Why You Play The Game

When I feel that chill...smell that fresh cut grass.  Back in my helmet, cleats, and shoulder pads. Standing in the huddle, listening to the call.  Fans going crazy for the Boys of Fall. 

Kenny Chesney described what it's like to be one of the boys of Fall to a T.  

The emotions during the game.  The brotherhood of the team.  The cachet of wearing your jersey down the school hall.  The glow of Friday night lights. 

There is so much more that comes with it though.  Being a role model.  Being able to ignite a smile. Being able to help kids dream.  Being able to show others a path.  

If you do wear that jersey on Friday nights, Saturdays, or even Sundays, realize the impact you can make off the field. 

Life is a mix of a two-minute offense and a four-minute offense all at once. 

Touchdown. 

Lester

You meet all kinds of people on the road of life when the road is your path. 

About 10 years ago, Lester serendipitously entered my life (I have no idea of his last name).  It was as if he got into the car and sat in the passenger seat from that point forward. Lester wasn't Dean Moriarty to my Sal Paradise but the road was different because of him. 

I was staying at a hotel and was spending my morn at the complimentary breakfast eating the usual fare of cold scrambled eggs and coffee, and needed some water (if memory serves me, I might have been up late the night before).  There was no water to be found and I was struggling a bit.  Lester was working at the hotel and I queried him for some hydration.  He bemoaned the fact that he had told the powers that be that they should have a pitcher of water handy but they never listened to him.  Several minutes later, Lester appeared with a pitcher and handed it to me and my morning fogginess started to dissipate.

I would see Lester every now and then and he would impart such lessons as; 

• Don't overthink things. 
• Don't be outworked. 
• Find pleasure in the little things. 
• Find a hobby that satisfies your creative side. 
• Don't look in too many corners for advice.

Recently, my wife and I saw Lester walking home.  He invited us into his house to see his woodworking projects. 

We stayed and visited for quite a while.  Lester told us about growing up in a foster home.  He talked about his disabilities and how he tried to not let them stop him from doing what he enjoyed.  He also shared that his new landlord has told him to find a new home after being there for 28 years (the new landlord didn't like the fact he did woodworking in his basement)  I shared with him how much my visits with him impacted my life.  As we were about to leave, Lester started tearing up.  We told him we would check on him again soon. 

We most definitely will. 

You never know who you will meet on the road and what conversations and lessons get sparked. And you never know how life can change because of human touchpoints.    

Sometimes, those who don't look the part, impart the most wisdom.  

Lester thinks of himself as a simple man. I think of Lester as one of the smartest people I know. 

Thanks for the water, Lester.