2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

The 181st day of 2019 started out great (as palindromic days usually so).  And, while most of 6/30/19 was really great (Church, Lunch, Graduation Party, Umpiring), at one point in the day, I was demeaned on social media by a member of a town FB group.  While it bothered others (friends and family) more than it bothered me (especially since I was umping and not supposed to be on my phone), it was amazing to see other members of the group come to my defense.  In the end, the post was reported so much, it was removed (not sure by the original poster, the group's moderator, or even FB itself).  But it did fill me with gratitude for my Facebook Community of friends and links who were upset and took up my defense.

the 180th day of 2019 was another scorcher in the morning and early afternoon.  And, of course, that was when I was scheduled to umpire as OLL hosted the D13 10s Bball Tourney on 6/29/19.  It was our last game to host for this year, and the last regular scheduled day of the Snack Stand.  But today's gratitude is for cold water.  I needed it a lot during the morning game: to drink, to dip my washcloth in to have an ice cold compress for my head, to drink some more.  I needed it again at the evening Baseball Game we umpired at Cherry Hill for the LL Senior Baseball Division.  Water is so important and I think it really kept me going today.  WHEW!

All of you who know me well know that I am an emotional guy.  Well, as I was pulling into my driveway after work on the 179th day of 2019, the radio made me cry.  As I drive home, I often listen to the radio simulcast of the CBS Evening News and, on Fridays, they end with Steve Hartman, "On the Road."  And the story on 6/28/19 was about an 11 year old who started a charity to bring simple wishes to residents of nursing homes (she accompanies her mother, the nurse, there).  The story was just pure goodness and love for her fellow human beings.  It was, after a week of bad news on the TV and in the world, exactly what I needed to hear.  So, the tears were good tears and they are the reason why, tonight, my gratitude is for Good News!  We hear so much bad news an a daily basis and the media sells better with bad news so it's nice to hear the good news when it exists.  I wonder if there were more good news told to us if we would feel better about this...

Maybe it's because I've been running around so much lately between Little League Snack Stand, Little League Umpiring, and GSA Softball but, on the 178th day of 2019, it was nice just to leave home (albeit a bit late) and come home for dinner.  And on 6/27/19 it was not even a fancy dinner, it was a quick "whip-up" meal, but it was at home and it was with family.  So, tonight, as I turn in earlier than usual again (need to take Anna to the Airport BRIGHT and early tomorrow), I turn my gratitude towards dinner at home.  GOODNIGHT (again!)

It was muggy on the 177th day of 2019.  And, of course, in the evening of 6/26/19, I was umpiring and our plate ump decided on black shirts (oof!)  But, at the end of the game, and after the Snack Stand closed up, I arrived in my home and, WHEW!, it was nice in the house.  Today's gratitude is for air conditioning.  How did they ever live without it.  I was up late last night, so going to bed now - GOODNIGHT!

At the end of the second softball game (loss 7-4) on the 176th day of 2019, I was not feeling as happy as after the first game (win 9-6).  But, as I was pulling out of the parking lot on 6/25/19, I went to my go to.  I turned on 80s on 8 (on Sirrius XM) and blasted some of my favorite stuff.  SO,  tonight, I am grateful for blasting 80s music and the fact that it made me happy during a sad (kind of) time.

The evening of the 175th day of 2019 found me, once again, standing on ballfields, umpiring.  I have umpired six games in the past four days (and four games in the past two days!)  But the last game of the evening ended with me having a wide smile. Why?, you ask.  Well at the end of tonight's second game, the Oaklyn Softball Majors Softball Team was standing in front of a scoreboard holding the D13 Championshp Banner.  So, on 6/24/19, I am grateful for Softball Championships, for being able to watch and enjoy the ceremony tonight and for the memories of championships of yore for teams that Alexa and Anna were on. 

