Let me explain my title. There is so much death in life. I mean, we humans, we experience the hurt of a loved one a lot before it's all said and done. That's tough.
My poor, precious Emmamonster lost another grandparent today. That's three out of four, but who is counting? **HEY DAD!!! STOP SMOKING!!!! YOU ARE IT!!! WE NEED YOU!!!
no pressure.
My ex-wife Debbie called me this afternoon and was upset. She said, "My dad died!" After all the battles, the fights, the pettiness, the tragedy of it all, I snapped to attention in full "husband" mode. I knew the man, and his relationship with Debbie. It deserved all my respect. I don't ever mention Debbie very much. It's partly because she would prefer it that way, and I've been ashamed to say anything, to be honest.
See, the cruelty of this, is that despite being a great mother, wife, daughter, and friend, she has lost the backbone of the family. Debbie is such a wonderful person, and just deserves better..period.
Not only did my ex suffer a devasting blow, but anyone connected to either one of us lost an outstanding example of what a man should be. Jerry was the toughest S.O.B I've ever been around. Let me give you a couple of examples, Jerry was shot while serving in the Navy...twice.
After retiring from the Navy in a teaching capacity, he rebuilt boats....and I mean the "Tiger Woods" types. Floating mansions. I remember Jerry telling me one time that 9 out of 10 repairs he ordered were because of someone not knowing what they were doing driving a boat....or mansion.
While working at Ross Marine, a crane fell on him. Uh, I have a great story about how I got this little scar above my eye...WHAT???? Yeah, a crane fell on him. One of those big suckers we see everyday off of I-75. The boom broke off of one of them and crushed him underneath. He took some surgery, rubbed dirt on it, and went back to work.
The only thing that defined him better as a man was that he was a devoted husband, and loyal father. From my perspective, Jerry's sole purpose was to serve his two daughters, her name is Christie, and his wife Pat. Pat died shortly before Emma was born. I believe it was September of 2000. Jerry was what most guys would call "A man's man." As far as father-in-law's go, I got lucky.
I think everyone that came across Jerry ended up better for it. I think that's the ultimate compliment. He made everyone, and everything better.
RIP
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Harlem Globetrotter Story (before edit)
Imagine a basketball circus. Clowns, acrobatics, and some pretty good basketball all mixed in meant that the legendary "Harlem Globetrotters" were in the building. In front of a big crowd at McKenzie Arena last Wednesday night, the clown princes of basketball put on a show.
For 84 years, the Globetrotters have traversed the world entertaining millions. They have played for both President's and Pope's. For one night, Chattanooga held the privilege.
There is so much more to going to see the 'Trotters play than basketball. The comedic act that is performed on the hardwood would rival comedy preformed on any stage. And yes, they threw water on some poor folks sitting up front, just like they always have.
The leader of the 'Trotters was "Special K." K was about 6-7 or so and pretty lean, but his mouth was a non-stop narrative of what was going on. While performing dazzling stunts with a basketball, "K" was telling a joke, talking trash, or asking a fan for some popcorn.
Everybody for the Globetrotters had a cool name. "Ant" and "Scooter" were two of my favorites. The referees were aloof and were played the fool, and who can argue with that?
A couple of poor fans were pulled out on the court. Unfortunately, the general public does not have a good free throw percentage. I saw 11 straight bricks go up before one shot mercifully went in. A "Bronx cheer" went up as the awkwardness faded away.
Oh, the game itself. Well, the foil to our heroic Globetrotters would be the Washington Generals. The Generals play the Globetrotters night after night, and guess what, they have never won. Imagine a dream where you lose over and over. The Generals, dressed in green and yellow, kept the game close enough to make it interesting for the kids that didn't know any better.
The Globetrotters play basketball as if they were on roller skates and there were trampolines in every direction. The 'Trotters have a play in which they run every time on offense. It's called the "weave" and each player passes and then loops around a larger player in a figure eight pattern. At the center tonight was "Special K," verbally directing traffic as the basketball was moving from player to player like a dizzying effect.
Finally, "Special K" would rap up his bit, and either bounce it off the floor, off the backboard, or any other conceivable way in order the other players could take turns trying to bend the rims with one dazzling dunk after another.
The final score was 73-67, and it was punctuated by a furious, teeth rattling jam..over a referee unaware below. That's how you call it a night.
[Photo]
For 84 years, the Globetrotters have traversed the world entertaining millions. They have played for both President's and Pope's. For one night, Chattanooga held the privilege.
There is so much more to going to see the 'Trotters play than basketball. The comedic act that is performed on the hardwood would rival comedy preformed on any stage. And yes, they threw water on some poor folks sitting up front, just like they always have.
The leader of the 'Trotters was "Special K." K was about 6-7 or so and pretty lean, but his mouth was a non-stop narrative of what was going on. While performing dazzling stunts with a basketball, "K" was telling a joke, talking trash, or asking a fan for some popcorn.
