My youngest daughter is one of the most caring, thoughtful, quiet, animal loving people I've ever met. And right there in the first sentence I've insulted her. Not on purpose. Until recently completely unknowingly. How? The sentence seems complimentary. Oh, that must be it. I insulted her with compliments. Kids HATE when their parents gush over them.
No, it's because I called her my daughter. After many years of introspection, as many years as a 15 year old can painstakingly and painfully endure on a day to day, minute to minute basis, Kristi has identified that she is transgender.
Yeah, I had to look up the definition too even though it's been in the news because North Carolina has issues, We live in a country where the current administration is trying to undo all the bridges built with the LGBT communities that previous administrations have established. I never paid a lot of attention to it because I kind of worked on the premise of "if you're a good person, you're a good person and I will treat you accordingly". I wasn't up for causes or marches. I just figured in my little corner of the world I would treat everyone with respect that deserved to be treated with respect.
And then I discovered I was contributing to the "living hell" my little girl had to endure - her words. This is the last time I will call her my little girl. Kris (he prefers Kris vs. Kristi) prefers the pronouns he, him and his. In his words "it just feels right to me." Apparently his classmates already do this. Kris would prefer that his mom and I view him and acknowledge him as our son. I won't speak for my ex-wife, but that's quite a leap for me after 15 years. My memory tells me I have three daughters. My verbal and intellectual muscle memory reverts to "Hey girl, how was school?" when I pick Kris up from band practice.
I don't mean anything by it. I'm not judging. I'm not trying to change his mind. I know I don't know much in this area, yet, but I do know it's not a mindset. Kris identifying as a male is no more a choice than me deciding to be prematurely bald. I just have 15 years of doing something one way and now have to adjust in another direction.
Kris was never a girly girl. He would rather run around with the neighborhood kids playing sports or agender activities rather than play with dolls and dress up. I think I saw him wear a dress once in his life and that was for a grade school project.
Honestly as I watched him grow up I assumed he was gay. Never wanted to wear girl clothes, preferred boys t-shirts or gender neutral clothing. But that was my limited understanding of gender issues. Either you're straight or gay. The idea of my youngest daughter being gay didn't bother me one bit. As long as she would be happy, I have no issues. Little did I know how far I was from understanding what was going on in her mind and how far from happiness she was/is.
Recently I asked Kris if some of the girls from school he hangs out with are just "peeps" or if they were girlfriends. And I received the most amazing response. "No, they're just peeps. I don't even know who I am at this point. I'm not going to start dating guys or girls when I'm still trying to find out who I am." I'm paraphrasing. I mentioned Kris is thoughtful, caring and quiet. I left off incredibly mature.
As a parent the only thing that bothers me about all this is that I'm discovering the confusion, torture and pain that he is in on what seems like a daily basis. He doesn't talk much. For the longest time I attributed it to being 15 where all kids go through mood swings, introversion, wanting to avoid their parents. But more and more I'm aware that it's also because he's trying to figure out where he fits in - at school, in the world and in his mind.
Additionally I'm concerned for his safety, both physical and emotional. This world is filled with amazingly open minded, nurturing people. But it also is filled with the most vile, crude and abusive people. The second type is usually pretty easy to spot and avoid. But there's a third type. The type that thinks they're the first group but really are the second group. They'll make off hand comments about a person's appearance, race, background or intelligence. They won't deliberately try to put another person down, but it's so ingrained in their DNA that they are somehow superior to everyone else, they just can't help themselves from being obnoxious, rude and belligerent.
Those are the ones I'm concerned about for Kris. His (and anyone's) path of self-discovery is tough enough without having to navigate past the clueless lunks who think they are all that. Basically from the time he was able to walk, Kris has marched to the beat of his own drum. Appropriate since he's taken such a passionate interest in becoming a very accomplished trumpet player in band **. I have seen and heard him be exposed to comments about his wardrobe when he was younger (always wearing t-shirts and sweatpants) or befriending the "uncool" kids. When I talked to him about the comments he would receive he would shrug it off and say "it doesn't bother me". Maybe it did, maybe it didn't. But he always stuck to what he believed in.
** When he was in 5th grade the opportunity to play an instrument in the school band presented itself and Kris knew that he wanted to play trumpet. Right around that time, either just before joining the band or soon after, as his oldest sister was exploring college options, Kris stated with complete conviction - "I am going to go to U of I on a music scholarship."
As parents often discover, we learn as much from our kids as they learn from us. From the time he could talk, Kris has always been the helpful, thoughtful, put others first individual the world needs more of. He was quiet, yet when he would comment on a subject it was obvious there was logic, truth and a belief in what he was saying. Kris is one of the few young adults I've known who does not get trapped with over reaction. His response to things is always measured and level-headed. If adults could act the same way, there would be so much more harmony in our lives.
These qualities are still there in him, but they've been muted as he has focused what seems like every waking moment of his life recently to identify who he is and where he fits in this world.
I do know that if anyone on this planet is strong enough to figure it out, it's Kris. And I couldn't be prouder of my son.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Bryant vs. Ryno
This past Monday (June 27, 2016), Cubs phenom Kris Bryant had a game for the ages. He set a record for a franchise that has been around for 140 years. No one in the history of the Chicago National League Ball Club had ever accumulated 16 total bases in one game. No one. We're talking about team wonders: Dave Kingman, Mark Grace, Hank Sauer, Stan Hack. We're talking steroid cheats: Sammy Sosa, GlenAllen Hill, Marlon Byrd. We're talking about Hall of Famers, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, Cap Anson, Andre Dawson. And we're talking about Ryne Sandberg.
In the game on Monday (won by the Cubs 11-8 over the Cincinnati Reds), Bryant went 5 for 5 with THREE, count'em three homers and two doubles. Drove in six runs, scored four times. Bryant had a pretty good week on Monday.
Thirty two years and four days earlier, Ryne Sandberg had a game for the ages. He went 5 for 6, two homeruns, drove in seven runs and scored twice. Accumulated 11 total bases.
Now just looking at the those simple numbers you can make arguments.
Bryant had a better game: Didn't make an out. 16 Total Bases. Scored four runs. Hit three homeruns.
Sandberg had a better game: Drove in seven runs. Well, based solely on the numbers, that's about the only argument you can make for Sandberg.
Yet the game Sandberg played in on Saturday, June 23rd 1984 (I didn't have to look up the date or the day) has endured historically for going on thirty-three years. It has become LEGENDARY. It launched an icon, an entire team and possibly a Hall of Fame induction.
Bryant's game was superior yet my belief is that it will fade into the franchise history to be mentioned along side of Tuffy Rhodes hitting three homeruns on Opening Day, Monday April 4, 1994 (I DID have to look up that day and date) off of Dwight Gooden.
Why? Why would a historic performance like Bryant's not be considered THE GAME of the decade? I have some thoughts. I could be right (possible), I could be wrong (probable). I'll let you decide.
