On spring Saturdays, my 3-year-old daughter participates in Soccer Shots Laurel Highlands, a frenetic introduction to futbol. Each week, boy and girl whippersnappers learn about a word to apply in soccer and in life. This past Saturday the word was COURAGE.
Last Fall, that 3-year-old was 2 and about 1-inch short at Idlewild Park. When she was denied entrance to the cargo net in Jumpin' Jungle, her world crashed. I blogged about her teary-eyed reaction. Redemption was ours this May. After soccer practice, we were welcomed back to the Jungle.
As we climbed that net together, it was worth the wait. She realized the magic in the moment and as the climb became more daunting, she wasn't sure if she could make it. Magic turned to trepidation, but Dad was not about to have her turn back. We locked hands and together, we completed the ascent. I paused to take it all in. She did not pause because she does not pause.
We seized the rest of the Saturday. Mom and Baby Sister watched Dad and Big Sis attack the amusement. The Scrambler provided the most entertainment for this father as my daughter became more vocal with increased velocity. Rotating at max speed she belted out, "THIS IS NOT WHAT I WANTED!" Her hair was in a panic and her body was squished into my pelvis. I could only laugh and implore her to hold on tight.
On Sunday, we sang a closing hymn that had this line, "And we will not give into fear". From soccer to Idlewild to Scripture, this weekend roared COURAGE. In the wake of another national school tragedy, we search for answers. A courageous step forward, for this community and all communities, is to acknowledge our fears.
And then, refuse to give in.
Standing at the top of that cargo net, it was natural to look back and see how far we had come. As I watch my girls grow up, I am thankful for everyone who has been a part of their development. Our whippersnappers are a reflection of so many hands and hearts. In that search for answers, express gratitude to the teachers, neighbors, family, and friends who are helping children grow.
Climb your cargo net. Keep looking up.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Monday, May 14, 2018
Our Great Outdoors
On the second Tuesday of May, I sat inside, but it was all about what was going on outside. A panel discussion was held at the Holiday Inn as part of Tourism Week in Johnstown. A room full of adventure seekers and city supporters listened to a panel discussion on our great outdoors. Six local leaders shared their thoughts, experiences, and concerns. Mother Nature was not visible, as the room had no windows, but she surely was the star. A sincere "Thank You" to Cliff, Eric, Mike, Corey, Kyra, and Chad. Their words flowed, like the Stonycreek, capturing my adventurous spirit. And away...we...go...
That Night
A short Subaru trek would have got me from Westmont to Brownstown, but the forest called my name. My wife and I picked up our kids from my parents' house after work, but I was destined for the outdoors, not the Outback. I put my eldest daughter in the toddler hiking pack and we headed for Stackhouse Park. My wife drove the littlest lady home as she cried for Mother, not Mother Nature.
In the wilderness, my daughter and I had fascinating talks about the birds and the trees. As a 3-year-old she described a time when "she was little" when a tree fell on her "head and teeth" and Mom had to take her to the hospital. My wife either hid this incident from me or it never happened. Either way, it was riveting.
When we got home, we told Mom about the animals we saw and found no medical records in regard to the tree-to-skull strike.
Friday
I had a scheduled golf showdown with my father at Glengarry Golf Links in Latrobe. Even though golf was not a part of the panel discussion, I now can sell the sport as "boosting the economy" or "contributing to the outdoor recreation in our community". I never will "go golfing" again.
It was a beautiful day in neighborly Latrobe and the Old Man got the best of me. My Front 9 was full of sunshine, but his Back 9 was even better. He introduced the game to me and I hope for many more duels under the sun.
Later that afternoon, I took my daughters for separate walks along the river wall in Cambria City. They enjoy bird watching, but prefer bird chasing. My youngest took a shot at capturing mallards. She does not have much technique, but there is a lot of joy. My oldest daughter is much more stealth and has a much less joyous approach. No ducks were captured, but we got to see them fly.
Saturday
For the second straight year, I laced up for the Johnstown Christian 5K. In 2017, I played the role of Super Dad and ran stroller style with my-then-two-year-old. We almost rolled back down the hill that starts the race. The Johnstown Christian 5K's first mile is the Mount Everest in the local stroller circuit. I don't think there really is a local stroller circuit, but Tuesday's panel discussion was all about dreaming big.
The reality - I ran stroller-less this year. My family cheered me on as I made my final turn. The opening hill was much less treacherous and the home stretch was even more fulfilling. My wife and kids cheered me on as I made my way to the soccer field finish. Our tribe has made local races a part of our family life. They often shine a spotlight on what is great about this community. Whether you run, walk, or cheer - get out and support local causes. Running has been an uplifting part of my Dad life. The exercise is great, but the family I return to and the community that runs with me is even better.
Later in the day and before a torrential downpour, we poured out of the Outback for the Rec the Alleghenies Expo at Greenhouse Park. This was a "cool stuff" bonanza for my girls. We got to pet goats, got our feet wet in the river, had our hands painted (prior to goat petting), and wrestled in a water vessel (sister v. sister) that sat on land. The most unexpected feature was two adolescent acrobats on horses. Dressed in shiny green numbers, they took turns doing daredevil poses on sprinting stallions. It was awesome.
