I'm Wide Awake....Watershed Moments in Sports and Beyond

"I'm wide awake...."
I never thought I would quote Katy Perry, but I just did.  Although those three words address the experience of the singer-songwriter's divorce, the sentiment looms larger.  Events happen in our life--both chosen and unchosen that alter our worldview.  These watershed moments give us pause whereby we never see life in quite the same way.  We feel alert--wide awake.  It's amazing to me just how often said experiences occur within the context of sport.

Jason Collins first started thinking about coming out (publicly) during the 2011 NBA lockout.  In the exclusive report from Sports Illustrated he said "I'm a creature of habit.  When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting my game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall.  But the lockout wreaked havoc on my habits and forced me to confront who I really am and what I really want.  With the season delayed, I trained and worked out.  But I lacked the distraction that basketball had always provided."   

Too many of us know how work can distract us from tending to what really matters--our relationships with God, family, friends and even ourself.  When life slows down--be it on a retreat, during the summer months, or maybe a sabbatical, we are afforded some space to take the long look.  

That gift of time may serve as the seedbed for what needs to take root and grow, yet it doesn't necessarily flower or bear fruit.  As so beautifully articulated in his book Tattoos on the Heart: The power of boundless compassion, Greg Boyle writes "it takes what it takes."  Too often and for too many of us, what it takes is a jolt, a crash or confrontation.  For Collins it was the events on Patriot's Day 2013.

He wrote "The recent Boston Marathon bombing reinforced the notion that I shouldn't wait for the circumstances of my coming out to be perfect.  Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully?"

He asks an important question; one that we all confront at different times and ages in our own lives.  Living truthfully takes courage, it requires self awareness and it mandates humility.  Living the truth may force us to understand our limitations but also our great gifts.  To live truthfully means to live in the light and that is exactly who Jesus is--the Light of the World.

At lunch last week a colleague told me about a summer vacation to visit her family who live in Arizona, very close to the border of Mexico.  She was with her two sons playing golf; everyone was cranky and annoyed with one another.  Just as she was about to threaten to end play if their attitudes didn't shape up two men came running through the course disoriented and begging for water.  

They had made a long journey and needed to get to Phoenix.  My coworker realized these men wouldn't make it that far unless they had medical attention.  A watershed moment, she and her sons did what they could to help these human beings.  Her sons were shaken.  Their crankiness was long forgotten, their problems were minuscule.   The golf course was now a place where they confronted the social justice issue of Immigration in a new way.  

And the finish line of the Boston marathon forced millions of Americans to confront hard questions and real truths.  Perhaps one good to come out of that tragedy is that it gave people the impetus to live more truthfully.  And, to remain "wide awake."


Photo Credits
Jason Collins SI
Boston Finish
Living Truthfully

Love Begets Love: Thank You Matt Kemp

What could Matt Kemp, center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Sam of "Lord of the Rings" possibly have in common?  An understanding that there are some stories that really matter, and we are the ones who create them when we fight the fight and choose the good.

On Cinco de Mayo at AT&T Park, a boy and his father had front-row seats so they could watch the San Francisco Giants play the Los Angeles Dodgers.  I would typically hold this young man in contempt; I like to joke with friends that no one under the age of 18 should ever sit courtside, behind the plate, or in the front row of a major sporting event. Prime seating should be something a boy or girl dreams of one day having. Arriving at the 50-yard line by 10 years of age makes me wonder where a person can go from there.  But in the life of Joshua Jones, a Dodger fan who is terminally ill with cancer, he confronts my question in a way no one should ever have to.  

Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports reports, "Joshua Jones, and his father, Steve Jones, sat Sunday night in front-row seats at AT&T Park in San Francisco. The boy was in a wheelchair. Early in the game, the father struck up a conversation with Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach. He said his son was very sick, that he was a Dodgers fan, and that his favorite player was Kemp. The boy, who has cancer, is unable to speak."

Wallach relayed the information to the Gold Glove center-fielder who made a point to meet the young fan and his dad after the game.  His response is why this video has gone viral; it is love in action.  Something we all need to see..

