Is There School Tomorrow in Carter ...Oh Wait...

As I sit here on the couch I noticed it was snowing outside.  I went to look at the yard and sure enough, it's starting to stick.  Then I found myself heading to wgohwugo.com to see if there was school tomorrow in Carter Co.  That's when it hit me.  That doesn't affect me or my kids any longer (for the first time in several years).  I felt silly, kind of like we all will on January 15, 2014 and we are still writing 2013 on our checks (checks?  What are checks? some of you are asking).

Then I started thinking about yesterday.  It was an absolutely awesome day for many reasons.  First and foremost I got to spend the entire day with my son, Tucker.  We have so much fun together.  I know these days are numbered.  There will come a time when "Pops" (yes, he calls me Pops) will not be a priority (unless I have UK or Reds tickets).  But I did have UK tickets.  But it was more than our passion for the Cats that made the day fun, we just talked, hung out, chilled (whatever the youngsters are using these days for being together).  We WANTED to be in each others company.  Tucker even suggested we mark the day with a Father/Son photo.  His suggestion, I was a little taken back, I can't remember Tucker ever saying, "Pops, let's take a picture."  So he handed his brand new iPhone 5s to a complete stranger behind us (he was wearing a UK sweater so we trusted him) and here is the result:

Not a bad pic!  That is his new UK pullover we bought before the game.  I am still wearing my "old school" pullover (although Tucker picked a new out for me to buy so he could give it to me for Christmas).

Without question the highlight of the day was just spending time with my son.  A true father/son day at the Cathedral of College Basketball and the Cats won.

Another awesome aspect of the day was getting to talk to a dear friend of mine.  One of the finest gentlemen on the earth.  Mr. Bobby Flynn.  Mr Flynn and I have known each other for several years.  He works the media tables at UK games but also at the Boys Sweet 16.  I love it when I have a game off and Mr Flynn is setting at the end of media row.  I will spend an entire game just sitting and talking to him.  He has been around sports for many years and still keeps clock for 2 Lexington high schools, he's officiated, he works at the Legends games and at Keeneland.  The guy is a walking history book when it comes to Kentucky sports.  I saw him before the game and caught his attention, he motioned me to come down the floor and we caught up on things. He greeted me with  "How'd you get out of Grayson Tim?  No ballgames going on tonight?"  We talked for about 10 minutes or so.  I returned to my seat and talked to Tucker.  

Then it hit me.  There were people all over Rupp Arena taking pictures of the players, trying to get their faces in a picture with WCS in the back ground or the big UK at center court.  Pictures that will mean something to all of them.  The picture above of me and my son is one I will long treasure as a reminder of our day.  People want their picture taken with Cal or the Harrison twins or MR Randle.  But I wonder how many people have asked Mr Flynn to take a picture with them?  He is there every home game.  He's forgotten more about sports than I will ever know.  I looked at Tucker and said, "I wish I had you take a picture of me and Bobby.  I've known him for years and I would like to have a pic of him before one of us is gone."  Almost on cue, I looked down and there was Mr Flynn.  I hollered at him and he came over, I said, "Mr Flynn, will you let my son take a picture of me and you?"  "Why would you want that Timmy?"

"I just think it would be nice to have."  

"Well, smile big and get close"

Here is the result, a picture I will treasure for a lifetime.

He seemed almost addled at the thought that someone would want a picture of him.  As he went back to work and I went back to my seat he shook my hand and said, "Tim, you made an old man feel important tonight."

"You are important to me Mr Flynn, very important!"

I guess as I grow older, I realize how important others are to me.  I also realize how celebrated youth is in our society.  Almost glorified.  We do a lot of silly things to try to stay young.  We also tend to dismiss those with gray in their hair and diminished spring in their step.  I wouldn't trade times spent with Mr Flynn for anything.  He is one amazing gentleman.

Two challenges this evening:

1.  Treasure the times you get to spend with your kids.  As they get older, those times become fewer and fewer.

2.  Take time to talk to and LISTEN to those senior citizens in your life.  You'll be glad you did.

God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!!!