Ian,
I always looked forward to Daylight Savings Time!! It was when you and I had actual sunlight to go outside after school and work and play outside for an hour or two before night set in, were exhausted or were so hungry that we had to eat!
In junior high and early high school, our evening playing focused on basketball. All winter we lacked the sun. But this did not deter us - we kept playing basketball after my work ... but it would be dark and only by the light of our motion sensor outdoor lights. Artificial light is helpful, but was a poor substitute for the sun. The shadows, the glare and the inadequate coverage gave us fits - to see the basket, make the shots and have a fair game. (Funny how those lights, when turned on even now, flood not just light, but precious memories of our basketball games into my mind.)
But now, it's Daylight Savings!! The sun was out again. Of course the sun set BEHIND the goal making some shots a eye-burning challenge, but we could see and play together. That was the key word - together. We all had work to do - school, practice with teams, actual work - not to mention homework, but all could be postponed a bit for the chance to play, together. One-on-one, HORSE, shooting practice, dunk "practice" filled out evenings. I remember working on your shot - moving from the swoop around the head (Randy Moff style...) to the straight up strategy. Manners to shoot over taller persons, and to focus always on the basket (a must on our driveway with its "slope"). Smiles filled our faces as we left our "court" to eat dinner and rest.
(the actual site for the start of exciting one-on-one games and 3-point shots)
As time went on, basketball became less the focus. I have wrote about the changes in your interests elsewhere - addition of weight lifting and new interests in Ultimate. But Daylight Savings also benefited these activities. Yes...you would make me do push ups, pull ups, etc. then we would run around the block in a series of "sets." You know how much I "love" running - so this all about being together, not so much about the running!!!
Ultimate from mid-high school through Texas A&M was the real focus. We would go outside in the front yard or in the street and toss the disc. We would practice over the head catches, running catches, different throwing styles, follow the disc, etc. Sometimes my "skills" led to the disc falling down the street drain. But we would NOT loose a disc! Up went the manhole lid, down you went into the drain, and up went the disc. I cannot tell you how funny it was to see a startled cat yelp and run out of the drain on one occasion. He/she never expected to have a visitor in this hiding place!
Daylight savings time provided for the light to play disc together with Caylea at A&M. I know that I have told this story before, but it is such a great time - worth telling again! We pulled in "late" for food - at least from Caylea's point of view. She had been sleeping while I drove to town. You talked with her - in a hangry state - after she awakened. The nap coupled with you being late to be picked led to ... let's say, frustrations. You said we had woke up a hibernating bear!! After food all was good. We headed to the Research Park. I showed you guys the bridge that I proposed to Mom on - and we had time to play disc, well with disc golf discs. That is a bit more complicated!! You warned us not to throw near the lake. C and I abided by your expert advise. You however were inspired to try to span the lake with my Orc disc - to which we watched it rise, fall into the lake and sink...You slayed my Orc. To which you were named "Orcrist" - the sword to slay all Orcs (and goblins...). We laughed and laughed together as we headed back to the car as sun sat on College Station. We dropped you off - a great time together.
Just having one's child say, "Dad, let's play some ball!"; "Dad, throw the disc with me?" Let alone having two or three ask such questions - is the greatest gift a parent can receive. Time...time with one's kids; to a parent - such time is irreplaceable. One can set no value on it.
So, here comes the sun! Daylight savings leads me to remember how thankful I am for the sun and the opportunity to spend quality time with my kids (now I spend more time walking the dogs...another story). I am filled with wonderful memories, joy, thankfulness and hope. Hope, for one day we will hear a trumpet blast and "shout" and then, here will come the Son. I long for His face and the joyous reunion to follow.
Until then, love you "e",
Dad
