Sunday, January 16, 2022
This Used to Be My Playground. A song made popular by the movie Field of Dreams. Since its release no song takes me back to the good old days like this one. And, if I´m totally being honest, it tugs at me each time I hear it. Since losing my brother it has entered my thoughts more times than I can count. Not in a bad way mind you. I´m grateful my brothers and I grew up in a time where your playground wasn´t a cell phone but an actual diamond, a court, or even a vacant lot waiting to be developed. Back then we were limited only by the amount of daylight and the weather. We didn´t require an outlet to charge us. We were our own power source. Simpler times to be sure...but glorious, nonetheless. It´s hard not to be a little sad about the loss of those times and a brother that was front and center throughout them. Today I take comfort knowing he is with dad somewhere...probably having a catch. Bill is throwing to hard of course. And since the old man doesn´t see as well as he used to, he must remind him to slow it down. They are sharing a laugh about the time Bill hit it high and far. So high and far everyone in attendance, including Bill, was sure the ball was going to clear the fence. Only...you know...it didn´t. The clang of the fence reminded him he was supposed to admire less and run more. Once the dust settled Bill was standing at 1st base with his head hung low. Dad stood glaring across the diamond at him from the 3rd base coach´s box wondering why he wasn´t standing on 2nd base. And me...laughing deeper than any 11-year-old had a right too. It´s those bittersweet "playground" memories I will cherish always. Update: He just overthrew dad and the old man told him he was done playing catch for now. Rest your arm my brother...I´ll be along soon enough...
