I have coached my son in one form or fashion for over 11 years straight and have enjoyed every minute of it.  I’m pretty sure he has too, although he has never really come out and said so.  But he has showed me in so many ways that I can’t even count them all. 

I think of all the many miles we logged for travel sports, the many different teams we played on or for and through it all, the many friendships we made along the way.

I have enjoyed seeing my son grow up right in front of me during the days on the baseball field, tennis court, basketball court and ice and inline hockey rinks.  He has made me laugh, get frustrated and made me a better person and father than I probably have done for him.

As he has gotten older (and myself as well), I think we have both realized how important people are in our lives and that it’s not all about winning or losing, but how much fun you had along the journey and appreciating those people who have meant so much to us in the great world of amateur sports.

I know when the lights go out on anyone’s career, especially a high school athlete, reflection is key; reflection to one’s past and what they did and achieved on and off any surface.

I know my son is a good person and a good friend to others.  I have seen it first hand and know that he will make a difference in the world as he heads off to college in the fall.

My only saving grace as a father is that I have a 12-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter that I also love and will see them through many of their activities.

To those of you going through this same experience this spring, go ahead and hug your son or daughter, cry if you want to…you are entitled to it.  For those I mention below in my writer’s note, on second thought, thanks for not telling us about the experience.  We had to go through it ourselves.

Writers note: This article goes out to the many mothers and fathers before me who have gone through a similar experience but never shared it with the rest of us!