Nick, I have been there

Monday night football, Spain Park vrs Hoover, big rivalry. It was a hard fought game and the final score was 7-6, in Hoover's favor. The first string players from both teams stay on the field, but there were substitutes going in and out. Monday night I saw something that took me back to 46 years ago.

My oldest grandson, Nick, plays half back for the Spain Park Jags and this is his Junior year. He has been trained to block and run, and I have seen him do both. But Monday night Nick was on the kickoff receiving team, two positions up from the return specialist. This is not a position that normally receives the kick off, but on Monday, Hoovers kicker didn't kick it as deep as he normally does and it went straight to Nick. Now, when you are receiving a kickoff or a punt there are certain "rules" that need to be observed, the first of which is concentrate on the ball and nothing else, not the two huge defensive players bearing down on you, with full intentions of making you lose your concentration and possible causing some pain. I know we have all seen this happen to the best college and pro players, the ball went into Nick's arms and out thru the bottom, a fumble. Another Spain Park player recovered the fumble and a Monday night "disaster" was avoided. Keep in mind this "disaster" will be nothing compared to the errors that will be made in one's future, but for a Junior in high school , it can rank up there as the worst nightmare imaginable. If you have trouble understanding that, listen to Brad Paisley song about writing a letter to himself when he was 17. It does put it in perspective.

Nick, when I said I have been there, my results were much worse. My step-father was career Air Force and for a while we lived in England. While I attended a US high school on one of the Air Force Bases, we didn't have an "American" football team because there were very few other US HS team to play. We did have a English "football" team (soccer) and we played the local British schools. I must admit that I thought I was pretty good because I was first string full back (goalie guard). My job was to help keep the ball away from our goal, the goalies job was to keep the ball from actually going in. Now saying I was pretty good is like saying you are a great quarterback in a high school that has a total of 200 students, I was a big fish in the smallest pond you can imagine.

Our first game taught us all just how good we were....we lost 12 to 1...this is soccer, where 5 to 1 is a runaway game. The school we played scored 11 goals and they were given the 1st, by me. It seems the entire game was played on our end of the field and I was running myself to death when I saw the ball rolling toward me and made a great kick to get it back down field. It was a great kick but "down field" was behind me. I saw our goalie dive to block it but he couldn't make the play. So thanks to me, they scored their first goal. I was so embarrassed that I took the easy way out, I ran to the sidelines and pulled myself out of the game. Coach sent in my backup and then let me sit for a while..I actually wanted to hide. Kind of like the Alabama player who came off the bench to tackle the Rice player running by the bench with the ball and heading for a touchdown. He tackled him (he didn't even have his helmet on) and immediately got up and tried to hide and disappear behind the other players on the bench, that was how I felt. After a few minutes Coach came over and asked if I was over feeling embarrassed and was I ready to go back in, I did. Like I said we were slaughtered that first game. After the game Coach asked what I had learned that night; know where our goal was, which way I was facing and do not get embarrassed, just do not make the same mistake twice. We played that same school toward the end of the season, I was still first string, I didn't score a goal from them and they beat us 2 to 1. You would have thought we had won the super bowl.

Nick, if you were able to shake it off, like all coaches tell their players to do, and get ready for the next play, I am proud of you. If it took a few minutes, I know what you were feeling. I love you, Papa

Scout "Tiger" Johnson

I like to play golf....and I mean PLAY because I will never make any money doing it. Golf is a game in which you are always playing against yourself, your last round, your last hole. In golf you do not have to be faster or stronger or bigger than anyone else. Even though you may play on a team you are still out there by yourself, performing to your best ability.

My middle grandson, Scout, and I went out two weeks ago to a driving range. I wen to work on my slice/hook/topping/drives and everything else that happens when you attempt to hit a small ball with a specifically designed club. Scout went because he is interested in maybe playing. After the first three or four bad hits he started to improve enough that I think with lessons he could be a good golfer. The owner and golf pro said that Scout had the right poise and posture when he was addressing the ball and could also develop into a good golfer (much better than me). As a proud "papa" I started thinking of him getting a golf scholarship and maybe one day turning pro and winning the Master's and one day buying his Papa a house on the beach. But that is still in the cloudy future. But for the day I got to spend time with my grandson, passing on what I knew about the game and instilling a good feeling about golf. I also enjoyed it that he thought I was good when the ball went 125 yards. I also explained how you can have the worst day on 17 holes, slicing or hooking, all the things that can go bad and want to almost throw your clubs in the first water trap you can find. But then on the 18th hole, when you tee off and everything goes like it should and you par the hole...that makes it a good day.

