Bro Discoveries

Birthday

Turning 16 — it is a big deal.  In California it is centered around the ability to drive a car. Various rules are now in place that make that event not so immediate and perhaps not as momentous.  I sat next to my newly minted 16-year-old grandson a few days ago.  For me and perhaps for him, driving had little to do with the arrival of his 16th birthday.  What I noticed was a coming of age and his understanding that he was in control of his destiny and his fulfillment were very much attainable through his dedication and desire.  He has dedicated himself to tennis excellence.  He believes with the combination of academic success and high achievement at tennis, he would find good choices in higher education.  But that is not what I was seeing as we sat next to each other at lunch.  Owen has become engaging --- a social animal one might say.  He no longer finds it necessary to create problems with his younger brother and sister.  He no longer sits quietly with that “I have to get out of here” expression.  There is a conversational understanding of irony, sarcasm, and caring that has become part of his personality.  It is fun to converse, and he will share parts of his life which before were kept locked up.  Admittedly we are pals, he refers to me as “bro” – a hi ascendancy in my book.  I am proud of this young man not because of the markers he has achieved but because he has come to understand that connecting with others in an empathetic way will help him succeed.  More importantly it will help him to enjoy a richer relationship with the person sitting next to him. Good job, Bro!

Sunday

Not such a good job, Bro. I am disappointed with myself.  I literally wasted an entire Sunday watching professional football.  What was stunning to me was other than the 49ers I cared little for any of the other games that I dedicated an entire day of my life.  How did the NFL achieve or discover the formula that has so captured the American audience.  I am not much for attending these games in a stadium because the game is far less interesting.  It is slow with many stoppages and interruptions.  It is the television that is football’s kryptonite for me.  I have concluded that this success is not the game or who won, it is all the ancillary activities that surround the game.  Most importantly it is the personalities that are announcing the game. 

Example: Monday Night Football: It was a double header.  The first game between the Buccaneers and the Texans.  I could care less about either of these teams, yet I watched because I find Troy Aikman and Joe Buck to be so good at their job, I am willing to listen.  The second game was between the Raiders and the Chargers.  I have far more interest in the Chargers, but the announcers were so boring I turned it off halfway through.  I have no amazing point to make by this commentary other than I was willing to get sucked into this all-day marathon and the discovery that it has little to do with the game and everything to do with the show around the game. Com’on Bro!!!

Next Sunday I am going to watch Owen play tennis – I will feel better about myself…