Who Was Watching: June 23rd, 1984 the Cubs played the Cardinals at Wrigley Field on NBC's National Game of the Week. Bob Costas. Tony Kubek. This was before the MLB channel. This was before ESPN picked up a baseball contract. You either watched NBC's Game of the Week on Saturday or you watched your local affiliate to watch your local team.
Monday, June 27th, 2016 was a night game in Cincinnati. To my knowledge the only live broadcast would have been the local Chicago and Cincinnati affiliates, and possibly a broadcast on the MLB package, if you subscribed, but even then you would tap into the Cincinnati or Chicago broadcast teams.
Expectations: At the time of the game in 1984, the Cubs were in third place, one and a half games out of first - which for them was quite an accomplishment, and a record of 37-31, also quite an accomplishment. Ten days earlier the Cubs acquired Rick Sutcliffe in a move that ultimately would launch them into the playoffs, but on June 23rd, no one knew that. This still was a team that Dallas Green and Jim Frey were hoping would finish at .500. Sandberg is in his third full season, and while most of Chicago can see he's something special (whether they are seeing it with their eyes or their heart at the time) he hadn't become RYNE SANDBERG to baseball . . . yet. So this was a bit unexpected.
2016 the Cubs arrive anointed World Series Champions, even though they haven't sniffed a World Series game in 71 years and counting. Kris Bryant is coming off a Rookie of the Year season last year and came to the Cubs as a very highly touted prospect. Both he and Sandberg are 24 at the time of "their games". Bryant is expected to do amazing things on the field, in the dugout and quite possibly in his sleep.
Context Of The Game: After one and a half innings the Cubs were down 7-1*. On National TV. Against the rival Cardinals. An emotional place many, many Cubs fans have been before.
*There are many interesting story lines aside from Ryne Sandberg's coming out party in the June 23rd, 1984 Cubs/Cardinals game. We'll get to those below.
Sandberg hit his first homerun leading off the bottom of the 9th tying the game at 9. Prior to that the Cubs had never led or been tied in the game. Pretty good? Yeah. But why so great? Wait for it.
He hit his second homerun of the game in the bottom of the 11th with two out and a runner on base to re-tie the game, this time at 11.
Bryant hit his first homerun in the 3rd inning putting the Cubs up 3-2. His second homerun was in the 4th and gave the Cubs a 7-3 lead. His third homerun was a solo shot in the 8th inning extending the Cubs lead to 8-7.
So while Bryant was having an amazing game and it turned out the Cubs pretty much needed every bit of offensive output he could muster, (final score 11-8) his last two homeruns gave the Cubs some scoring cushion.
Without Sandberg in the bottom of the 9th and again in the bottom of the 11th, Cub fans go home having watched a loss.
Hit It Off Who?: The thing that elevated Sandberg into the stratosphere is that he stepped into the batter's box in the bottom of the 9th inning and faced Bruce Sutter. Five time All-Star, Cy Young Award Winner, Four time league leader in Saves. World Series Champion (with the Cardinals in 1982 where he won one game and saved two including Game 7). Sutter was on his way to a career high of 45 Saves in 1984 and another (would be his 6th) All-Star appearance. And Sandberg parked Sutter's pitch in the leftfield bleachers.
Then Sandberg came up in the in the 11th inning with two out, one on and his team trailing by two and faced . . . Sutter again. And again he knocked it out of the park.
Bryant hit his homeruns off of Dan Straily, Dan Straily and Ross Ohlendorf. Doesn't really have the same cache.
How Old Are You?: Back in June of 1984 I was an impressionable, naive 18 year old. Everything was bigger when it came to baseball and especially the Cubs. My world revolved around them. I certainly didn't have to concern myself with girls or a wide circle of friends as a distraction from absorbing everything about the Cubs into my soul.
June 2016 I'm 49. Still a big Cubs fan but with a career and children, the Cubs don't absolutely dominate every part of my being anymore. So on a personal level, the Sandberg game will always have a more lasting impact.
There could be other factors as well, but those are the one's that come readily to mind as to why Sandberg's game endures and Bryant's may well become a footnote.
As I mentioned, in 1984 the Cubs/Cardinals game had numerous story lines. Some well documented, some not so much.
Something that was often overlooked immediately after the game but has since been mentioned consistently years after the fact - Willie McGee hit for the cycle. In fact by the 7th or 8th inning it was customary for NBC to name a Player of the Game. And so with the Cardinals leading and to that point Sandberg "only" having three singles in four at bats, NBC named Willie McGee the Player of the Game. Not really a big deal since I think it was tied to some sponsorship thing and didn't really impact the players. But after Sandberg's second homerun Costas commented to Kubek that they may need to rethink the Player of the Game honors.
Bruce Sutter, as the Cardinals CLOSER, entered the game IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 7TH INNING! No one inning closing for Sutter. This was before Tony LaRussa "invented" the 9th inning closer and Sutter, Gossage, etc. were closing games as early as the 7th inning. Sutter pitched three and a third innings that day.
And perhaps my favorite story line. The starting pitcher for the Cardinals that day was Ralph Citarella. If you watch the broadcast and hear Tony Kubek say his name but you're not really paying attention it almost sounds like Ralph Cinderella. But this wasn't a Cinderella story. Citarella was staked to a 7-1 lead after two innings. He pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five earned runs. Not a great outing, but he did last long enough to qualify for the win. And until Sandberg faced Sutter in the bottom of the 9th, Citarella was going to get the win. But the Cardinals lost and Citarella received a No Decision. Big deal, happens all the time right? Starting pitchers lose win opportunities as often as the sun rises and sets. But the point here is that Ralph Citarella NEVER won a major league game. He appeared in three seasons for a total of 21 games and didn't record a win. I often wonder if he thinks about this game and how close he came to winning a major league baseball game.
In the game on Monday (won by the Cubs 11-8 over the Cincinnati Reds), Bryant went 5 for 5 with THREE, count'em three homers and two doubles. Drove in six runs, scored four times. Bryant had a pretty good week on Monday.
Thirty two years and four days earlier, Ryne Sandberg had a game for the ages. He went 5 for 6, two homeruns, drove in seven runs and scored twice. Accumulated 11 total bases.
Now just looking at the those simple numbers you can make arguments.
Bryant had a better game: Didn't make an out. 16 Total Bases. Scored four runs. Hit three homeruns.
Sandberg had a better game: Drove in seven runs. Well, based solely on the numbers, that's about the only argument you can make for Sandberg.
Yet the game Sandberg played in on Saturday, June 23rd 1984 (I didn't have to look up the date or the day) has endured historically for going on thirty-three years. It has become LEGENDARY. It launched an icon, an entire team and possibly a Hall of Fame induction.
Bryant's game was superior yet my belief is that it will fade into the franchise history to be mentioned along side of Tuffy Rhodes hitting three homeruns on Opening Day, Monday April 4, 1994 (I DID have to look up that day and date) off of Dwight Gooden.