So Scout, football is fun to play and you have to function as a team with precise timing, almost function as one heart and mind. In golf you are there on your own and when you make a bad hit (which happens more often than not) it is because you did something wrong. But when everything is in sync; the poise, the swing, follow through, the hit and the ball flys thru the air straight to where you wanted it to go...it is a great feeling. It makes you want to play again or come back the next time and do it again. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed spending the time with you. In my life it was another GOOD day! Thank you Scout

Nick, Football and Homecoming

Tonight Spain Park put a double whipping on Thompson. First the Spain Park Freshmen Team beat Thompson's Freshman team by 21 to 0. Not to be out done, Spain Park's JV beat Thompson's JV 28-0. So tonight was a good night for Spain Park all way around. The best part for me was watching Nick, my oldest grandson, play.

Nick plays full back, which surprised me when he first told me because I always thought full backs were like nose guards, big and build like a fire plug. When a full back is not carrying the ball he is expected to be a blocker and Thompson's defensive line looks bigger than Nick, but when you add in his heart he gains 30 pounds. He ran for a two hard fought yard gain and blocked the defense trying to get to his QB many times. He did a good job. And I am so glad I was there to see it.

After the game we spoke about homecoming and his plans. Nick has a friend that I believe is now more than just a friend. He asked her to be his Homecoming date in a very cool way, with a song he recorded for her. He played the guitar and was singing when right in the middle he stopped and asked her to go to homecoming with him. I have to admit that was pretty cool. He also told me the idea came from his dad, Kevin, and that he would be listening to him for advice from now on. Good move Kevin!

I trust Nick, he has earned it, so tonight I asked if he wanted to use my Mustang Homecoming night. If they are going with a group the Mustang is not the best choice because the back seat was designed for carrying small kids or small pets but nothing bigger than that. He thanked me for trusting him with "Baby" (what I call my Mustang Convertible) and said he would take care of "her"...but I already knew that.

So tonight was a good night for Spain Park and a good night for Nick.....and a good night for me because I was there. Thank you Lord.

Football Season and Papa Duty, I love it

Well, we have a new football season underway at Berry Middle School (Scout is in the 8th grade) and Spain Park HS (Nick is a Junior) where two of my grandsons attend and both play football. So I will now be attending games on Thursday night, Friday night and then on Saturday watching my Alabama Crimson Tide. Now on Saturday, the main event is the game itself but on Thursday and Friday night it is the pre and post game activities that I enjoy as well, spending time with my grandsons and just talking.

Shannon, my daughter, has to travel occasionally and as many of you have experienced that places the parental duties on the remaining parent, Kevin. During this time I try and pitch in to help relieve the scheduling conflicts that are always present when raising a family, their trying to be in two places at one time. This is especially true during sports events.

Thursday night was Scout's season opener, a pre-season game sort of, but important never the less. Kevin had to work a little late so I went by and picked up Max (youngest), we grabbed something to eat and headed to the game. During our meal at McDs we discuss a lot of different things and some I have to wonder how we got onto that particular topic but I just go with the flow and enjoy it.

Once we got to the game, Max headed on to enjoy the social aspect of the games, visiting with his friends he had not seen in a awhile while I sat and watched the 7th grade team play...waiting on Scout's 8th grade team. I believe those aluminum bleachers are getting harder on my rear end or is it the weight I now have bearing down on it??? When Scout's team came on the field I saw him line up at wide receiver and he played a good bit of two quarters and I saw it all. I know that it is hard for me to watch an 8th grade game without having a family connection on the playing field. I know they want to win and I want them to win as well, but I really enjoy seeing the development of my grandsons on the field, year after year. From my seat I can see the plays develop and also see where they breakdown. On one play Scouts job was to drive the line backer back and away from the side lines, but he was not going to be carrying the ball, so maybe it didn't seem as important to him being the 'diversion". But that is something we all suffer from sometime, being the helper and not the star. If I sometimes find it hard showing the intensity and urgency when I am just a member of the backup, how can I I expect Scout to perform like a college or pro player in the assignment of faking out the defense....it shows up in the plays development. But he will get better with experience. I don't think the line backer was taking the bait. That we could talk about after the game. I truly believe football or any team sport builds character. Like Bear Bryant said to his players, football can help prepare you for life's challenges. How you prepare and practice and do not give up in facing adversity on the field can help in life.

