Yesterday was my son’s last ‘introduction to basketball’ practice. Usually the only men in the gym are the coach, an older Asian man who looks to be in his late fifties early sixties, and myself. Yesterday there was another Asian man, probably in his late thirties early forties. He was clean cut, wore a sharp blue suit with a politicians red tie, and he held a Palm Treo in his hand. At times during the practice he’d pace, and when he was seated he sat with his left palm on his knee with his elbow cocked in the air. In a different time and place I might have mistaken him for a coach.

The new guy in the suit was a reminder of what I never wanted to be. So pressed for time I’d only be able, or only see fit to make an appearance at my child’s last practice. Before my son was born I always said I’d never work a 9 to 5. Whatever job I had I wanted to be able to pick my children up from school and make all their practices. Although I work a 9 to 5 today, I have the freedom to leave early to pick my son up from school and make all those practices. Yet, the new guy still has something I want.

Because yesterday was the last practice, all of the kids received trophies. The new guy gets to take his son home and pick out the perfect place to put his son’s first basketball trophy. Me, I scrambled to take the perfect picture of my son with his new trophy with my cell phone, because I knew it would be the last time I’d see it in person.

It didn't take me long to realize I was one of only two fathers that attended the practices. And in just the same way, yesterday it didn't take me long to realize that if I hadn't attended that practice I might have never seen my son's first basketball trophy.

Yesterday, I also got an award from my son’s school. The morning before I attended a year-end awards ceremony where my son received ten awards, ranging from ‘Excellence in Science’ to the ‘Honor Roll.’ His mother also received a ‘Classroom Parent Volunteer Award.’ I don’t say it a lot, but she puts in a lot of work when it comes to my son’s education. He’s on the ‘Honor Roll’ and the ‘Principal’s Honor List.’ So I was happy she did receive some sort of recognition.

That night my son called me to tell me I’d received an award too. He was excited and I played excited but I knew it was most likely the result of his teacher and I exchanging glances that morning. Maybe at the moment we locked eyes, she had the idea of giving me an award too. Something tells me that if me and my son's mom had still been together, I wouldn't have gotten an award. It was a nice gesture, but I took it as more of a token. Although, I’ve gone to his class to read a book on National Book Day (I think that’s what it’s called) and I’ve pretty much made an appearance anytime my son tells me to, I still see it as more of a token.


But it's the thoughts that count right! It was a good week. My son got his first basketball trophy and I got a picture of it. I also got an award with my name spelled wrong.