I love doing what I do. Especially when I come across something like this. Getting off the train, I walk across the parking lot and almost bump into a group of kids and an adult searching for a door into the facility…excited…wanting to get in. It’s not yet 5:30 and the Sixers/Bucks tips off at 7, so I figured we’d help each other out, pass the time and get some words to document their day at the Wachovia Center. This is the Dad in me. I get emotional looking at this picture. Mike Saunders…thanks for doing this. You made my day and also the day of the kids you teach as well. Mike is someone who is getting out there and doing things. He’s not talking about it. He is doing it and his is the example our children need to see…regardless of situation, color, race…all that. Thought it was so ironic to almost bump into the group. The kids didn’t have much to say. I could tell they were nervous but glad and appreciative to be interviewed nonetheless. The interview engraved a smile on my face the rest of the day and while handing Mike my card, I lose about 5 cards to what is a windy day. To see the kids running around trying to catch the stuff of a stranger confirmed what Mike said about his kids…that they are great. I give this to you to show and prove it’s not just about me. When I see sports, I see kids. The faces…the excitement…the joy. I don’t see scandals. I don’t see the soap opera, entertainment or even the grind of the season. I see the kid I once was. The most happiness I get from covering games is when Hip Hop…the Sixers mascot, the Sixers dancers and the Hair Raisers (acrobats) throw out T-shirts. I’m a sucker for how the kids respond and see mine in every one of their eyes. Hold your kids. Tell them you love them. They need to know. It helps them grow and makes life a little more tolerable even in the struggle. Be a soul model…please?
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