“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting” 
― Andy Warhol

Anticipating an event can be bothersome at times. For me, waiting in anticipation for anything can be a time full of nerves. Most of the time, I have been waiting with mixed emotions for something to start, and when it does, I almost always enjoy it.

Sports are a huge passion of mine, and something that I take very seriously. Once a sports season finishes, it seems like a millennium before the next one begins. Before the new one starts, I feel compelled to pick up a stick, and start practicing for it. Instantly, the joy I receive from sports comes back to me. That joy is fuel and inspiration to start preparing for the upcoming season.

Of course, sports are not my only passion. I have many more passions in my life like; reading, sometimes writing, and spending time with family and friends. But in life, however; there are some things that we are uncomfortable with, and these can be events we do not look forward to. Sometimes these events are nerve-racking, and we must push ourselves to try them.

For me, I did not enjoy leaving my home for a long time, and not being able to see my family for a while. I hardly ever did sleepovers with friends at their homes, because I would get homesick. When I was nine, my brother and I decided we wanted to go to sleepaway camp. My parents looked into possible camps for us, and decided they would send us to a camp in Maine. They warned me that I did not have to go, saying that I could get homesick, and I should really think this decision through. I insisted that I would be fine. In the end I decided to go for half session, which was three and a half weeks long. They signed us up, and we were all set for the summer. 

There were times where I knew I would love the camp, and others times where I begged and pleaded my parents not to send me. They had already paid the money for it; there was no option.

Before I was sent off to camp with my brother Jake, my mom told me to go into camp with a good attitude, and said I could always come home if I was too homesick. She told me to at least give it a try. That is exactly what I did, and her advice paid off. I ended up having the greatest time of my life, and I have been going to that very same camp every summer since.

If there is one thing to take away from my experience, it would be to take risks, and to go into situations with a positive attitude. 

There is always a chance you will enjoy something, so give yourself the best chance to enjoy it.

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.
~Norman Cousins

Crisis's are inescapable in the journey of life. Fortunately, I have had a life free of much heartache, but I was crushed by this loss. 

Last winter my close friend's dad passed away.  I actually considered him to be one of my friend's, too. 'Coach John' was that guy whose presence made you burst into a smile, and instantly filled you with laughter and joy. He was full of fun, no matter the situation - he seemed to have it all in perspective.  'Coach John' was a true role model; someone you aspired to be like.  He was a wonderful friend, mentor, and family man. His death struck me and my entire community hard, and his loss is still a constant reminder to all of us to appreciate what we have because it could all be gone in an instant.  When I think of him, so many fond and funny memories come to mind, and I am left feeling sad and I still miss him. 

I was overwhelmed by the many emotions that I had never endured before, the emotions that were all jumbled together; confusion, anger, fear, depression, sadness and mourning. At no other point in my life had I felt more angered and more lost. Why? Why? There were no answers that provided me with comfort. 

Through this experience I have learned that nothing is more comforting to me than community.  John was a part of our community, and his lost was felt throughout it. We, as a community, have struggled and supported one another.

In times of difficulty, when you can not help yourself, you must turn to others for help.

Dear Son,

I want you to read The Odyssey. You simply can not be a man unless you decide to pick up this book, and read it. This book captures the finer beauties, crude nesses, victories, and failures in life. As your journey to becoming a man begins when you open and read The Odyssey, make sure you note the following information I say.

Your journey may be long, or short in its length. When I was your age, I had stuff to do too. As you venture through this book, you must remember to stop along the way, and take notice. Look for the themes, the action, the adventure, and death that takes place in this epic. Look for the writing; as it is powerful and will make you more intelligent. 

Son, you must pay attention to the war in troy, which started off the book. Don't forget the brute strength of Odysseus, and the reason the war was started; jealousy. Pay close attention to the Odysseus as he is on the island of Ogygia, where he is held captive by the nymph-goddess Calypso. Note Odysseus's heartache to get off the island, and return home to Ithaca and his family. Note the bravery of Telemachus, who ventures off in hopes of returning with news of and or finding his father, Odysseus. He did this knowing the dangers of leaving home. Do not forget the time Odysseus and his men found themselves trapped in the cave of the giant cyclops, Polyphemus. Pay close attention to the intelligence of Odysseus, which he uses to escape the cave.  Never, ever, forget the power of the gods, and the overarching theme of this book; divine intervention. Lastly, pay attention to the return of Odysseus to Ithaca, and the killing at the end of the book. You will enjoy this section of blood, gore, and gruesome fighting. (I will try not to give away any more information.)


Son, whether you enjoy reading or not, you will enjoy reading The Odyssey. You can not call yourself a man unless you read this book. Remember, "Do not cling to your boyhood any longer, it is time you were a man."