Why? Why would a historic performance like Bryant's not be considered THE GAME of the decade? I have some thoughts. I could be right (possible), I could be wrong (probable). I'll let you decide.
Who Was Watching: June 23rd, 1984 the Cubs played the Cardinals at Wrigley Field on NBC's National Game of the Week. Bob Costas. Tony Kubek. This was before the MLB channel. This was before ESPN picked up a baseball contract. You either watched NBC's Game of the Week on Saturday or you watched your local affiliate to watch your local team.
Monday, June 27th, 2016 was a night game in Cincinnati. To my knowledge the only live broadcast would have been the local Chicago and Cincinnati affiliates, and possibly a broadcast on the MLB package, if you subscribed, but even then you would tap into the Cincinnati or Chicago broadcast teams.
Expectations: At the time of the game in 1984, the Cubs were in third place, one and a half games out of first - which for them was quite an accomplishment, and a record of 37-31, also quite an accomplishment. Ten days earlier the Cubs acquired Rick Sutcliffe in a move that ultimately would launch them into the playoffs, but on June 23rd, no one knew that. This still was a team that Dallas Green and Jim Frey were hoping would finish at .500. Sandberg is in his third full season, and while most of Chicago can see he's something special (whether they are seeing it with their eyes or their heart at the time) he hadn't become RYNE SANDBERG to baseball . . . yet. So this was a bit unexpected.
2016 the Cubs arrive anointed World Series Champions, even though they haven't sniffed a World Series game in 71 years and counting. Kris Bryant is coming off a Rookie of the Year season last year and came to the Cubs as a very highly touted prospect. Both he and Sandberg are 24 at the time of "their games". Bryant is expected to do amazing things on the field, in the dugout and quite possibly in his sleep.
Context Of The Game: After one and a half innings the Cubs were down 7-1*. On National TV. Against the rival Cardinals. An emotional place many, many Cubs fans have been before.
*There are many interesting story lines aside from Ryne Sandberg's coming out party in the June 23rd, 1984 Cubs/Cardinals game. We'll get to those below.
Sandberg hit his first homerun leading off the bottom of the 9th tying the game at 9. Prior to that the Cubs had never led or been tied in the game. Pretty good? Yeah. But why so great? Wait for it.
He hit his second homerun of the game in the bottom of the 11th with two out and a runner on base to re-tie the game, this time at 11.
Bryant hit his first homerun in the 3rd inning putting the Cubs up 3-2. His second homerun was in the 4th and gave the Cubs a 7-3 lead. His third homerun was a solo shot in the 8th inning extending the Cubs lead to 8-7.
So while Bryant was having an amazing game and it turned out the Cubs pretty much needed every bit of offensive output he could muster, (final score 11-8) his last two homeruns gave the Cubs some scoring cushion.
Without Sandberg in the bottom of the 9th and again in the bottom of the 11th, Cub fans go home having watched a loss.
Hit It Off Who?: The thing that elevated Sandberg into the stratosphere is that he stepped into the batter's box in the bottom of the 9th inning and faced Bruce Sutter. Five time All-Star, Cy Young Award Winner, Four time league leader in Saves. World Series Champion (with the Cardinals in 1982 where he won one game and saved two including Game 7). Sutter was on his way to a career high of 45 Saves in 1984 and another (would be his 6th) All-Star appearance. And Sandberg parked Sutter's pitch in the leftfield bleachers.
Then Sandberg came up in the in the 11th inning with two out, one on and his team trailing by two and faced . . . Sutter again. And again he knocked it out of the park.
Bryant hit his homeruns off of Dan Straily, Dan Straily and Ross Ohlendorf. Doesn't really have the same cache.
How Old Are You?: Back in June of 1984 I was an impressionable, naive 18 year old. Everything was bigger when it came to baseball and especially the Cubs. My world revolved around them. I certainly didn't have to concern myself with girls or a wide circle of friends as a distraction from absorbing everything about the Cubs into my soul.
June 2016 I'm 49. Still a big Cubs fan but with a career and children, the Cubs don't absolutely dominate every part of my being anymore. So on a personal level, the Sandberg game will always have a more lasting impact.
There could be other factors as well, but those are the one's that come readily to mind as to why Sandberg's game endures and Bryant's may well become a footnote.
As I mentioned, in 1984 the Cubs/Cardinals game had numerous story lines. Some well documented, some not so much.
Something that was often overlooked immediately after the game but has since been mentioned consistently years after the fact - Willie McGee hit for the cycle. In fact by the 7th or 8th inning it was customary for NBC to name a Player of the Game. And so with the Cardinals leading and to that point Sandberg "only" having three singles in four at bats, NBC named Willie McGee the Player of the Game. Not really a big deal since I think it was tied to some sponsorship thing and didn't really impact the players. But after Sandberg's second homerun Costas commented to Kubek that they may need to rethink the Player of the Game honors.
Bruce Sutter, as the Cardinals CLOSER, entered the game IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 7TH INNING! No one inning closing for Sutter. This was before Tony LaRussa "invented" the 9th inning closer and Sutter, Gossage, etc. were closing games as early as the 7th inning. Sutter pitched three and a third innings that day.
And perhaps my favorite story line. The starting pitcher for the Cardinals that day was Ralph Citarella. If you watch the broadcast and hear Tony Kubek say his name but you're not really paying attention it almost sounds like Ralph Cinderella. But this wasn't a Cinderella story. Citarella was staked to a 7-1 lead after two innings. He pitched 5.1 innings, giving up five earned runs. Not a great outing, but he did last long enough to qualify for the win. And until Sandberg faced Sutter in the bottom of the 9th, Citarella was going to get the win. But the Cardinals lost and Citarella received a No Decision. Big deal, happens all the time right? Starting pitchers lose win opportunities as often as the sun rises and sets. But the point here is that Ralph Citarella NEVER won a major league game. He appeared in three seasons for a total of 21 games and didn't record a win. I often wonder if he thinks about this game and how close he came to winning a major league baseball game.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Open Letter to Randy
Randy -
Most of us realize that when you posted video of the SNC reunion concert ten years ago you were making it easy for SNC friends and family, who couldn't attend, see the show. It has been acknowledged that at the time you and the rest of SNC had no idea where this would lead.
When one of you talk briefly about the history of SNC during your shows, it's mentioned how posting the video changed the lives of SNC members when the president of Atlantic Records called New Year's Day with a three record deal. There are comments about how the original members were summoned from across the country from various jobs in finance, law and entertainment to pursue this dream. All of that is relatively obvious as to the changes in store for the guys.
Little did you know at the time you clicked "upload" that you would receive the record deal. Or that SNC would be on the leading edge of what now is an all-too-common Viral World with over 18 million views.
