http://blogs.seattletimes.com/take2/2014...ever-know/

Thanks for the link. As a father of a little boy, I sometimes get too caught up in everyday life and fail to stop and just look at the miracle that is my son and be thankful he is healthy.

I'm the father of a special needs kid and a highly competitive father of a 5th grade athlete. It's a constant struggle with me. Is it about the kids or is it about winning. My son is the point guard of his schools traveling team. They take any kid that wants to join up. Maybe three kids are competitive out of 12. I mean basic stuff. Sliding under a screen. Playing off your man for help side defense. The majority of these kids have no clue and it drives me nuts. When two of them play it's like you know you are going down by ten when they are playing. But my son is the better person. He encourages them. He told me the one boy's Mom left for Wal Mart and didn't come back for two weeks. The kid called his grandpa and the grandpa watched over him. He actually told me basketball is the least of that kid's problems Dad. So little stories like that put things into perspective for me.

Mach, I'm sure that story hit home for you. I was blessed and never had to deal with anything like that with any of my kids. I've often wondered how I would have dealt with something like that. In the end, I probably would have done what most, not all, dads would do - suck it up and deal with it. Really, it's all you can do. I do have empathy and admiration for those that are dealt that hand.....................