Monday, February 13, 2012

Game Day




...this is so cool.

Saturday afternoon. On the road. Game day.

Despite the sun's distant grin, the recent freeze has resulted in an ice-packed layer of crust holding firm to our corner of the world. But the roads are clear, the traffic steady, the car's heater keeping the frost at bay.

Aside from the purr of tires, the world has offered us a moment of peace.

Glancing into the rear view mirror, I spot my son in the back seat, head tilted, eyes focused on the passing scenery. But yet, not really.

His gaze seems to follow a row of naked elms as we cruise by, but if I were to ask him which one stood the tallest, he could offer me no more than a shrug. For while his eyes are aimed at the snow-covered landscape, his thoughts rest elsewhere.

Afterall, its game day.

I continue to watch him, an eleven year old now, a dusty blond, still wiry as a twig, but gifted with a burst that can't be taught. A set of thin fingers drum upon his thigh, as if feigning the play of an imaginary instrument. And if studied closely, one may catch the movement of his lips...thinking through the plays, the various scenarios he will surely face in less than an hour, when he steps onto the court.

I study his focus, the flush of his cheeks, and smile to the passing traffic, remembering my days in the game, so long ago.

The intensity of game day, of sweaty palms and twitching muscles. Pent up excitement, and those bursts of adrenaline. The magical sound of a leather ball slipping unscathed through an iron hoop. Swish!

Such fun that was, those days of competition. And yet, more than two decades later, the real fun is about to begin...

We pull into the parking lot. The engine settles to a hum. I twist around in my seat. "It's time, Son. You ready?"

A pair of eyes, green like the sea, lift their gaze from the pair of scuffed Reebok's on the floor, and offer me a twinkle.

"Let's do this."

El ;)

11 comments:

Anne Gallagher said...

You know, El, you're imagery always leaves me stunned. From the naked elms to the Reeboks, I mean, you encompass so much.

Thanks for that. And hey, who won the game?

Unknown said...

I loved these comments, so very real and moving.

Elliot Grace said...

Hey Anne, very sweet of you, thanks so much. Sadly, we lost, (but only after our opponents decided to double-team that son 'o mine ;)

Hey Carole, thanks for stopping by, and for the wonderful compliment.

El

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Your words transported me into that car as an invisible passanger. And all days "Game Days?" We just don't realize it ... or the game. Thanks for visiting my blog today and leaving a comment. It meant a lot. Roland

dolorah said...

Awesome to watch our kids grow, and become what they will be. I see how you cherish your children El, and I find a little hope in the world.

.......dhole

Lord_Kiwii said...

wow awesome description! Felt like I was there in the car with you! Hope your son had fun at the game! ^.^

Emily said...

I love this! First of all, you drew me right into the moment. Second of all, the content made me happy: it's always nice to see a father so connected to his son.

Wonderful!

Elliot Grace said...

Hey Roland, love the comment, and so true. Indeed, for us the storytellers, every day is our game day.

Hey Donna, you're a sweetheart, thanks so much. And yes, he's a cool kid. I'm not sure how much I had to do with it, but the end result has been a fun ride ;)

Hey Lord, thanks for the compliment. My son loves being around the basketball court, win or lose.

Hey Emily, so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by ;)

El

DEZMOND said...

lovely story, El, as usual!

Tracy Jo said...

What a perfect moment and I love how you are living in it. Appreciating all of those little awesome details. Thanks for the warm fuzzies this morning. :-)

Carolyn V said...

Wow, this is so great. Wish I had more to say, but I'm a little speechless. ;)