Everybody for the Globetrotters had a cool name. "Ant" and "Scooter" were two of my favorites. The referees were aloof and were played the fool, and who can argue with that?
A couple of poor fans were pulled out on the court. Unfortunately, the general public does not have a good free throw percentage. I saw 11 straight bricks go up before one shot mercifully went in. A "Bronx cheer" went up as the awkwardness faded away.
Oh, the game itself. Well, the foil to our heroic Globetrotters would be the Washington Generals. The Generals play the Globetrotters night after night, and guess what, they have never won. Imagine a dream where you lose over and over. The Generals, dressed in green and yellow, kept the game close enough to make it interesting for the kids that didn't know any better.
The Globetrotters play basketball as if they were on roller skates and there were trampolines in every direction. The 'Trotters have a play in which they run every time on offense. It's called the "weave" and each player passes and then loops around a larger player in a figure eight pattern. At the center tonight was "Special K," verbally directing traffic as the basketball was moving from player to player like a dizzying effect.
Finally, "Special K" would rap up his bit, and either bounce it off the floor, off the backboard, or any other conceivable way in order the other players could take turns trying to bend the rims with one dazzling dunk after another.
The final score was 73-67, and it was punctuated by a furious, teeth rattling jam..over a referee unaware below. That's how you call it a night.
[Photo]
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Scenes from an 8th grade basketball game....
First, let me say I'm sorry. I have spent the last 6 months with one sad blog after another. When did I get so mellow?
I have had an opportunity to go to some local basketball games of late. Specifically, I've been watching Lake Forest's teams. Junior High, excuse me, Middle School basketball sure has changed.
The other night, not only did we stand for the national anthem, but someone came out and sang it. I thought I was at a Yankees game. Next thing I hear is my own father's voice booming from behind a microphone, letting the maybe 150 folks in attendance, know the starting lineups. I was freaking out. The atmosphere was intimidating. A true home court advantage for sure.
See, I played at Bradley Junior from 1987-1989. It was old-school. Practice consisted of nothing but fundamentals: like ball handling drills, defensive positioning, and most importantly....conditioning. The three point line came out when I was in 8th grade. It was considered to be an "evil" part of the game. I'd say that you would see maybe 1 or 2 shots from downtown a night.
At Lake Forest, it was raining threes....and behind the back passes......dribbling between legs.....players animated. At first I thought, this is sacrilege. These boys don't know how to play. Turns out, I got used to it.
So, as I sit at the scorers table watching the game in a chair designed for pre-schoolers, and sitting by my father, a wind blew through the gymnasium. Kinda like someone broke wind.
Where were you when you heard Lane Kiffin had left UT? Now, let that sink in a bit. Sports fan or not, it was news. Even though an earthquake destroyed Haiti earlier, the buzzword was Lane Kiffin. Let me play this out as it happened......
A couple of kids came up to my father and taunted him by saying, "Lane Kiffin to USC." I figured that they were given my Dad a hard time because he's such a fan.
Dad: Uh, oh. That's Charles. (Charles is my grandfather, who lives in Memphis, TN, and graduated from Tennessee...a big fan)
Clay: Maybe there is something to this. (I then turn behind me and ask Cheryl for her PINK Blackberry, wanting to look up ESPN.com)
Clay: Yeah, Dad. It says here that Kiffin is leaving..taking his Dad and Orgeron.
My father reached over and picked up the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, ESPN is reporting that Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin has resigned from UT and is taking a job at USC."
Folks, I'm sitting right next my Dad. I'm in an Alabama pullover, with a white Alabama toboggan. I'm also holding a pink blackberry. I was convinced I was about to be hit with a bottle in the back of the head.
The basketball ceased to exist. One of the Lake Forest coaches looked over and said, "Really?" Several shouts from the crowd went out. Three complete strangers came to the table and had questions. I could hear some choice words as well. Something like, $@#$ Kiffin, or something about his mother.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you football in the South...or more specifically Cleveland, TN. As I write this, I have been fortunate to be on the sidelines of an NCAA basketball tournament, but that moment at Lake Forest Middle School was about the most intense scene I've ever been around. As I said, about 150 people.
Lake Forest won by the way.
Clayyyy
I have had an opportunity to go to some local basketball games of late. Specifically, I've been watching Lake Forest's teams. Junior High, excuse me, Middle School basketball sure has changed.
The other night, not only did we stand for the national anthem, but someone came out and sang it. I thought I was at a Yankees game. Next thing I hear is my own father's voice booming from behind a microphone, letting the maybe 150 folks in attendance, know the starting lineups. I was freaking out. The atmosphere was intimidating. A true home court advantage for sure.