Little did you know that in short order SNC would tour the U.S. You would tour Canada, eh? You would tour Europe multiple times (currently you're in Paris wowing the French and celebrating Seggie's newest annual notch on his totem pole).
Little did you know you would collaborate on albums with Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney, Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, Cee Lo Green, just to name a few.
Little did you know you would appear on stage with Barry Manilow. That SNC would be featured in at least two PBS specials.
Little did you know that the three record deal would actually lead to eight albums.
And that's all amazing and wonderful. Numerous ripples in the SNC pond when you tossed the stone in ten years ago.
But that's not the half of it. You changed the lives of ten guys (actually fifteen as members have left and joined the group since signing with Atlantic. That's obvious - and it doesn't count the members of your team that are more behind the scenes like Richard Korby, the Roll Tide Brothers and many others I'm not aware of.
You know the extent the impact you've had on the public since SNC is consistently playing to sold out venues with attendance ranging from 3000-5000 captivated audience members. So that's obvious as well. Night after night of standing ovations and long autograph lines means the public adores you. And that's all wonderful.
But little did you know that when you clicked "upload" you essentially laid the groundwork to establish a new community. Your fans have not only connected with you, but they have connected with each other. Chaser Nation (let's just trademark that puppy right now with all profits and proceeds making a beeline for my pocket) not only worships SNC but also has created a culture unto itself.
Little did you know that you would be facilitating a world where people from across the country, NAY! I say the globe! have reached out to each other. Sure we talk about SNC stuff and arrange to meet for dinner before your concerts. But you've created a family.
Because of you and your upload abilities we have been able to support each other through deaths, divorces, job loss. We've been able to help celebrate births, marriages, graduations.
We have watched each others children grow up and welcomed grandchildren into the world.
We've learned that there is a place in the U.S. named Roanoke (who knew?) and apparently it gets A LOT of snow in February from time to time.
We have learned the passion of Philadelphia Flyer fans. That it's possible to find small objects across the country using GPS. That people can feel really special receiving a video wishing them a Happy Birthday.
We have learned the power of your videos getting us through dark times in our lives. We have been able to lean on each other and offer support to each other when life throws us a tidal wave.
Little did you know all that when you clicked "upload".
Obviously people have become exposed to a cappella when otherwise they may not have. But some have been exposed to other types of music because of the wide range of music SNC covers. Personally I don't know that I would have knowingly or willingly heard the music of Cold Play or Lady Gaga (or Justin Bieber for that matter) had it not been for SNC.
I haven't heard of a Chaser meeting a Chaser and creating a new Chaser Family, but that doesn't mean that it hasn't happened or isn't inevitable.
If your "upload" moment was made into a movie (and what's up with that? Chaser Nation is waiting for SNC to hit the big screen) a la Capra-esque "It's a Wonderful Life", it wouldn't be a movie so much as a mini-series. Clarence only had to unwind George Bailey's impact in Bedford Falls. Your "Clarence" would have to undo the intricate web you've woven across the globe. This could be perfect for Ken Burns to produce something more involved than his Civil War series.
So in short (yes, I'm playing it fast and loose with the concept of short), thank you for clicking "upload". You have impacted and changed the lives of countless people in ways you can't even imagine.
Most of us realize that when you posted video of the SNC reunion concert ten years ago you were making it easy for SNC friends and family, who couldn't attend, see the show. It has been acknowledged that at the time you and the rest of SNC had no idea where this would lead.
When one of you talk briefly about the history of SNC during your shows, it's mentioned how posting the video changed the lives of SNC members when the president of Atlantic Records called New Year's Day with a three record deal. There are comments about how the original members were summoned from across the country from various jobs in finance, law and entertainment to pursue this dream. All of that is relatively obvious as to the changes in store for the guys.
Little did you know at the time you clicked "upload" that you would receive the record deal. Or that SNC would be on the leading edge of what now is an all-too-common Viral World with over 18 million views.
Little did you know that in short order SNC would tour the U.S. You would tour Canada, eh? You would tour Europe multiple times (currently you're in Paris wowing the French and celebrating Seggie's newest annual notch on his totem pole).
Little did you know you would collaborate on albums with Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney, Sara Bareilles, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, Cee Lo Green, just to name a few.
Little did you know you would appear on stage with Barry Manilow. That SNC would be featured in at least two PBS specials.
Little did you know that the three record deal would actually lead to eight albums.
And that's all amazing and wonderful. Numerous ripples in the SNC pond when you tossed the stone in ten years ago.
But that's not the half of it. You changed the lives of ten guys (actually fifteen as members have left and joined the group since signing with Atlantic. That's obvious - and it doesn't count the members of your team that are more behind the scenes like Richard Korby, the Roll Tide Brothers and many others I'm not aware of.
You know the extent the impact you've had on the public since SNC is consistently playing to sold out venues with attendance ranging from 3000-5000 captivated audience members. So that's obvious as well. Night after night of standing ovations and long autograph lines means the public adores you. And that's all wonderful.
But little did you know that when you clicked "upload" you essentially laid the groundwork to establish a new community. Your fans have not only connected with you, but they have connected with each other. Chaser Nation (let's just trademark that puppy right now with all profits and proceeds making a beeline for my pocket) not only worships SNC but also has created a culture unto itself.
Little did you know that you would be facilitating a world where people from across the country, NAY! I say the globe! have reached out to each other. Sure we talk about SNC stuff and arrange to meet for dinner before your concerts. But you've created a family.
Because of you and your upload abilities we have been able to support each other through deaths, divorces, job loss. We've been able to help celebrate births, marriages, graduations.
We have watched each others children grow up and welcomed grandchildren into the world.
We've learned that there is a place in the U.S. named Roanoke (who knew?) and apparently it gets A LOT of snow in February from time to time.
We have learned the passion of Philadelphia Flyer fans. That it's possible to find small objects across the country using GPS. That people can feel really special receiving a video wishing them a Happy Birthday.
We have learned the power of your videos getting us through dark times in our lives. We have been able to lean on each other and offer support to each other when life throws us a tidal wave.
Little did you know all that when you clicked "upload".
Obviously people have become exposed to a cappella when otherwise they may not have. But some have been exposed to other types of music because of the wide range of music SNC covers. Personally I don't know that I would have knowingly or willingly heard the music of Cold Play or Lady Gaga (or Justin Bieber for that matter) had it not been for SNC.
I haven't heard of a Chaser meeting a Chaser and creating a new Chaser Family, but that doesn't mean that it hasn't happened or isn't inevitable.
If your "upload" moment was made into a movie (and what's up with that? Chaser Nation is waiting for SNC to hit the big screen) a la Capra-esque "It's a Wonderful Life", it wouldn't be a movie so much as a mini-series. Clarence only had to unwind George Bailey's impact in Bedford Falls. Your "Clarence" would have to undo the intricate web you've woven across the globe. This could be perfect for Ken Burns to produce something more involved than his Civil War series.