As the 174th day of 2019 comes to a close, I am sitting here reflecting on all of the weekend's games that I observed.  I umpired two 8,9, 10 year old softball games in Pennsauken and umpired two 8, 9, 10 year old baseball games in Oaklyn.  I also helped coach Alexa's GSA softball team (sadly, Alexa was away) in their first round playoff double-header sweep!  And, also in Oaklyn, we assembled a team of volunteers to help in the Oaklyn Snack Stand in support of the games there.  I enjoyed watching the teams playing the games, I enjoyed being a part of the four umpiring teams at the games, and I appreciated the teams of volunteers who helped in the stand.  And, tonight, I really enjoyed watching the Mustangs, without four key players and only the minimum 9 players, defeat their opponent in the First Round of the GSA Playoffs.  Tonight, my gratitude flows for teamwotk tonight.  Teamwork makes the dream work!

I found myself, once again, on the 173rd day of 2019 back on the field, umpiring.  It was a glorious day (weather wise) and we got home, on 6/22/19, in the early evening and still had over four hours of sunlight left to enjoy.  So we sat out back, watching the dog run around the yard, and enjoyed the long day.  My gratitude is for these long Spring Solstice Days.  I know the days are only going to get shorter now, but I am going to enjoy them for as long as I can.

Since I was off of work on the 172nd day of 2019, I was sure I would be on time for my umpiring assignment on 6/21/19.  And I umpired with three dear neighbors and friends in a "4-man" squad.  I love working with my fellow(and whatever the feminine gendered term would be - help?)  And as I turn in tonight, a little sore after a 3-hours, 5.5 inning game, I am grateful for being a Little League umpire.  It's for the children.

Although there was apocalyptic rain at 3PM on the 171st day of 2019, we found ourselves, after work on 6/20/19, on the turf fields of Penn Park (they hold up in the rain!), under a sunny sky, playing Summer Softball. And it was humid, I got a little dehydrated (thanks to a kind teammate for a new water bottle, I brought too little and it was not cold enough, lesson learned!), and we lost both games.  But I had fun and it was good to see teammates (old a new) and continue a tradition of playing Summer Softball at Penn (I think it is 30+ years!)  So, tonight, I am grateful for the Home RNs (yes, I still play with the Nursing School Team) and I look forward to more games this season and in seasons to come.

Since the 170th day of 2019 was an early dismissal for my kids, on 6/19/19, Alexa went to a friend's house to hang out and be in their pool.  But no lunch was served in school today, so they were hungry.  Thanks to online ordering and an app, I was able to send her pizza and other snacks.  Why is this good for me?  Because, when she came, she brought leftovers (not just for Monday's theme anymore).  So, tonight, I am grateful for cold pizza which I may have for breakfast tomorrow!

The 169th day of 2019 was a typical late-Spring weekday.  Rushed home from work to make it to the Little League Snack Stand and watched the two Oaklyn Coach Pitch teams battle into extra innings.  And, after the game on 6/18/19, I drove Anna and her friends (who were helping me in the Stand) home.  But, before she got into my van, Anna marveled at, and then caught, one of the many fireflies which appeared in the Spring dusk.  I love the excitement that the first fireflies of the season can inspire.  So, we then blasted the Owl City song on the way to drop off her friends.  Tonight I am grateful for fireflies and all of the joy they inspired tonight.  I am also grateful for the song, so I include the link here (a rare 2019 Song of the Day!).  I hope you all found things from which you gleaned inspiration and joy today.  Maybe they were fireflies as well! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4

6/17/19 was a pretty good day.  Started off with a trip to the chiropractor, good day at work, and then the evening's plan 1 and plan 2 were rained out, so I could go to plan 3.  And, on the 168th day of 2019, I had leftovers for lunch AND dinner.  Maybe you are wondering why I am happy about that.  But I am happy (and grateful) for leftovers tonight because lunch was an amazing reprise of Sarah's lasagna from last night and dinner was really tasty Chinese food, warmed up.  Good meals, made quickly and the price was right too.  Sometimes leftovers really hit the spot.

6/16/2019 is Father's Day.  And I spent the 166th day of 2019 doing things with my family.  Church, clothes shopping (I did need new (and smaller, thank goodness) clothes), naps, Disney Movies on TV, a GREAT dinner (mmmm lasagna by Sarah), and then more catching up on TV with the family.  I am so blessed that, on 4/2/2002, I was made a father.  Being a father has pretty much defined me since that day.  I am so grateful for being a father, as well as being thankful for those who have advised me and taught me and have helped me become a better father.  This, of course, includes my fathers and grandfathers, who have been shining examples to me, but also for all of those other people in my life who have been models and mentors, my mom, other relatives, my wife, friends, etc.  So, to all who have been in my life in regard to my parenting, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!  (and thank you!)

