National High Five Day

It seems like the important holidays always sneak up on me. I never get my Christmas shopping done before December 24. My anniversary present to Mary is still "in the mail." And my parent's anniversary was last week, I think, maybe. To cap off this streak of forgetfulness, I nearly missed one of my three favorite holidays, along with May 13 (Top Gun Day) and Sept. 19 (International Talk Like A Pirate Day). Yes, for those who don't know, today is National High Five Day, held every third Thursday of April for the last decade.


I've always been a big fan of the elevated hand slap, mainly because of its impact on my career. When I was an intern for the Arkansas Travelers, "Free High Five Nigh" was one of two ideas that I pitched to my boss, and now Travs GM Pete Laven. The other was "Hugs from the Homeless Night," where we would pay the bums that hung out around the park $5 to go around hugging people.


While the latter never really took off, "Free High Five Night" debuted at Ray Winder Field on May 5th (get it... 5/5) the next year. Unfortunately, I was in Tennessee by that time and didn't get to see my handiwork in person, but the promotion was named the best low cost promotion by ESPN the Magazine that year and earned Pete the Texas League's Top Executive (there might have been some other factors involved). I know I've mentioned this accomplishment several times in columns before, but in all honesty, if I can only have three things on my headstone, I'd want "Husband, Father, Inventor of Free High Five Night."


This year, the boys at National High Five Day are working to raise money for cancer research, something that has touched my family's life in the last few years. More than 180 people registered to give out 55 high-fives today to inspire donations to four cancer research centers. As of 3 p.m., the National High Five Project has raised $11,505 of their $15,555 goal, with the proceeds to be split between the V Foundation, Sanford-Burnham, Gateway for Cancer Research and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.


I'm kicking myself that I didn't join up to be a part of this great cause, but there is always next year. Until then, I will try to make the most of this wonderful day and like they say with Christmas, keep the spirit of National High Five Day in my heart all year long. For more information on National High Five Day or to donate to the cause, visit www.nationalhighfiveday.com.

Baseball Fields and Baby Smiles

I still find it amazing the power that a game has over me. I could be having the worst day ever and within a few minutes at the ballpark/basketball court/football field, all of that can be forgotten.

For example, Sunday was one of those days that makes me not only question my career choice, but my sanity. I made the decision to go in late to work after the opportunity to see my family arose, and while I think this was a good decision, it put me in a pretty big hole in regards to my writing for Monday’s paper. By six o’clock, panic had started to creep in as my list of things to write still couldn’t be counted on one hand. By seven, I was in full blown meltdown mode. Thankfully, my beautiful wife Mary talked me off the ledge and I managed to get everything done, or most of it at least.

Even though it ended up being okay, the episode shook me a little. I began wondering if I might be better off doing something else. I’ve always enjoyed eye patches and parrots, maybe I could be a pirate. The thoughts still lingered a little as I finished off my work day on Monday and headed over to Litchfield for the Panthers game against Lincolnwood.

The game was neither particularly close (Litchfield won 16-4) or particularly well played (a high sun and strong wind out to right contributed greatly to some miscues), but there was something about it that made everything okay. I’ve been working on shutting out the outside thoughts in my head more and being more mindful of what I’m doing right there and then. And I think that I accomplish this more at a game than at any other place.

It seems like that there is always something there that can bring a smile to my face, whether it be an amazing play or one that just leaves me shaking my head, like during Monday’s game when a ball was actually lost briefly in the outfield grass. It’s moments like these that I am thankful for because they make me know that I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.

This same feeling translates to my home life as well, in particular my new job as Grace’s dad. One moment she can be screaming bloody murder as I question my worth as a father. But with a look or a few words from me, the smile that melts my heart comes out and I know that the Grace Monster will be okay and that the good times way outnumber the bad.

Now the key is to remember those moments during the rough times, both at work and a home.