Why? Love in action awakens our humanity.  It elicits deep emotion--tears, joy, inspiration and it does what we are told love does. Love begets more love.  For me to see to watch Kemp first give an autographed baseball, followed by his batting glove only to remove his jersey is awesome.  We say that some people will give the shirt off of their back for someone....and he does...but he doesn't stop there. The viewer wonders if he will strip naked before this young man, he is so moved with compassion.  The "Beast Mode" written on his shirt is too fitting.  If you weren't tearing up as you were watching, perhaps you did when Kemp gave what he had left--his two cleats.  

Jones was too weak to say anything, but he was able to post a picture of Kemp's gear and a message, thanking him on his Instagram account. 

Kemp said "You have some good stories and some sad stories. God puts them there to remind you." This story is a little of both. Jones is suffering from inoperable tumors in his spine; he has been given 90-days to live.  Knowing that—Kemp showed up.  He reached out and gave what he had...and then he gave more...and more.  Ultimately, his gift was one of kindness and of love.  That's the best he can do. It's the best any of us can do.  

At first, I was confused by Kemp's words "God put them (stories) there to remind you."  He didn't say "remind you of x, y or z."  No, he left it at that.  And then I remembered a truth I once heard.  I have never read "The Lord of the Rings" but Father Tim Scully, a Holy Cross priest at Notre Dame and founder of the Alliance for Catholic education shared a powerful excerpt from it in a homily I will never forget.  He says what Kemp does not.  

“Frodo: I can't do this, Sam.

Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.

Frodo: What are we holding onto, Sam?

Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.”

Thank you Matt Kemp for giving the good.  Thank you Joshua Jones for making it worth fighting for.  And by the way, I was delighted to read you are 19-years of age....a well-deserved front row seat for hundreds of reasons!

Photo credits
Kemp Fan
Josh Jones

Just Show Up: The Power of Presence Part II...David Lee Style

I wasn't as upset about the 97-95 loss to Denver in Game 1 in the opening contest of the playoff series as I was about the loss of All-Star forward David Lee to an season ending injury. "D-Lee" who led the league in double-doubles and my personal poll of "favorite Golden State Warrior," tore his right help flexor.  

This was horrible news for the team and for me personally as I had a ticket to Game 6.  I first thought a Game 6 wouldn't happen (in a best of 7 series, a team only needs to win 4 games) until I started to worry that if it did, the donation I made to StubHub.com might serve as one for an elimination game--the elimination of the Warriors from the post-season. As we now know however, nothing could to be further from the truth.  

Waiting in the (security) line of Oracle Arena, I couldn't help but bask in the glory of the many fans discussing David Lee. It all started when the 6-year old boy in back of me looked up at the mural of Golden State Warriors in action.  He named every one of them but wanted to first talk about the 6'9" 240 lb power forward.  I knew Lee was that tall, but appreciated learning what he weighs from this first grader. Other fans launched extended commentary about Lee's role on the team.  I was surprised by the amount of air time he was getting; the W's made it to Game 6: the elimination game for the Nuggets  without him. And then my friend inside the arena sent me a text message with information these folks already knew--Lee was warming up!  I couldn't believe what I just read.   D-Lee had been sitting court side and wearing a suit the last four games.  Could this be true?  I couldn't wait to find out.

As written by SportingNewsNBA, 

With 6:05 remaining in the first quarter, Lee took off his uniform and began to check in at the scorer's table. As fans started to roar to its feet, George Karl quickly called timeout and quieted the crowd.  

Lee didn't come in following the timeout, then went back to the scorer's table once played resumed. He finally entered the game with 2:23 to play, getting a standing ovation from fans as he jogged to center court and pointed to the sky with both hands.

I saw his simple gesture of thanks to God for the opportunity to play. If you weren't watching you would have missed it and I'm glad I didn't.  It stayed with me because it was real—an authentic gesture of praise.  He raised his soul and the energy of "Roarcle" higher. When you get a glimpse of something like that, you can't help but feel joy.  D-Lee showed up.