The 166th day was a relaxing Saturday.  Pretty much did nothing in the morning.  And then we had a Graduation Party (for a softball teammate of Alexa's, the daughter of her longtime coach).  After that, on 6/15/19, we went to the Oaklyn Little League Social and had a nice evening out with our friends, other LL parents.  It made me think about how much the LL parents create a community of friends, supporters, and coaches.  I am eternally grateful for our Little League Family.  From Oaklyn, to Collingswood to Merchantville (go Mustangs in the Playoffs this coming week) and beyond.  As our time with kids in Little League is coming to an end, I look forward to staying connected through the Snack Stand, umpiring, and as a fan.  PLAY BALL!

So in the evening of the 165th day of 2019, we decided to go to another Friday evening family movie.  Well, kind of family, Alexa had a dinner with friends, so it was the three remaining Sherrs and a neighbor from around the corner.  And, on 6/14/19, we saw The Secret Life of Pets 2.  I didn't hate it, but I did sleep through 1/3 of it (and we even went to an earlier show (9:15).  But the others enjoyed it and, because we were there, I could not watch the Phillies blow a 4-run 8th inning to lose to the rival Braves.  So, that is where my gratitude lies tonight, grateful for missing the Phillies' collapse.  I mean, I am not happy it happened, but I am glad I couldn't watch it.  YUCK!

6/13/19 is the birthday of two of my dearest friends.  One from my childhood, one of my first best friends, and one from current times (daughters are friends, softball, PTA, fun Oaklyn stuff, etc.  So, on the 164th day of 2019, I am thankful for my best friends born today.  6/13 is a great day in each year!

At the end of the workday on 6/12/19, I had a bit of a conundrum.  I lost track of time in my last meeting of the day.  So I was heading home 35 minutes late AND I had only 25 minutes to walk to my garage (you know I do not walk fast) and drive to the snack stand (through the traffic in U City which has been terrible lately (is every area of the city under construction?)  I was supposed to get their by 6PM so my opener could leave for a dinner she had with family.  So, as to not ruin my evening of the 163rd day of 2019, I called Anna and she and her two classmates (who were studying for finals) headed over to hold down the fort until I finally could get there (6:20).  SO, tonight, I am grateful for helpful 9th graders.  They saved me tonight.

I rushed home from work on the 162nd day of 2019 and rushed to the OLL Snack Stand.  That is because 6/11/19 was the birthday of a neighborhood child and, since she was four, we have been taking a picture at the stand of her enjoying her birthday funnel cake with vanilla icing.  I am not sure how it started, but 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - 7 years of pictures have been fun.  I actually look forward to 6/11 every year, and this year was no exception.  So tonight I am grateful for Birthday Traditions and I cannot wait for the picture when she is 30 and I am 70!

The 161st (oooo, another palindrome) day of 2019 was a Monday back after a really nice (and long) weekend.  And although I was dragging in the morning, I rapidly was put in a good mood by my colleagues.  You know why?  Because, through many of my meetings today, they made me smile and made me laugh.  We were both productive and had humor in our meetings and that made the Monday blahs (what a grey, wet day) bearable.  So, for tonight, my gratitude is for colleagues who make me laugh.  They makes the workday go by faster.

The 160th day of 2019 was a VERY musical day.  Started off at Church, Pentecost AND Choir Appreciation Sunday (last Sunday of Choir until the Fall AND last Sunday for our amazing organist Beth Manus).  We were able to attend because our next musical event, Alexa and Anna's Piano Recital, was moved to 12:45PM.  We rushed there after the Anthem and heard some amazing playing from all of the kids sharing their musical gifts.  And then it was off to the Collingswood Sings Community performance of Fauré's Requiem.  The performance was wonderful.  Then dinner and some family time including the re-watching the videos of the prior events.  So, on 6/9/19, I am going to pick a familiar theme for my attitude of gratitude: MUSIC!  I am so grateful for music and being able to perform music and for my kids who love music and love performing.  For our parents who instilled a love of music and performing music in both Sarah and me and for THEIR parents who i...

