Just a number

Yesterday was a very important day. My dad turned 50. Yes you read that right, 50. But what does this mean in his life? Not what it means for most people. For most people 50 is the age where they have their mid-life crisis or change their life in some way. My dad’s mid-life crisis, if you can even call it that, is probably going to be coaching another basketball team or baseball team.

My dad has always been the kind of guy that likes to help people. He’s always been involved in the community in some way. When I was younger I can’t remember him not being there. He was always either helping out with recreation sports through the recreation committee or coaching or something else. Now that I’m off at college, he’s still that man. I mean the guy had elbow surgery not too long ago and doesn’t even live in the town that he’s coaching a recreation basketball team in. He just wants to be able to be the man that he has always been, a selfless giving role model.

He’s such a great role model, not only for me but for everyone that he has coached or will coach in the future. Hearing other people say that he is a role model for them or that he is a great coach just makes me so happy. Because other people can start to understand how great of a dad he is. I have the privilege to call this great man that you all know and love my dad. I know that he’s very proud of me, but I’m also proud that he’s continuing to be that involved man that he’s always been.

Sometimes turning 50 is a big deal for people, but I don’t see it changing my dad at all. I mentioned that he got elbow surgery. The thing he was worried about most was that he had a good arm slot for throwing. Basically that means that he was worried the most about playing catch with me after surgery. He could have been worried about his elbow not hurting anymore, but instead he was selfless and thought about sharing our love of baseball.

My dad is truly one of the greatest men I know. He’s touched so many lives, and he deserves to be told that. I got a taste of coaching a couple of years ago with him and it was an awesome experience. I can’t wait to coach with him again someday and help out people just like he does.

Age is just a number. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 20 or 50; if you’re active and stay engaged in the community you can continue to help people out. You just have to take initiative. At 50 my dad is a seasoned veteran at coaching and dealing with customers at work. He knows so many people from the area and I always ask him where he knows them from. The common answers are either C&R or rec sports. It’s getting to the point where when kids hear that my dad is coaching they want to play the sport even more. That means something. Even at work the customers love talking to my dad and feel completely comfortable bringing their cars there because of him.

I know that there’s father’s day when you get to show your dad just how much he means to you, but you shouldn’t wait until father’s day to do that. Tell your dad how awesome he is. As often as you can. They’re proud of you, but they’re the ones who raised you to be the way you are. Dad, you may be 50 but I know you can still keep up with me just like you did when you were 35. Keep doing what you’re doing, because you’ve influenced so many people in your life so far. The biggest influence has been on me. I am the man I am because of you. Thank you.

-Eric Proulx