Lee had one rebound (!) and missed his only shot in 87 seconds of play in the first quarter. As much as fans delighted in his participation, it was painfully obvious he was running with one healthy leg. Even with his clearance to play, it's fair to raise the question "What difference did his presence make?"  

Lee answered this question with his remarks.  

It was something that I wanted to do for my team, to be a leader, to give us an extra boost," Lee said. "But with an extra four or five days (to rest before facing the Spurs), it's already come this far so stranger things have happened. I can guarantee you one thing. If there's any chance to play, I'll be the first guy to play and that was evidenced by what I did tonight. But I'm just excited about this series. I think we've got a chance.

He too recognizes that showing up makes a difference—be it as an extra boost, contributing a single rebound, or expressing a moment of gratitude. Clearly the Warriors got this far because of David Lee; the power of his presence cannot be underestimated on and off the court. He gave his coach, Mark Jackson a hug as the two spoke while the lights were dimmed during player introductions.  Lee led the pep talk in the huddle after the starters were announced.  

He is my favorite player to watch even when he is not playing and sitting on the bench AND that's because he's NOT sitting. He's hopped up, reacting to every play, every foul, throwing a towel, high-five-ing every teammate in sight. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to show up for all that happened during Game 6, a win that Warriors fans won't forget for a long time.

Photo Credits
Injury
Suited-up
Hugging Coach J
Off the bench
Huddle

Just Show Up: The Power of Presence Part I

Woody Allen has made the claim that "80% of success is showing up." I once thought this was a pathetic standard. Showing up yields success? Seems to me like it take much more than that. The longer I live however, the more I agree with him. He's on to something...it's true.

I was confronted by several examples and challenges of this claim in the past week.  At Sunday Mass, the ushers for the communion line was a father-daughter team.  They were a striking pair for two reasons. First, it spoke to me that a parent and his child would minister at the Mass together. Second, he was well dressed and she...was wearing her Convent on the Sacred Heart basketball uniform.  

Clearly she had just come from her game.  Growing up, I remember wearing my Sunday best to Mass.  I once thought it was important to dress appropriately for church services and a part of me still does. But today, I am thrilled when young people attend mass in their uniform.  I'm just glad they show up.

With the number of Mass times, it should be easier than ever to "show up" but I know many young people don't. They show up for practice and their games; my hope it they show up for Sunday services. I hope they will become a member of a faith community and as evidenced by this father-daughter duo, even participate in the service.

Showing up it is a not a given. Many people don't—which is what Allen is addressing. And when we don't, not only do we miss out, but those around us do too as painfully evidenced in the movie "Silver Linings Playbook." 

The main character, Pat Solitano struggles with mental health issues, namely a bipolar condition. He is committed to a mental institution for eight months and the movie begins upon his release—his re-entry to independence. In several different scenes important people in his life—two close friends and even his brother apologize for not visiting him. Each one is a sad reflection of them and made me pause to consider: What do we prioritize?  Why don't we show up?  How would things be different for Pat if his brother  and friends had shown up?  

In a funny twist in the movie, Pat's father (played by Robert DeNiro) blames his son for the Eagles' loss. Pat and his brother were unable to "show up" for the game; they were arrested for fighting in the parking lot outside Lincoln Financial Field. Mr. Solitano truly believed that the Eagles would have won had Pat been at the game until Tiffany (played by Jennifer Lawrence) makes a convincing argument for where Pat should have shown up and didn't.  

I like to think of the Incarnation as "God shows up." God didn't need to become one of us, but God did so for us. In Jesus Christ, we have God made flesh. A God who isn't absent but who shows up,  who struggled and suffered like we do.  Who was rejected but rose from the dead. Who loved and was loved in return.  Some pretty good reasons to show up if you ask me.

I wish I had taken a surreptitious photo of a couple who sat in front of me at the 5:30 pm Mass on a Sunday in January after a huge Forty-Niner victory.  Replete with matching #85 Vernon Davis jerseys, I knew by their enthusiasm and swag that they had come from the game.  And yet part of me thinks I got one. I have a good mental snapshot of who they are and what matters to them. I'm grateful I showed up to see that.....