On the 159th day of 2019, Oaklyn Little League hosted the District 13 Coach Pitch Softball tournament.  Six games in eight hours on 6/8/19!  And I spent most of that in the Snack Stand, with my wonderful co-volunteers, serving the players and their family members (and friends).  And I, more tired that usual, a little dehydrated, am heading to bed early filled with gratitude that we hosted the LL Coach Pitch Tournament..  Thankful for being able to host.

Aaron A. Bechtel was born on 6/7/1908.  It was the 159th day of 1908 but we commemorated the 111th anniversary of his birth on the 158th day of 2019.  My maternal grandfather provided me with a major model of how one should live one's life.  From how to love to how to question to how to enjoy oneself, to even how to eat.  On 6/7/2019, there is nothing I am more grateful for than my maternal grandfather.

I was wary of the group activity (scavenger hunt) that was planned for today.  But, I have to admit, on 6/6/19, I had fun in our activity.  I was nervous that the 157th day of 2019 would be difficult at work, but, guess what, I had fun at work.  So that is what I am grateful for tonight, having fun at work!  Team red was robbed, no idea where we placed, but it was not in the top 3.  But we had fun nonetheless.

Last night was a proud night for us.  And, on the 156th day of 2019 I could not help but think back on the last few weeks.  It's been the awards circuit for CHS, first Academics, then Arts Awards, and then the Athletic Banquet.  And each time, both of my kids were honored.  So, on 6/5/2019, I am grateful that my kids attend a high school that encourages and recognizes excellence in the three A's (Academics/Arts/Athletics) and I am proud of my Triple Threat (AAA) Daughters, the three-sport-playing, artistic, academically excellent kids.

June 4th 1966 was a watershed day in my life.  No, I was not yet born, but on that 155th day of 1966, Bonnie and David Sherr professed their everlasting love for each other.  And, so, on the 155th day of 2019, they are celebrating 53 years of marriage.  And, on 6/4/19, I made sure they knew how inspiring their relationship is to me and how they are the model for the way I live my life (in my relationships and otherwise).  So, tonight, I am grateful for my Parents' Marriage - 53 years strong!  May they have many. many more and may their model of a relationship that is filled with love, equality, acceptance of and respect for all, and, yes, hard work continue to be a model that I follow in my own life. <3

On the 154th day of 2019, I once again sat in the audience and was marveled at the wonderful accomplishments of the students of Collingswood HS.  6/3/19 was the evening of the Arts Awards and Alexa and Anna both won Achievement Awards in Chorus.  I was amazed, however, once again at the sheer number of arts departments in the HS.  In addition to traditional Art, and Band, and Orchestra, and Choir, CHS also has TV and Music Production and Technical Arts and Theater and Foods/Life Skills.  It's a small school, CHS is, but it offers so much to its students.  So this evening, my gratitude is for The Arts in CHS and all of the wonderful teachers that create opportunities for students to shine and for success!

The 153rd day of 2019 was both Ascension Sunday and Confirmation Sunday at Old First.  And, on 6/2/2019, for the fourth time, I introduced my Confirmation mentee to the congregation.  I am so thankful that I have been chosen for times to help a young person discover their faith and to encourage them to ask questions (even questions I cannot answer myself).  I feel blessed that, each time, the young person has chosen to be confirmed and to join the church.  So, tonight, my gratitude is for being a Confirmation Mentor to these young people.  Thank you Jackson, Warren, Josh, and today, Elijah.  Very proud of the journey we went on together and, as I said today, I look forward to sitting back soon and watching you become the future leaders of OFRUCC.

    It was 15 years ago that we welcomed our second child into the world.  And, on the 153rd day of 2019 (2004 was a Leap Year so it would have been Day #154 in 20040.  And on 6/1/19, she celebrated her birthday.  And my gratitude flows every day to my children, but, today, Anna Victoria Sherr  is the recipient of my conscious effort to keep my attitude of gratitude.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!