
Make sure before you go to bed tonight you tell your kids and your parents how much you love them!!
Until Next Time
This is Coach Birl wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, 2012 is gonna be awesome.
Have a Cool Yule!!
