Notes on the Baby Boomers

In the 1960s, while at lunch, swapping stories about being the parents of ‘baby boomers’ was common (and, I believe, to some it was therapy.) Here’s a typical one;

A middle- aged manager on a business trip stayed in Boston an extra day after his business meeting to catch his son’s freshman football team play a local college.

Very excited that his son was switched to offensive guard by his coach; a position the dad played as a youth. His son even wore the same number, 53, his dad wore; every proud indeed!

The dad arrived at the opposing school’s stadium just in time for the kickoff. Freshman games generally attract few fans and this was no exception. Undaunted our proud Dad was able to move freely as the teams progressed up and down the field, privately waving every time his son managed a look to the stands.

Then late in the game came THE play. An exact same situation as he was in many years before as first string offensive guard for his team. His son’s team managed to move the ball down to the opponents 5 yard line. They were down by a few points; same as 20 years ago. At that time the dad was considered the most dependable guard to open the hole for the ballcarrier. So far in this game his son was proving to be the same. Then, Dad’s team called the play with he lead blocking the defender. With legs like pistons, Dad drove his shoulders into the defender and carried the defender all the way into the end zone. The runner followed for the game winning touchdown. This day, 20 years later, he was transfixed watching his son lung and drive the defender into the end zone, looking down as the defender lay helpless on his back as the runner scored the game winning touchdown.

Dad was tearful and swelling with pride. He ran along the stands as his son’s team wooped it up and headed for the locker room. He could’nt wait to tell his son all about the deju- vous phenomena at the dinner they had planned.

After exiting the locker room father and son powerfully embraced as the rest of the team headed for their bus. Just as he began to explain the grand phenomena Son interrupted and said he was sorry but the ‘guys want to all eat together some where along the road’ and was little anxious as he half listened to Dad explain the Father/Son forever bonding event. The bus horn beeped as Dad finished and waited. He got a quick, “That’s great Dad. But I really have to go. So can I have that 50 bucks you promised, I’m kinda broke?’ Dad in partial shock peeled off 3 twenties. Pocketing the twenties as he hugged his father, ‘Thanks for being here and for the money, I’ll see you in a couple of weeks. Bye!!!!”

Dad just stood there as the bus pulled away from the empty parking lot. He looked around, as if to see if anyone noticed him looking a little sad. ‘Well, home it is, I guess!’

A true story; I know!!