My brother Jerry invited me to lunch yesterday for my “umpteeumph” birthday (which is tomorrow by the way). We met in Fond du lac because it is mid-way between Appleton and Sheboygan. The restaurant of choice was “Old Country Buffet” probably because we both are cheap. Guess what? The restaurant was “out of business” so Applebees had to do.
Jerry has access to old pictures from brother Jack’s archives and some from Addie. Yesterday Jerry had one old picture of a youth baseball team that my Dad had coached. I’m guessing the year was 1954. Jerry is the last family member who has memories of the special baseball heritage we experienced growing up. In the picture are my Dad (the coach), brother Jack (catcher and best hitter) and brother Jerry who was the team bat boy. Clearly the baseball world revolved around our family. But there were names and faces that I haven’t heard in 57 years. There was Dick Mueller (brother of Bill, my brother in law) and Allan Diederich, a life long friend presently in San Diego. But there was Gene and Jerry and Roger and Jim. 17 total young baseball players (ages 12-14) were in the picture dressed in drab gray uniforms. I think what struck me most were the names. The name of each player in the picture was written on the back of the photo. I remember each and every name in the picture. Amazing. It was like yesterday. So Jerry took me back for a few moments to what I have begun to realize was a very special time.
Somehow Jerry got my report cards from my sophomore year in high school. I had straight A’s in physical education. Nobody will ever see the rest of the course grades.
So in addition to being Good Friday and Earth day, it is my nephew Mike K.’s birthday. Yesterday was Grandson Collin’s birthday and tomorrow in my birthday. Lots of celebrations. Happy Birthday to all.
Peter Cottontail is bouncing around the snow in our backyard. He is probably ready to lay eggs with bright colors and intricate designs. Wait, rabbits don’t lay eggs and in particular, guy rabbits don’t pro-create. How does he do the “egg thing”?
Here is wishing you a vary Happy Easter.
Love,
Dad