So in short (yes, I'm playing it fast and loose with the concept of short), thank you for clicking "upload". You have impacted and changed the lives of countless people in ways you can't even imagine.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Baseball, Politics and Big John
Pitchers and catchers reported for duty yesterday (finally!) and uncharacteristically the temps were mild and the sun was shining in Chicago so my eight year old, Cooper, and I broke out the gloves and ball for our own spring training.
As a preface to make the rest of this recount understandable, Cooper and his classmates are in the middle of doing biographies of famous Americans of their choice.
So while we were lobbing the ball back and forth we led off with a little Abraham Lincoln knowledge since that's Cooper's subject. He explained how Lincoln ended slavery, he was shot and some other tidbits. I asked him if he knew the name of Lincoln's wife (he did). Then I off-handedly said her full name "Mary Todd Lincoln" which brought the discussion around to how women's last names change when they get married and whether their middle names change (essentially their maiden names becoming their middle names). And then a great question - "When a woman gets unmarried do they have their old name back?" I love that question on so many levels. I love the wording. I love the thought process.
We moved on to other biography subjects, namely George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and George Bush. So we got hooked on some Presidents. Two interesting observations from my horsehide slinging dude. "Is Barack Obama really the first black President?" Apparently Cooper thinks America should be a little further down the progressive thought process. Then we talked about all the living former Presidents and their Vice-Presidents. We identified the former Presidents still among us and Cooper wanted to know if they all died would their Vice-Presidents become President? "And what if the President and Vice-President died?" Ok, quick introduction to the Speaker of the House. Fortunately he didn't question things further lest I be required to explain the Secretary of Agriculture.
We moved away from the class biographies and turned to topics he's learned recently so I was able to hear the details of Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hicock and Buffalo Bill Cody. In amazing detail.
We finished our ball tossing conversation with impressive and long (I mean loooong - I think a couple of snails crossed the driveway) insight of "Big John" and how he stood up for the little guy and that he outworked a machine trying to destroy a rock that was in the way of building a railroad track.
Somehow I think Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant are having completely different conversations as they loosen up for the 2016 campaign. But I guarantee they are not having a better conversation.
As a preface to make the rest of this recount understandable, Cooper and his classmates are in the middle of doing biographies of famous Americans of their choice.
So while we were lobbing the ball back and forth we led off with a little Abraham Lincoln knowledge since that's Cooper's subject. He explained how Lincoln ended slavery, he was shot and some other tidbits. I asked him if he knew the name of Lincoln's wife (he did). Then I off-handedly said her full name "Mary Todd Lincoln" which brought the discussion around to how women's last names change when they get married and whether their middle names change (essentially their maiden names becoming their middle names). And then a great question - "When a woman gets unmarried do they have their old name back?" I love that question on so many levels. I love the wording. I love the thought process.
We moved on to other biography subjects, namely George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and George Bush. So we got hooked on some Presidents. Two interesting observations from my horsehide slinging dude. "Is Barack Obama really the first black President?" Apparently Cooper thinks America should be a little further down the progressive thought process. Then we talked about all the living former Presidents and their Vice-Presidents. We identified the former Presidents still among us and Cooper wanted to know if they all died would their Vice-Presidents become President? "And what if the President and Vice-President died?" Ok, quick introduction to the Speaker of the House. Fortunately he didn't question things further lest I be required to explain the Secretary of Agriculture.
We moved away from the class biographies and turned to topics he's learned recently so I was able to hear the details of Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hicock and Buffalo Bill Cody. In amazing detail.
We finished our ball tossing conversation with impressive and long (I mean loooong - I think a couple of snails crossed the driveway) insight of "Big John" and how he stood up for the little guy and that he outworked a machine trying to destroy a rock that was in the way of building a railroad track.
Somehow I think Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber and Kris Bryant are having completely different conversations as they loosen up for the 2016 campaign. But I guarantee they are not having a better conversation.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Straight No Chaser Through The Eyes of an Eight Year Old
Part Two of the Legendary Aca-Experience (Part One was two days earlier) took place in South Bend, Indiana on Tuesday, December 22nd. Actually it began about three hours before when I picked up my son for his first Straight No Chaser concert. As I buckled him in his seat he started the adventure by saying "Ahem! You didn't even notice I took a shower and brushed my teeth!" This from an eight year old boy. Is it possible he was more excited about this evening's concert than I was?
Not a chance. Even though I caught the doubleheader Saturday at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, I couldn't wait to see the guys again and even more so see what my son's reaction would be seeing them live. He has seen dozens of videos and LOVES (I mean LOVES) the official Marvin Gaye video as well as the Movie Medley video. In fact, those two songs were what he was most hoping to see/hear.
** Side note - I can't express enough how thrilled I am that he has immersed himself in SNC's music. But I'm a little concerned that I'm going to one day receive a call from his Catholic school principal saying "Mr. Bentel, can you come to school? Your son is Marvin Gaye-ing in the hallway.**
So off we go, according to MapQuest a straight shot east from Chicago to South Bend. On the way, no doubt worn out from eager anticipation, Cooper feel asleep. He only woke up when he felt the car turning around. "Where are we? Are we there yet?" "No," I told him, "we have to turn around."
Something didn't feel quite right when I passed a sign that said "WELCOME TO MICHIGAN". I'm not exactly Magellan, but even I understood that Michigan didn't stand between Chicago and South Bend. Not to worry, a quick U-turn and we were back on track. I had told Cooper that if we arrived early enough we could try to find SNC's tour bus. Well, we arrived early, but it was rather cool and windy so we hustled right into the theater, grabbed a beverage and found our seats.
The show started with Tyler singing lead on "Shut Up and Dance" and Cooper was captivated. He didn't have to wait long for Mike to knock Marvin Gaye out of the park.
*Oh, I should point out that no matter how many times you've seen SNC, there is always something you haven't seen. For instance, at the intermission we were fortunate enough to catch up with COTM Dottie Kovacs and her charming daughter Robyn. Dottie asked how this show compared to the two I saw on Saturday. In all honesty, the show was exactly the same, word verbatim on the intros, same set list (except that since we were in Indiana the boys added "Back Home Again in Indiana"), everything, so it was the same . . . except that it wasn't - courtesy of Mike Luginbill.
During Marvin Gaye the guys (namely Jerome and Steve) like to offer their talents and accoutrements to various female attendees in the first row. Mike, not wanting to be outdone, channeled his inner rock star and jumped up on one of the floor speakers. Or should I say "tried" to jump up on the speaker. Well, he made it to the top, but didn't stay there for long as the speaker immediately started to tip over and almost planted Mike in the lust filled and helping hands of some women in the first row. Showing cat-like agility, Mike managed to stay on stage, shook his head and in between lines said "I swear I thought that was taped down." He sang a few more lines, made his way to the other speakers and said "I'm just going to check these .. . ", kicked them, saw that they moved as well and finished the song without another Mick Jagger incident. BUT it was an awesome and different performance.