See, I played at Bradley Junior from 1987-1989. It was old-school. Practice consisted of nothing but fundamentals: like ball handling drills, defensive positioning, and most importantly....conditioning. The three point line came out when I was in 8th grade. It was considered to be an "evil" part of the game. I'd say that you would see maybe 1 or 2 shots from downtown a night.
At Lake Forest, it was raining threes....and behind the back passes......dribbling between legs.....players animated. At first I thought, this is sacrilege. These boys don't know how to play. Turns out, I got used to it.
So, as I sit at the scorers table watching the game in a chair designed for pre-schoolers, and sitting by my father, a wind blew through the gymnasium. Kinda like someone broke wind.
Where were you when you heard Lane Kiffin had left UT? Now, let that sink in a bit. Sports fan or not, it was news. Even though an earthquake destroyed Haiti earlier, the buzzword was Lane Kiffin. Let me play this out as it happened......
A couple of kids came up to my father and taunted him by saying, "Lane Kiffin to USC." I figured that they were given my Dad a hard time because he's such a fan.
Dad: Uh, oh. That's Charles. (Charles is my grandfather, who lives in Memphis, TN, and graduated from Tennessee...a big fan)
Clay: Maybe there is something to this. (I then turn behind me and ask Cheryl for her PINK Blackberry, wanting to look up ESPN.com)
Clay: Yeah, Dad. It says here that Kiffin is leaving..taking his Dad and Orgeron.
My father reached over and picked up the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, ESPN is reporting that Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin has resigned from UT and is taking a job at USC."
Folks, I'm sitting right next my Dad. I'm in an Alabama pullover, with a white Alabama toboggan. I'm also holding a pink blackberry. I was convinced I was about to be hit with a bottle in the back of the head.
The basketball ceased to exist. One of the Lake Forest coaches looked over and said, "Really?" Several shouts from the crowd went out. Three complete strangers came to the table and had questions. I could hear some choice words as well. Something like, $@#$ Kiffin, or something about his mother.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you football in the South...or more specifically Cleveland, TN. As I write this, I have been fortunate to be on the sidelines of an NCAA basketball tournament, but that moment at Lake Forest Middle School was about the most intense scene I've ever been around. As I said, about 150 people.
Lake Forest won by the way.
Clayyyy
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Happy New Year's
2010....who would have thunk it? I'd be sitting here typing this mess. I am at, what I would consider the greatest crossroad of my life. Here, now, it's more important than any other time in my life. Why?
I'm 35 years old. I think if I get lucky, I might be halfway complete with my life. Yeah, I seriously doubt I'll be so spry at 70. Since I'm a little past halfway through life, n0w would be a good time for some self-assessment.
Let's do this a simple way. Pros vs. Cons.
Pro.....I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world to have a beautiful girl, who is kind, gentle, and my daughter.
Con......I live 420 miles away from her. Is there not a greater irony of my life in which I live so far away from what gives me strength? Something must change.
Pro- As luck would shine down on me again, I have fallen for someone. Yep, little different this time though. I'm comfortable in my own skin with her. I'm never comfortable, even if I'm asleep.
Con- It makes me nervous. (Only me)
Pro I have found God. It's not time for me to lay it down, but for the first time, I not looking straight down when I walk. There is a sense of purpose.
Con- I'm terrified.
I like that old saying. "Wherever you go, there you are," it seems right. For all the mediocrity and worse that I have put up with, there is still time. Lots of it, really. My decisions during this time will not only affect me, but those that I care for. The last time I felt like this was....well....it was another time. Anyway.......
clayyyy
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves over the holidays. Emma was here for a week and we set a new land speed recored in order to get everything done. God Bless.
I'm 35 years old. I think if I get lucky, I might be halfway complete with my life. Yeah, I seriously doubt I'll be so spry at 70. Since I'm a little past halfway through life, n0w would be a good time for some self-assessment.
Let's do this a simple way. Pros vs. Cons.
Pro.....I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world to have a beautiful girl, who is kind, gentle, and my daughter.
Con......I live 420 miles away from her. Is there not a greater irony of my life in which I live so far away from what gives me strength? Something must change.
Pro- As luck would shine down on me again, I have fallen for someone. Yep, little different this time though. I'm comfortable in my own skin with her. I'm never comfortable, even if I'm asleep.
Con- It makes me nervous. (Only me)
Pro I have found God. It's not time for me to lay it down, but for the first time, I not looking straight down when I walk. There is a sense of purpose.
Con- I'm terrified.
I like that old saying. "Wherever you go, there you are," it seems right. For all the mediocrity and worse that I have put up with, there is still time. Lots of it, really. My decisions during this time will not only affect me, but those that I care for. The last time I felt like this was....well....it was another time. Anyway.......
clayyyy
I hope everyone enjoyed themselves over the holidays. Emma was here for a week and we set a new land speed recored in order to get everything done. God Bless.
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