Tony Price

Reflections of A Father



Posted: Tuesday, September 02, 2008

by Tony Price
The Darker Shade of Sports

Matthew 10:33 "Who ever denies me before men, I will also deny before my father who is in heaven"

The day has finally arrived the day my daughter finally left home for college,this time of the year thousands of young people are going through this same experience, but what make this case unique is that she's moving to the campus where I work. Not only will she be a student, but she will also play basketball, the sport her dad coaches, can you see the interesting dynamics that we both tried to avoid? I haven't coached her since she was 9 years old, but here we are facing a dilemma that is sure to be a challenge for both of us. I've already noticed how quickly she like her siblings at various times in the past is trying to distance herself from the connection to her dad. This is a very common occurrence for my children especially my sons, they want to prove that they got to where they are on their own merit and that I had nothing to do with it. The love of a father is critical for the development of young people and I know my children love me and I them even if the words are seldom spoken, and growing up the relationship between my father and I was vastly different than the ones I've developed with each of them. So I try to understand their perspective, however its perplexing at times to witness them make every effort to down play their association with their father.

My children have experienced some benefits as a direct result of being my child that others can only dream of, tickets to sporting events complete with locker room access, entrance into social functions, travel and the opportunity to attend one of the best private colleges in the country. My prayer is that one day they'll learn to appreciate the sacrifices endured to pave the way for them and the respect I've earned in doing so; took many years to achieve. This recent experience of helping my daughter move into her dorm room caused me to stop and reflect on the following, how many people are like my children when they experience blessings in their lives, get that opportunity they desired, the promotion at work or financial increase and yet try to distance themselves from the affiliation or connection to the "Heavenly Father". They place more emphasis on what others may think and crafting the perception of a self made person who made it by their own accord, through hard work , perseverance and talent with little or no assistance. I imagine at times God must feel like I do, proud to see his children mature, gain a sense of independence, enjoying the fruits of his labor and the burdens he bore only to have them do their best to keep their relationship with him private. As a parent it's my responsibility to provide for my children and I take that commitment seriously and if some perks come along with that, so be it. Hopefully as they continue to grow and develop into productive citizens and one day start families of their own they'll fully comprehend what it means to have a good name and how important the right associations are in opening doors for the next generation.

©2008 Tony Price Unlimited, LLC
Tony Price is the author of the book"An Unsung Coach, hears through the Noise of a Black Athlete's Dream" He is a Collegiate Athletics Administrator & Head Basketball Coach with over 20 plus years experience in athletics. He has traveled extensively as an athlete, coach, clinician and speaker to destinations that include Germany, Belgium, Iceland, Scotland, Canada, Bahamas, and the US. Many of Tony's articles are featured on various websites and newspapers across the country.

This Article has been viewed 183 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Michelle Mackin
 3 years 240 days ago.
95 fans.
Very encouraging and a nice article. What a joy it is to be able to be in school this time with your daughter.
 
God bless
» left by Tony Price 3 years 239 days ago.
22 fans.
 
Thank You Michelle, glad you enjoyed the article, this is definitely a special time for both of us
» left by Avis Ward
from SC 3 years 149 days ago.
Tony, this is very touching. It is a joy to see how proud you are to be not just your daughter's father, but a father-figure. Not every male is representative and can do a comparative of our Heavenly Father with their children. It's good to see you are desirous of making Him proud, too. I had a special bond with my dad and learned to enjoy baseball just to be with him. (fishing and hunting, too!) *smile* I took him to his first pro game, his fave team, The Dodgers. You have me reflecting on my dad. Great job, Tony. All the best to you and your daughter! 
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.