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I coach Emma Jo’s U5 Soccer team.
At this level the coach is on the field exhorting the squad and working to keep the ball in bounds.
There was fast break and young Mason bolted for the goal with a trail of teammates and forlorn adversaries quickly fading behind him. There is a player from the other side that is standing right in front of the goal. This is not actually allowed – but, it happens.
As Mason streaks for the goal, arms pumping madly, Emma Jo Suddenly comes out of no where and cuts him off just as he launches the size #3 ball – generally in the direction of the goal – with a mighty kick. The ball bounces off of the player standing defiantly (well… actually looking slightly panicked with Mason crashing down on him) in front of the goal and spins around on the turf. Emma Jo fairly minces forward and nonchalantly pops it squarely into the net – with authority. She then spins on her left foot looking for me. She raises her spindly little arms into the air in evident ecstasy and victory, takes a running step, and leaps into my arms. I heave her high up into the air and begin a delirious dance… It’s just me and Emma Jo and the delicious sun.
Later Emma Jo gets hit in the face with a ball and she doesn’t want to play the rest of the game.
But, I have my perfect moment. I will never forget her face; the connection; and, how sweet the air smelled mixing with her hair in my nostrils as we twirled about in a victory dance.
I love being a Dad.
Peace to my Brothers and Sisters.
brian patrick cork
I was a Member of the Louisville Volunteer Fire Department in Lousiville, Colorado from 1993 to 1998.
Being a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (“EMT”) was one of the coolest and most fulfilling things I have done with my life.
But, I feel that I learned the most about helping people, and having a Servants Heart from Larry.
There is a lot of tedium around being a Fireman. Fire Calls and Emergency Services are exciting. Training with the equipment and drilling is interesting and physically taxing. But, there are also endless hours of cleaning the fire station and inspecting equipment.
Larry just showed up one day at Fire Station #2. He was mentally challenged. So, he could not serve as a Fireman. But, if you asked him to do any thing he would start running around and flapping his arms yelling “I am helping… Larry is helping”! at the top of his voice.
Mind you… Larry rarely got any thing done. But, he was happy to be part of things and he wanted to help. He found simple joy in just loving people and a willingness to perform the most menial of tasks.
I often refer to unselfish people that help others as “Larry”.
Beginning in 2007, we will be giving awards to members of the community that help others. Please feel free to nominate a “Larry”. I can’t wait to hear their story and learn something from them.
Peace to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
I love my daughter Haleys Anne’s laugh.
In fact, I think her easy and joyful laugh is my favorite ting about my oldest daughter (the 2nd would be the way her mind works around forming questions and observations). It comes easy with her face lighting up. And, the laugh draws people to her.
People tell me that Haley is such a happy child – and, easy to be around.
Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain. It helps humans clarify their intentions in social interaction and provides an emotional context to conversations.
I can’t help but notice that when people (certainly her friends) are around Haley Anne they are laughing and smiling.
Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions. Laughter is sometimes seemingly contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke laughter from others.
I love being a Dad.
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