Photo Credits
Two Brothers
Father and son
Tailgate
Just Show Up Pillow: from Mary Ahlbach's classroom

The Beauty of Bookstore Basketball

Many people have not forgotten or forgiven the University of Notre Dame for inviting President Obama as the 2009 commencement speaker. People held passionate, principled arguments from many standpoints for why the University should and should not host a leader who stands in violation of many, but not all Catholic teachings.  However, I am here to say--yes, four years later--what I have not forgotten or forgiven.  

I have not forgotten that the President cut the tension his very presence brought to the podium by mentioning a great spring tradition: Bookstore Basketball.  Fears, disdain, and concerns were neutralized, even if slightly when he said 

Now, since this is Notre Dame I think we should talk not only about your accomplishments in the classroom, but also in the competitive arena.  No, don’t worry, I’m not going to talk about that.  We all know about this university’s proud and storied football team, but I also hear that Notre Dame holds the largest outdoor 5-on-5 basketball tournament in the world -- Bookstore Basketball. 

Now this excites me.  I want to congratulate the winners of this year’s tournament, a team by the name of "Hallelujah Holla Back." Congratulations.  Well done.  Though I have to say, I am personally disappointed that the "Barack O’Ballers" did not pull it out this year. So next year, if you need a 6’2" forward with a decent jumper, you know where I live.  

The President said these remarks three minutes into his address and it's a good thing he did.  When I heard him throw down two team names--one of my favorite components of Bookstore, I began to relax.  His attention to a great ND tradition allowed me to take a breath, knowing that the more controversial topics were on their way.  Mentioning Bookstore certainly made that a little more palatable; sports can and does build common ground--something that is needed so badly in America today.  

Many students are reluctant to even apply to Notre Dame because it's in South Bend, IN a town of 101,000 in the northwest corner of the state.  It is 90 miles from Chicago, but may as well be 900; it feels so far away. 

College students will never be distracted by the allure of the city of South Bend, but I contend this has been more of a blessing than a curse.  The best part of Notre Dame is the people. Their commitment to academics, athletics and faith are outstanding.  The student body works hard, but it plays hard too.  The 739 teams who play in this annual tourney is but one example.

And there's nothing quite like Bookstore; one need not be a huge basketball fan to appreciate this 40-year tradition.  As mentioned on the Bookstore Basketball webpage, "The tournament is ENTIRELY student-run.  It is played every March and April with breaks for Easter and Notre Dame's annual Blue/Gold football game.  The tournament is played rain, snow or shine (except during lightening)." The campus has courts tucked away between dorms, beside the lake and more.  It's as though for six weeks in the spring the bounce of a basketball becomes the heartbeat of campus.  

People ask me all the time What is there to do in the Spring at Notre Dame?  What's life like long after football season is over?  I think Bookstore is one of the better answers.

In his book "Take Time for Paradise: Americans and Their Games" the late A. Bartlett Giamatti captured a truth that describes Bookstore.  He said "I believe we have played games, and watched games, to imitate the gods, to become godlike in our worship of each other and, through those moments of transmutation, to know for an instant what the gods know.” 

The gods are aware of the importance of leisure.  They know in games and competition that we learn as much about ourselves as one another.  They understand that the memories that are made when we test ourselves physically and mentally, when we pass and when we play are ones that remain in technicolor.  They are not black and white.  And these truths are why I have not forgiven myself for not taking the risk of lacing up my shoes, reigniting my one solid move--the pivot to shoot and joining my friends to play in the annual tourney.  No, I never played Bookstore and I regret it.

I am however grateful that I watched the many games I did.  I love that even a few years after I graduated I saw my good friends, then seminarians Lou DelFra and Sean McGraw join Tom Doyle, CSC on the Stephan Courts for a game (Round 16).  It was already a joyful day; Tom was ordained the day before.  I know the opposing team enjoyed calling the foul on "Father" Doyle as we delighted in hearing his new name.  And that's just one shining example of what makes Bookstore—and Notre Dame special.  Good move Mr. President for taking notice.  I haven't forgotten.

Photo Credits
Obama 44

Giving Credit to Bookstore

Beauty of Bookstore

Coach Holtz plays Bookstore