There are all kinds of special ‘days’ such as birthdays, sales days, school days, week days, groundhog days, holidays, April fool’s day, Veterans’ day and one you may never have heard of: firstday. See below.
Although every day we live is admittedly special for obvious reasons but some appropriately are very special in that they mark an important turning point in the life of the observer. While the list cited previously is generally self explanatory, some moments are personal and might require commentary thus collectively I refer to them as firstdays.
Firstdays: birthday of an individual, first unaided step taken, first word spoken, first time up at bat, first score, first time away from home, first writing of name, first reading of written words, first pizza, hot dog, hamburger/ fries, ice cream, spinach; first understanding of the concept of money, first time to tie his shoe without assistance and then very special days to remember: firstdays. See below.
As a mere10 years old, he already has developed a love of competitive sports especially baseball, basketball and football the first two as an active participant.
Although small of statue, he more than compensated for this handicap by his unwavering insistence in giving his very best when he competes. Never give up and always give it your best. He also reminds himself of sayings that reinforce this attitude: Winners never quit and quitters never win along with not to try is to fail. Both of these are sports hallmarks he lives by.
Particularly recognizing the son’s interest in football and recognizing that ‘his’ professional football team was playing a game within reach of their home, the parents surprised him with a weekend away from home and more, He and the family had better than average tickets to a professional football game, the son’s first. Additionally, the game, while reasonably nearby and easily within driving distance, the parents wanted to further enhance the experience by flying; for the son his first time above the clouds.
Part of the excitement for him was the anticipation of the game and the total experience awaiting. He had poured over online information about the team, the game site, the air travel and was excited long before the day of the kickoff. Will the day ever arrive?
The day did arrive, finally. The family boarded the plane for the son’s trip of a lifetime. The father realizing that this was a ‘firstday’ experience somehow made contact with the pilot of the plane informing him that one of his passengers was making his first flight. The Captain perhaps made an exception and allowed the boy to sit in the pilot’s seat and best of all, to have a photograph made so that the experience could be relived forever.
Although the trip was memorable, there was one minor glitch that needed correcting. It seems that the travel package included the use of foreign compact car having 3 letters in its name (not BMW unfortunately) but upon arrival, the son was pleased to note that the revised transportation was American made.
A Chevrolet took the family to and from the game in middle class style.
What was one of your ‘firstday’ memories?
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Bill Lee, PO Box 128,
Hamer, SC 29547
