A little off topic.
by CarolinaTerp on Nov 5, 2011 9:08 AM EDT
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PrintI just got done watching "Unguarded", another great ESPN films movie about Chris Herren. Easily one of the top 5 films ESPN has ever done. I hope everyone takes some time and watches it when you can. I won't lie...I'm a 35 year old man with a wife and 2 year old daughter, and there were parts of it that made me really emotional. I've learned over time to not judge people as harshly as I did in my teenage years. We all make mistakes...we've all done things we totally regret...we all wish that we could go back in time and have another chance.
I had a cousin that died two years ago, and although it wasn't pills/drugs that was the cause of her death, she was never the same after becoming addicted to pills. I remember, as a teenager, how much I loved being around her...she was the "cool" cousin that all of us had. I went off to college, moved down South for a job, and didn't keep in touch like I should have. I went home one weekend and my Mom warned me that when I saw her she wouldn't be the same; she was walking with a wobble; she was slurring her words; she wasn't keeping herself up like most women her age would. Mom was right. My cousin had become addicted to pills...painkillers...other things...and it tore me up. The last memory of her was visiting my wife and I about four months after my daughter's birth. I was nervous handing my baby to her, but couldn't act like it. I remember my cousin sitting on the floor, standing up, and falling right back down; it scared me. Her Mom just shrugged it off and tried to act like nothing was wrong. That was the last time I saw my cousin, and it's not the way I envisioned it.
I know that this is a message board for sports; I apologize for breaking the mold for a bit. After watching "Unguarded" this morning, I thought of a lot of things, and as much as I hate to bring this up, I couldn't help but think of a great Maryland basketball player whose passing left a huge hole in the hearts of 'Terp fans, and still does. I've been a school teacher and coach for the past 13 years and I wouldn't trade my job (no matter the pay) for any in the world. I was told in college to never become friends with your students, but you can't help it. There are so many good kids in the world today that just need attention...need a pat on the back...need a "great job" when they succeed...because you just don't know what kind of environment they go home to. I make it a habit to tell my middle school football boys and varsity baseball guys that I love them on a regular basis. Smart...probably not. But I don't care. My father died of a heart attack when he was 35 years old; I was four...it was exactly two weeks before my fifth birthday. My Mom never remarried, mainly because I was a prick to any guy she dated. I never got to play catch with him...he never got to see me graduate from high school...he never got to see me play college baseball...he never saw me get married...he never met his granddaughter...so when I tell my players I love them, I guess it's the father coming out in me that I never had. What's funny is that 95% of the time when I tell my kids that I love them, they tell me the same thing right back.
I hope all of us on this board will take some time to be thankful for the things we have. I'm thankful for the health of my family, and thankful that I can get on this board and debate/share opinions with other rabid 'Terp fans as well. Again, please see "Unguarded" when you can. It'll definitely make you appreciate the little things in life.
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Actually, Carolina,
you made at least one point that DOES relate: It’s easy for us to be critical of decisions these athletes make. The ones that cause them to be suspended, the ones that prompt them to leave school early for the draft, etc. We wonder how they could be so (fill in the blank). But we don’t live in their shoes. We haven’t lived their life, and we don’t know their situation. If we grew up in the environment they did, we might make the same – or a similar – decision.
Many of us have established ourselves in our lives and our work, and have reached a comfort level with our position in life – a loving family, meaningful work, consuming hobbies, etc. Still, we’ve all made decisions we regret, and wonder what would have happened if…; and few of us have the opportunity to correct those choices.
IMO, we need to be supportive, not critical, of those who DO make poor decisions; and understanding of those who make decisions they feel are in their best interest, but are not in the best interest of the basketball/football, or whatever program in which we engross ourselves.
Thanks for the tip on the flick…
Thx - touching post
I heard Herron on the Junks show. That gave me the Cakes creeper alone. Thanks for all you do in your community. Not only the teenagers, but we all need it. It’s the collective good, and you are hugely contributing in that area by being such a thoughtful person, and most importantly, learning from yours, and others life. Keep up the tremendous work.
"A new era has dawned in Maryland Athletics..."
What a great, heart-felt post, Carolina.
I too have recently lost a couple of members of my family, and while they weren’t drug related, I feel like I can relate to your emotions. I’m also finding myself saying “I love you” to all those that are close to me. Tomorrow is not promised, don’t ever miss an opportunity to express what someone means to you, might not get another chance.
Per Chris Herren movie, can’t wait to see it. I heard him interviewed on the Sports Junkies early this week, and he comes off as such an engaging person, honest to a “T”. He’s a guy you can easily route for. It’s such a shame what pills can do to destroy a person’s potential.
GREAT post
First of all, well written Carolina. I am a golf teaching professional that deals with 70 kids a week down here in Miami and I can relate to you being friends with you students. If you truly love what you do, you can’t HELP but befriend these kids. Thank you for all that you do for your students, your good deeds will come back to you in spades if they haven’t already.
Second, I saw the documentary and was riveted. Addition is just an ugly thing to see and this particular story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. MUST watch for everyone that hasn’t seen it already.
Thanks drock313.
I think what made the documentary even more powerful was that it didn’t have someone narrating it. It was a real person/real people telling the story.
Excellent
Thanks for reminder to live life with zest and appreciation. Sounds as if you are living life to the fullest.
Remembering Len Bias
I was alone in a hotel room in Ohio when the news came on. I had tears in my eyes for a couple hours. I attended every home game he played at Cole.
Having raised 3 kids with my wife, one of the most important things you do is know who your kids are hanging out with. Their friends have a tremendous influence on them. Make sure they are in the right group, and spend all the time you can with them. If kids look up to you, set a good example for them to follow.Whether it’s managing a ball team or taking your family on a camping trip, you influence them more than you’d think.
All my kids are out of college now with good jobs. I always try to be a positive influence with kids. There are too many things that can go wrong in todays society, especially with drugs.
Thanks for the post Carolina Terp.
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