The cat's in the cradle

Michael and I are going to the Reds game tonight. We used to go quite often when he was younger, but haven't been in a long time because he started going to games with his friends once he learned to drive. We used to have a tradition where we stopped for White Castles and ate them in the car on the way to the game. That won't be the case today because our tickets include a free buffet and drinks (how times have changed for the Meyer boys!). I didn't realize how much I have missed taking my son to ball games until I noticed how eager I am for tonight's game. Michael and I have many fond memories of being at the ball park together. First, when he was really young we enjoyed some of the last games in old Riverfront Stadium. Then we attended the first ever game in Great American Ballpark (the exhibition game before Opening Day later that week). We saw Jay Bruce's major league debut. There was the time we went to a game when it was literally 100 degrees and I was just a few days removed from a certain elective surgery (let's just say walking was a challenge for me). You haven't lived until you go to a Reds game in 100 degree heat with a bag of ice down the front of your pants! I know it sounds crazy, but I just couldn't cancel our outing. He was so excited for the game. I must admit I was a bit miffed when Michael announced he was ready to leave after the 2nd inning. He had attained all the snacks he was looking forward to and as far as he was concerned the day was complete. I refused to leave after gingerly walking to the stadium from the parking garage mere minutes earlier. However, his attention span was short and we left after the 4th inning. It was worth all the pain! We attended many other games where we sat side by side as I would try to explain baseball's finer points and the nuances of the game. Michael would ask if he could have a Sno-Cone. There are many more times we had at the ballpark that have sadly faded from my memory, but I remember enough to last my lifetime. I am so thankful for these times I spent with my son. It would have been so easy to put off going to a game "another time". Too many times "another time" turns into never. Michael is 21 now, but we can still enjoy those father/son times. The topics of conversation will be more mature and we'll be sitting in better seats. And hopefully we stay past the 4th inning :-)

It's times like this I remember Harry Chapin's song, "The Cat's in the Cradle". Take a few moments to read these lyrics. They'll hit you right in the heart!

I can't wait for tonight's game!

The Cat's in the Cradle
By Harry Chapin

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and there were bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talking 'fore I knew it and as he grew
He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad
You know, I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when
We'll get together then, son, you know we'll have a good time then"

When my son turned ten just the other day
Said, "Thanks for the ball, dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today
I got a lot to do" he said, "That's okay"

And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
Said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know, I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, dad?" "I don't know when
We'll get together then, son, you know we'll have a good time then"

Well, he came from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and he said with a smile

"What I'd really like, dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later
Can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when
But we'll get together then, dad, We're gonna have a good time then"

Well, I've long since retired and my son's moved away
Called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, dad, if I could find the time"

"You see, my new job's a hassle and the kid's with the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

Yeah, and the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
"When you coming home, son?" "I don't know when
But we'll get together then, dad, we're gonna have a good time then"