So the song ends and my son turns to me and says "When is the movie song?" I knew it came during the second part of the show so I said "It's after intermission."
"How many songs until the break?" Hoo boy, he came focused on what he wants.
Throughout the night I watched him as much as I watched the guys. As the show went on Cooper became more interactive, almost responding to things that were happening on stage. During the movie trivia and "12 Days of Christmas" as the guys were goofing around Cooper would shrug his shoulders and lift his arms almost as if to communicate "What? What are you doing?" He already knew the routine from numerous video views, but now he was getting into it.
When the concert ended we headed upstairs for the Meet & Greet. I made Cooper an autograph book
and to make things easy on everyone, we waited until we were last in line so the guys would have time to flip to their page and sign their name. Tyler was first (followed by Don) and Tyler asked Cooper if he made the book. Cooper said "Yeah, well my dad did" and then continued talking with Tyler. It was awesome. Don looked at Tyler's page and asked what song he was singing in the shot. Tyler said based on his arm position he was guessing it was the Four Seasons Medley (he was most likely right). Then Don signed his page and Tyler asked Don what song he was singing. It was the part of their ending medley from a few years ago where Don sang (mimed, actually) "Call Me Maybe" which led to the two of them to try and figure out when that picture was taken. Tyler finally nailed it down because he tied them doing that medley to when he met his current fiancée. That's awesome and all, but I'm thinking "Hey guys? Uh can that wait for the bus? Chaser here wanting to schmooz a bit." But seriously, they were awesome. Everyone was. Cooper told me on the way home that Walt (who was the last guy in the M&G line) figured out (at least verbally) that the book was in alphabetical order.
Then came the highlight of the evening for me (if there can be just one highlight). Time for the group picture. When it was our turn, Mr. Korby (did I mention before that he's a class act? Good lord, he's a class act) said to Cooper, "Ok, get in there! Where do you want to stand?" And with the energy and exuberance only an eight year old can muster he yells from deep in his throat "STEVE!!!"
Steve immediately celebrates "Alright!" and without missing a beat Charlie says dismissively "Well, there's a first time for everything."
And so I thought our awesome evening was over. But Cooper rose to the occasion yet again. As we were walking to our car he said "Hey Papa (that's how I roll), we never saw their tour bus." So instead of heading to the highway we headed to the back of the theater to find a tour bus. Successful, we pulled up along side one of the buses, hopped out of the car and took a picture of Cooper next to the bus. Somehow in our conversation I pointed out that the guys sleep on the bus as they head to the next town to perform. Showing he's still eight, Cooper said "Wait, what?! They sleep on the bus?"
Being the photographic genius I am, I chose to have him stand at the middle of the bus away from ANY supportive light. But here it is anyway.
Trust me, both he and the bus are in the picture. Then it was back into the car where he declares "We need to listen to music on the way home. Can we hear "Marvin Gaye"? Oh you bet we can, mister. Let me just flip through my eight CDs to find . . . here it is! From there we jumped around to other songs and in a Name That Tune sort of way, he played Name the Lead Singer. Dang if he didn't get about 80% of the names right. I even threw him a curve ball with Ryan singing lead on a song. I said "You won't get this, it's Ryan singing." Mr. Smartypants responds with "Oh yeah, he's the one that retired." Points for creativity my man.
Postscript: This weekend while we were making dinner, we listened to The New Old Fashioned. When the song got to the Chariots of Fire part, I started moving in slow motion and Cooper got this big grin on his face, shrugged his shoulders, scratched his head and ran past me like he was shot of a cannon (obviously mimicking DR's role).
Officially I can say, SNC through an eight year old's eyes is pretty darn cool.
Not a chance. Even though I caught the doubleheader Saturday at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, I couldn't wait to see the guys again and even more so see what my son's reaction would be seeing them live. He has seen dozens of videos and LOVES (I mean LOVES) the official Marvin Gaye video as well as the Movie Medley video. In fact, those two songs were what he was most hoping to see/hear.
** Side note - I can't express enough how thrilled I am that he has immersed himself in SNC's music. But I'm a little concerned that I'm going to one day receive a call from his Catholic school principal saying "Mr. Bentel, can you come to school? Your son is Marvin Gaye-ing in the hallway.**
So off we go, according to MapQuest a straight shot east from Chicago to South Bend. On the way, no doubt worn out from eager anticipation, Cooper feel asleep. He only woke up when he felt the car turning around. "Where are we? Are we there yet?" "No," I told him, "we have to turn around."
Something didn't feel quite right when I passed a sign that said "WELCOME TO MICHIGAN". I'm not exactly Magellan, but even I understood that Michigan didn't stand between Chicago and South Bend. Not to worry, a quick U-turn and we were back on track. I had told Cooper that if we arrived early enough we could try to find SNC's tour bus. Well, we arrived early, but it was rather cool and windy so we hustled right into the theater, grabbed a beverage and found our seats.
The show started with Tyler singing lead on "Shut Up and Dance" and Cooper was captivated. He didn't have to wait long for Mike to knock Marvin Gaye out of the park.
*Oh, I should point out that no matter how many times you've seen SNC, there is always something you haven't seen. For instance, at the intermission we were fortunate enough to catch up with COTM Dottie Kovacs and her charming daughter Robyn. Dottie asked how this show compared to the two I saw on Saturday. In all honesty, the show was exactly the same, word verbatim on the intros, same set list (except that since we were in Indiana the boys added "Back Home Again in Indiana"), everything, so it was the same . . . except that it wasn't - courtesy of Mike Luginbill.
During Marvin Gaye the guys (namely Jerome and Steve) like to offer their talents and accoutrements to various female attendees in the first row. Mike, not wanting to be outdone, channeled his inner rock star and jumped up on one of the floor speakers. Or should I say "tried" to jump up on the speaker. Well, he made it to the top, but didn't stay there for long as the speaker immediately started to tip over and almost planted Mike in the lust filled and helping hands of some women in the first row. Showing cat-like agility, Mike managed to stay on stage, shook his head and in between lines said "I swear I thought that was taped down." He sang a few more lines, made his way to the other speakers and said "I'm just going to check these .. . ", kicked them, saw that they moved as well and finished the song without another Mick Jagger incident. BUT it was an awesome and different performance.
So the song ends and my son turns to me and says "When is the movie song?" I knew it came during the second part of the show so I said "It's after intermission."
"How many songs until the break?" Hoo boy, he came focused on what he wants.
Throughout the night I watched him as much as I watched the guys. As the show went on Cooper became more interactive, almost responding to things that were happening on stage. During the movie trivia and "12 Days of Christmas" as the guys were goofing around Cooper would shrug his shoulders and lift his arms almost as if to communicate "What? What are you doing?" He already knew the routine from numerous video views, but now he was getting into it.