Then, I imagined my girls being teenagers and asking me if they can defy death and hang by their feet from a 900-pound beast. We moved along and pet a bunny rabbit.
Sunday
Alas, Mother's Day. Before she was a mother, she was my wife. She still is my wife and before any of this, she was my girlfriend and we were all about adventure. We still are. The adventures have just changed. We pack a lot more bags and feel a wee bit more responsible, but we still seek the thrill.
I cut the grass on Mother's Day to conclude my week in our Great Outdoors. Prior to yardwork, I strolled my youngest around the block to get her to nap. We were surrounded by songbirds and a blue jay floated by. Inside the house, Mom and sister took a much needed /deserved nap.
When everyone awoke, the much needed grass cutting was complete. It was time to move on to the next adventure.
Be a part of Our Great Outdoors. One of the takeaways from the panel discussion was the idea of "buying in" to outdoor recreation in Johnstown. Start this week. The Stonycreek Rendezvous begins this Friday. The 8th Annual 5K Run For Vets is Saturday morning in St. Michael's. If you are not a runner, the 2nd Annual Cambria County Hero Hike happens Saturday on the Ghost Town Trail.
Whatever your weekend plans, appreciate what is around you. Get outside and buy-in.
That Night
A short Subaru trek would have got me from Westmont to Brownstown, but the forest called my name. My wife and I picked up our kids from my parents' house after work, but I was destined for the outdoors, not the Outback. I put my eldest daughter in the toddler hiking pack and we headed for Stackhouse Park. My wife drove the littlest lady home as she cried for Mother, not Mother Nature.
In the wilderness, my daughter and I had fascinating talks about the birds and the trees. As a 3-year-old she described a time when "she was little" when a tree fell on her "head and teeth" and Mom had to take her to the hospital. My wife either hid this incident from me or it never happened. Either way, it was riveting.
When we got home, we told Mom about the animals we saw and found no medical records in regard to the tree-to-skull strike.
Friday
I had a scheduled golf showdown with my father at Glengarry Golf Links in Latrobe. Even though golf was not a part of the panel discussion, I now can sell the sport as "boosting the economy" or "contributing to the outdoor recreation in our community". I never will "go golfing" again.
It was a beautiful day in neighborly Latrobe and the Old Man got the best of me. My Front 9 was full of sunshine, but his Back 9 was even better. He introduced the game to me and I hope for many more duels under the sun.
Later that afternoon, I took my daughters for separate walks along the river wall in Cambria City. They enjoy bird watching, but prefer bird chasing. My youngest took a shot at capturing mallards. She does not have much technique, but there is a lot of joy. My oldest daughter is much more stealth and has a much less joyous approach. No ducks were captured, but we got to see them fly.
Saturday
For the second straight year, I laced up for the Johnstown Christian 5K. In 2017, I played the role of Super Dad and ran stroller style with my-then-two-year-old. We almost rolled back down the hill that starts the race. The Johnstown Christian 5K's first mile is the Mount Everest in the local stroller circuit. I don't think there really is a local stroller circuit, but Tuesday's panel discussion was all about dreaming big.
The reality - I ran stroller-less this year. My family cheered me on as I made my final turn. The opening hill was much less treacherous and the home stretch was even more fulfilling. My wife and kids cheered me on as I made my way to the soccer field finish. Our tribe has made local races a part of our family life. They often shine a spotlight on what is great about this community. Whether you run, walk, or cheer - get out and support local causes. Running has been an uplifting part of my Dad life. The exercise is great, but the family I return to and the community that runs with me is even better.
Later in the day and before a torrential downpour, we poured out of the Outback for the Rec the Alleghenies Expo at Greenhouse Park. This was a "cool stuff" bonanza for my girls. We got to pet goats, got our feet wet in the river, had our hands painted (prior to goat petting), and wrestled in a water vessel (sister v. sister) that sat on land. The most unexpected feature was two adolescent acrobats on horses. Dressed in shiny green numbers, they took turns doing daredevil poses on sprinting stallions. It was awesome.
Then, I imagined my girls being teenagers and asking me if they can defy death and hang by their feet from a 900-pound beast. We moved along and pet a bunny rabbit.
Sunday
Alas, Mother's Day. Before she was a mother, she was my wife. She still is my wife and before any of this, she was my girlfriend and we were all about adventure. We still are. The adventures have just changed. We pack a lot more bags and feel a wee bit more responsible, but we still seek the thrill.
I cut the grass on Mother's Day to conclude my week in our Great Outdoors. Prior to yardwork, I strolled my youngest around the block to get her to nap. We were surrounded by songbirds and a blue jay floated by. Inside the house, Mom and sister took a much needed /deserved nap.
When everyone awoke, the much needed grass cutting was complete. It was time to move on to the next adventure.
Be a part of Our Great Outdoors. One of the takeaways from the panel discussion was the idea of "buying in" to outdoor recreation in Johnstown. Start this week. The Stonycreek Rendezvous begins this Friday. The 8th Annual 5K Run For Vets is Saturday morning in St. Michael's. If you are not a runner, the 2nd Annual Cambria County Hero Hike happens Saturday on the Ghost Town Trail.
Whatever your weekend plans, appreciate what is around you. Get outside and buy-in.
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