"I have always tried to teach my players to be fighters. When I say that, I don't mean put up your dukes and get in a fistfight over something. I'm talking about facing adversity in your life. There is not a person alive who isn't going to have some awfully bad days in their lives. I tell my players that what I mean by fighting is when your house burns down, and your wife runs off with the drummer, and you've lost your job and all the odds are against you. What are you going to do? Most people just lay down and quit. Well, I want my people to fight back." -- Paul "Bear" Bryant

On the way home we stopped by McDs and Scout ordered some food to go and we headed to the house. Scout said "thank you for coming to my game, Papa" and that was all I needed. I think it made a difference to have me in the stands watching. And the fact that we could discuss and analyze his playing shows I am watching and I am interested and in a sense I am on the field with him during those times.

As I said, Football and Papa duty, I love it!

Update on Julie Howell Aug 14th 2008

I juts wanted to let everyone know they have found a medication to manage Julie's pain, the morphine was having no effect what-so-ever because of the pain meds they had her on for the back pain prior to the surgery. They switched to another pain med that I cannot pronounce let alone spell, but it has worked wonders. Last night she was laughing and joking and eating cheeseburgers. She was up walking yesterday as PT and will be again today. Based on the progress the Doctors fully expect her to go home Friday, praise the Lord.

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers, but keep them coming for everyone in our family, especially those on our family prayer list. God bless us all.

Update on Julie Howell's Surgery

An update on Julie Howell after surgery. I spoke with Julie this morning (8/13) and they have changed her pain medication which gave her some relief last night but still in pain just not as bad.
They will start physical rehab today, which she isn't looking forward to but knows it is best. She can now move her arms without a lot of pain and the doctor says she MAY be able to go home Friday. She says thank you all for all of your thoughts and prayers. When she is healed up and not in pain she plans on attending the next Family Reunion (July 11th, 2009).
Blessings to all (Uncle Lee, you haven't Trade Marked that have you?)
Wayne and Diane

Family Prayer List 8/5/2008

The Ratliff Family Connection Pray List

We have family members and friends that are in need of our prayers. As we go thru our days, attending to our problems please take a minute everyday to say a prayer for our family members that are in need of strength and comfort as they face their fears. All things are possible thru prayer.

Uncle Joe Ratliff and his wife Joan; Joe is facing cancer and his present oncologist says the lab reports show the present chemo treatments have stopped working. Joe has an appointment with a Dr. Richard Goldberg at Chapel Hill Hospital. He's outstanding in the field of Cancer that Joe is facing. Please remember Joe in your prayers and ask the Lord to be with he and Joan as they continue the fight against Joe's cancer.

Ray La Shum, father of Vince La Shum, my son in law and Jennifer’s husband. Ray is suffering from diabetes, to name just one ailment and may have to have part of his foot removed. The surgery was scheduled for yesterday but due to Ray receiving breakfast that morning the surgery has been canceled and needs to be rescheduled. The good news is that Ray is seeking a second opinion. Remember Ray in you prayers.

Julie Howell, my sister, wife to Rocky Howell of Selma Alabama. Julie has severe back problems and faces having 4 vertebrae fused. This will involve her being out for a year while she mends. She and Rocky are facing medical and financial problems so remember them in your prayers and ask the Lord to give them strength and comfort in facing their crises.

Ms. Howell, Rocky’s mother is also in a bad way. Her condition was so unstable that at one time the doctors did not expect her to make it thru the night but she did, and started improving. I have no doubt the prayers requested on her behalf helped. Pray for her recovery.

Scott Griffin and his wife Traci. Scott is one of my co-workers from AT&T has a son (one of 4 children and one of a set of fraternal twins, approx 2 years old) who suffers Duchene's MD. There is a new procedure Scott has researched and forwarded to his doctor in hopes it will help Gabe, his son. Please remember Gabe, Scott and Traci in your prayers as well as their other three children; Turner, Cooper and Addie (Gabe’s twin).

Hazel, my mother in law and Diane’s mother has Alzheimer’s and it is steadily getting worse. Diane and I have watched this disease take its toll almost on a daily basis. Hazel lives with us and we try to take care of her the best we can, but I see the toll it is taking on Diane as well. Please remember Hazel, Diane and myself in your prayers. Ask the Lord to give us strength and understanding as Hazel fights her challenges each day.

I know we all have problems, fears and concerns. Remember to ask the Lord to give us all strength, courage and faith as we face each day and let us all remember the blessing we have and not just the problems. If you know someone in need of prayer please let us all know. The Lord hears all prayers.