When the concert ended we headed upstairs for the Meet & Greet. I made Cooper an autograph book
and to make things easy on everyone, we waited until we were last in line so the guys would have time to flip to their page and sign their name. Tyler was first (followed by Don) and Tyler asked Cooper if he made the book. Cooper said "Yeah, well my dad did" and then continued talking with Tyler. It was awesome. Don looked at Tyler's page and asked what song he was singing in the shot. Tyler said based on his arm position he was guessing it was the Four Seasons Medley (he was most likely right). Then Don signed his page and Tyler asked Don what song he was singing. It was the part of their ending medley from a few years ago where Don sang (mimed, actually) "Call Me Maybe" which led to the two of them to try and figure out when that picture was taken. Tyler finally nailed it down because he tied them doing that medley to when he met his current fiancée. That's awesome and all, but I'm thinking "Hey guys? Uh can that wait for the bus? Chaser here wanting to schmooz a bit." But seriously, they were awesome. Everyone was. Cooper told me on the way home that Walt (who was the last guy in the M&G line) figured out (at least verbally) that the book was in alphabetical order.
Then came the highlight of the evening for me (if there can be just one highlight). Time for the group picture. When it was our turn, Mr. Korby (did I mention before that he's a class act? Good lord, he's a class act) said to Cooper, "Ok, get in there! Where do you want to stand?" And with the energy and exuberance only an eight year old can muster he yells from deep in his throat "STEVE!!!"
Steve immediately celebrates "Alright!" and without missing a beat Charlie says dismissively "Well, there's a first time for everything."
Being the photographic genius I am, I chose to have him stand at the middle of the bus away from ANY supportive light. But here it is anyway.
Postscript: This weekend while we were making dinner, we listened to The New Old Fashioned. When the song got to the Chariots of Fire part, I started moving in slow motion and Cooper got this big grin on his face, shrugged his shoulders, scratched his head and ran past me like he was shot of a cannon (obviously mimicking DR's role).
Officially I can say, SNC through an eight year old's eyes is pretty darn cool.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Sweet Georgia Chaser
Back in the early 1920's the Harlem Globetrotters were formed. Everyone knows who they are and what they do. But when they first started playing, oftentimes the players wanted to shoot trick shots, get real fancy and entertain the crowd.
The owner and coach of the Globetrotters, Abe Saperstein, made a deal with them. He said they could do all those things, but FIRST they had to become the best, most disciplined BASKETBALL team before they could think about ENTERTAINING.
For a few years now I've thought of Straight No Chaser in that context. Anyone who has seen them perform, like, say Saturday night to two sold out shows at the Chicago Lyric Opera House, sees an amazingly talented group of guys putting on a show that defies description. Yes, it's a cappella singing. But it's so much more than that. It's funny, it's visually appealing, it's topical, it's choreographed.
But at the absolute core, it's being the best, most disciplined singing group possible. They have to be. Singing in and of itself is hard. For some of us it's impossible and definitely should not be tried in public. Then add moving around a little bit. Add facial expressions to make your audience engaged. Add A LOT more moving and dancing. Oh, but above all else, maintain perfect harmony, perfect pitch, perfect tone and other musical terms I don't know or understand. That's SNC. They are the Harlem Globetrotters of music. Not for one minute are they willing to sacrifice musical excellence in exchange for entertainment.
I had the extreme privilege of seeing them for the seventh and eighth times this past Saturday. As I was going through the Meet & Greet line after the second show I pointed out that is was just possible the evening performance was better than the matinee, but I would hate to live on the difference. Since they are still on tour, I won't provide any on stage spoilers. But there were some amusing off stage things.
For one, and I have no idea why this happened, but while waiting for both shows to start I, like the other 3500 attendees, was hanging out in the lobby. Apparently I was doing a really good job of it because I had not one, not two, but THREE people (three separate instances) come up to me and ask me a question about the venue because they thought I worked there. Now I will be the first to admit that I was rather nattily attired (that's just how I roll), but I didn't think I was EMPLOYMENT attired.
Yet there I was fielding questions for the location of the bathroom and lost and found. I knew where the bathroom was so that was an easy help. But let's just say that the guy who was looking for his iPhone? Well, he's never going to find that thing.
And then, being in Chicago and at a major music event, there is always the potential for celebrity sightings. I had no less than five encounters! Not in any particular order, but I did happen upon...
Dan Ponce! Chicago morning news anchor for Channel 9? Yeah, whatever. THIS IS THE GUY WHO FOUNDED STRAIGHT NO CHASER!!! So what's with the picture you ask? Why does it look like Dan is photo bombing the shot? Because technology is no friend of mine and I absolutely SUCK at taking selfies. This was my second attempt. Dan was gracious enough to play along.
Toward the end of the evening I struck additional a cappella gold when I ran into . . .
Luke Mechling (in the Colts hat), bass singer for Gentleman's Rule and brother of SNC bass Charlie Mechling and Corey Frye, former member of Gentleman's Rule. Two incredibly talented singers (don't believe me? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miWJdXIGDVo Bam! Told you.) who were incredibly gracious with their time. Corey took the picture of me and Luke and Luke took the picture of me and Corey. Best line that didn't come from the stage Saturday night - Luke Mechling lining up the shot trying to get us to smile saying "Everyone say 'Corey's new hairstyle.'"
So two world class shows, the creator of Straight No Chaser (and Gentleman's Rule for that matter) and two members of GR. What could be better? Well what anyone attending an SNC concert would hope for - meeting Chasers. Chasers, if you weren't aware, are the names of the rabid fans that worship and adore the ten guys on stage. The pinnacle in Chaserland is to be named (by the group) as Chaser of the Month. Being named COTM means SNC has recognized the contributions and loyalty a fan has provided to the group. So did I meet a COTM? Heck no, not on a night when I had three employment inquiries, and met two GR members. Nothing was happening in ones. I met TWO COTM!!! Maggie Sherwin AND Laura Miller. Laura was there to see SNC for the 50th time. Yeah, that's what I said. It's not a typo. 50.
Showing amazing generosity and grace with a healthy dollop of tolerance, Maggie and Laura let me hang with them in the M&G line to hear and share SNC stories.
What could be better? I would say nothing . . . .except that Tuesday I will be driving to South Bend to introduce my eight year old son to the guys. What's SNC look like in the eyes of an eight year old? We'll soon find out.
The owner and coach of the Globetrotters, Abe Saperstein, made a deal with them. He said they could do all those things, but FIRST they had to become the best, most disciplined BASKETBALL team before they could think about ENTERTAINING.
For a few years now I've thought of Straight No Chaser in that context. Anyone who has seen them perform, like, say Saturday night to two sold out shows at the Chicago Lyric Opera House, sees an amazingly talented group of guys putting on a show that defies description. Yes, it's a cappella singing. But it's so much more than that. It's funny, it's visually appealing, it's topical, it's choreographed.
But at the absolute core, it's being the best, most disciplined singing group possible. They have to be. Singing in and of itself is hard. For some of us it's impossible and definitely should not be tried in public. Then add moving around a little bit. Add facial expressions to make your audience engaged. Add A LOT more moving and dancing. Oh, but above all else, maintain perfect harmony, perfect pitch, perfect tone and other musical terms I don't know or understand. That's SNC. They are the Harlem Globetrotters of music. Not for one minute are they willing to sacrifice musical excellence in exchange for entertainment.
I had the extreme privilege of seeing them for the seventh and eighth times this past Saturday. As I was going through the Meet & Greet line after the second show I pointed out that is was just possible the evening performance was better than the matinee, but I would hate to live on the difference. Since they are still on tour, I won't provide any on stage spoilers. But there were some amusing off stage things.
For one, and I have no idea why this happened, but while waiting for both shows to start I, like the other 3500 attendees, was hanging out in the lobby. Apparently I was doing a really good job of it because I had not one, not two, but THREE people (three separate instances) come up to me and ask me a question about the venue because they thought I worked there. Now I will be the first to admit that I was rather nattily attired (that's just how I roll), but I didn't think I was EMPLOYMENT attired.
Yet there I was fielding questions for the location of the bathroom and lost and found. I knew where the bathroom was so that was an easy help. But let's just say that the guy who was looking for his iPhone? Well, he's never going to find that thing.
And then, being in Chicago and at a major music event, there is always the potential for celebrity sightings. I had no less than five encounters! Not in any particular order, but I did happen upon...
Toward the end of the evening I struck additional a cappella gold when I ran into . . .
So two world class shows, the creator of Straight No Chaser (and Gentleman's Rule for that matter) and two members of GR. What could be better? Well what anyone attending an SNC concert would hope for - meeting Chasers. Chasers, if you weren't aware, are the names of the rabid fans that worship and adore the ten guys on stage. The pinnacle in Chaserland is to be named (by the group) as Chaser of the Month. Being named COTM means SNC has recognized the contributions and loyalty a fan has provided to the group. So did I meet a COTM? Heck no, not on a night when I had three employment inquiries, and met two GR members. Nothing was happening in ones. I met TWO COTM!!! Maggie Sherwin AND Laura Miller. Laura was there to see SNC for the 50th time. Yeah, that's what I said. It's not a typo. 50.
Showing amazing generosity and grace with a healthy dollop of tolerance, Maggie and Laura let me hang with them in the M&G line to hear and share SNC stories.
What could be better? I would say nothing . . . .except that Tuesday I will be driving to South Bend to introduce my eight year old son to the guys. What's SNC look like in the eyes of an eight year old? We'll soon find out.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Here You Go, Iowa, Catch . . . . softly
When I was in grade school I had a friend named Tom Hawkins. Some of the kids called him Hawkeye.
When I was in high school I would watch M*A*S*H twice a night (three times on Mondays) and was entranced as Hawkeye Pierce made us laugh . . .and think.
Now that I'm an adult I have a new Hawkeye in my life.
University of Iowa, you are about to receive a precious gift. When her mother and I brought her home from the hospital we could not conceive of the unbelievable journey she was about to take us on. We nurtured her, raised her, challenged her, did our best and now we present her to you.
When she walked at 11 and a half months we claimed her a genius.
At three she would lead us to the park, four blocks from our house.
When we took her to have pictures taken we unbiasedly identified her as the most beautiful child of her age in the entire world.
Two time captain of the cheerleading squad. Homecoming queen. National Honor Society Member. Top 10% of her graduating class. Yet her true accomplishments rank higher than any yardstick the organized educational system can install.
She has been an amazing friend to many. Volunteered for and impacted those less fortunate. Connected with people on a deep, personal level ranging in ages from two to 85. Her ability to interact with adults as well as peers and make all of them feel special and unique is unusual for a girl her age..
She is our Belle. Please keep the Beasts at bay. She deserves a prince. If there are none on campus we prefer she be allowed to challenge and expand her mind so she can be prepared to make dramatic contributions to whatever part of the medical field she sets her sights on.
She will make you proud and honored that she is a part of your family, just as she has done for us these past 18 years.
You should know that you were the first institution she visited. She sought out a few others and none were able to compare with what she felt was available among your hallowed halls. She will give you everything she has and more. Give her everything you have but don't forget to send her home for the holidays so we can once again envelope her in our warm embrace.
She is absolutely incredible. She loves candles if they smell good. She loves her cat. And inexplicably she loves Blake Shelton (ok, maybe she's not perfect).
She will make you laugh with the flick of an eyebrow. She will melt your heart with her laugh. She will break your heart when she sucks the marrow of knowledge from your bones and moves on to bigger and greater things four years from now.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
She is capable of multi-tasking, having volunteered, captained in cheerleading, nailed down awesome grades all at once. And proving it yet again, she is your newest alum and our baby girl, all at the same time.
When I was in high school I would watch M*A*S*H twice a night (three times on Mondays) and was entranced as Hawkeye Pierce made us laugh . . .and think.
Now that I'm an adult I have a new Hawkeye in my life.
University of Iowa, you are about to receive a precious gift. When her mother and I brought her home from the hospital we could not conceive of the unbelievable journey she was about to take us on. We nurtured her, raised her, challenged her, did our best and now we present her to you.
When she walked at 11 and a half months we claimed her a genius.
At three she would lead us to the park, four blocks from our house.
When we took her to have pictures taken we unbiasedly identified her as the most beautiful child of her age in the entire world.
Two time captain of the cheerleading squad. Homecoming queen. National Honor Society Member. Top 10% of her graduating class. Yet her true accomplishments rank higher than any yardstick the organized educational system can install.
She has been an amazing friend to many. Volunteered for and impacted those less fortunate. Connected with people on a deep, personal level ranging in ages from two to 85. Her ability to interact with adults as well as peers and make all of them feel special and unique is unusual for a girl her age..
She is our Belle. Please keep the Beasts at bay. She deserves a prince. If there are none on campus we prefer she be allowed to challenge and expand her mind so she can be prepared to make dramatic contributions to whatever part of the medical field she sets her sights on.
She will make you proud and honored that she is a part of your family, just as she has done for us these past 18 years.
You should know that you were the first institution she visited. She sought out a few others and none were able to compare with what she felt was available among your hallowed halls. She will give you everything she has and more. Give her everything you have but don't forget to send her home for the holidays so we can once again envelope her in our warm embrace.
She is absolutely incredible. She loves candles if they smell good. She loves her cat. And inexplicably she loves Blake Shelton (ok, maybe she's not perfect).
She will make you laugh with the flick of an eyebrow. She will melt your heart with her laugh. She will break your heart when she sucks the marrow of knowledge from your bones and moves on to bigger and greater things four years from now.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
She is capable of multi-tasking, having volunteered, captained in cheerleading, nailed down awesome grades all at once. And proving it yet again, she is your newest alum and our baby girl, all at the same time.
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