airtwardo 6 #1 September 8, 2005 Last night I cried... I'm looking at 50 coming at at me with light speed, but I lost it like a fucking 10 year old. As some here know, seven years ago we adopted three kids from Russia. I can say without reservation that it's the only true thing I've ever done or WILL ever do in my life that's really mattered. We're proud and amazed at all three kids...who they are, what they do, how they see things...It's wonderful. The youngest boy who is now 13 is an inspiration to everyone he meets. The kid just oozes charisma, and has touched my heart since first moment I layed eyes on him... He's one of those rare people you occationally meet that just has a glow about them, he's great at everything he does, not because he's a natural... But because he works as hard as it takes until he's the best he can be. I've never 'pushed' him toward anything, but help and support his efforts as best I can. His motivation and heart are without rival in my lifes experience. I look at the things he's done and how he does it with jealous admiration...I honestly wish I could be more like him when "I" grow up! At the start of the summer he decided he wanted to play football on the 8th grade team at school. He's a really 'little' guy! He's fast...but quite small for his age. I was of course concerned about injuries. I played Football for a big 10 school and STILL have aches & pains...and I'm 6'4", & 240lbs. when I played. We talked about it for a while and he convinced me, he bought himself a weight bench with his birthday money and worked out an hour a day ALL summer. We worked together in the Texas heat for hours at a time, I was teaching him the game, some of the moves and little 'tricks' I remembered from 'back in the day' so to speak. Well school started, and I'll be damned if he didn't make 1st string Full Back! The kid is 86 POUNDS!!! Last night was the first game... It's been a LONG time since I've been to a game that wasn't played by Pro's making millions, and was enjoying the excitement and fanfare that goes along with school events like this. My little guy is standing with all the other players near the bench prior to the game... It was almost comical! His helmet comes up to everyone else's shoulder pads. I'm looking at him with the trepadation only a concerned parent can have over something like this. I'm thinking to myself no matter WHAT happens when he gets knocked on his ass, as long as he's okay I couldn't be prouder of him for trying. Genuine concern like that, put some 'weird' thoughts on a loop within my minds eye... I remember the first time I hugged him in Russia, dropping him off the first time at school and the terror in his eyes that I couldn't ease. The tears in his eyes when he got that dirtbike for Christmas that he wanted sooooo bad, but knew it was to much to hope for. I'm kind of looking off in the distance thinking about these things sitting alone there in the stands. I'm brought back to the present as the announcer broadcasts the coin toss. Looking down at my son, I'm speechless when for no apparent reason, he turns around from the bench and looks directly at me, mouthing the words in exagerated fasion... "Thank You" That was enough to get me choked up! But I pulled it together enough to smile at him and give the old, 'thumbs up...' Thumbs up.... One of the hand signals he gives me shit about all the time. "It's NOT COOL" For some reason, for photos of the members of the demo team I jump with...it's become a tradition to all stand there with our Thumbs Up...I have literally hundreds of photos of myself and the guys standing together 'Thumbs Up'... Another hand signal the kids give Mom & I a hard time about, is the symbol in sign language for 'I love You'. Mom and I throw it to each other all the time in crowded places like airports, airshows, whenever we're to far away to whisper it to each other... The kids all laugh, roll their eyes and say it's 'Hokey' ANYWAY~ .......2nd play of my son's FIRST football game they call a play that has him running around the left side toward the flat as a receiver on an option pass. I know football... I can see what's about to happen and my whole body tightens up for the blindside hit that's about to cream my kid before he ever really gets to 'enjoy' the game. The ball hits him in the numbers, right between the 3 and the 9. My mouth is hanging open as I watch him.. Head back, knees churning, covering the ball with both arms, lowering a shoulder to give a hit not take one... Just like I showed him 100 times this summer. The collision knocks the other guy, 50 pounds heavier..into the next Zip Code! He runs another 20 yards before two other defenders bring him down. I'm jumping up and down, screaming like an idiot! Just like all those 'other' parents I use to think were over emotional crazies... As my little hero jumps up from the pile across the field from me...He takes a moment to find me in the stands... We made eye contact and I'm just Beaming... THAT'S when the little bugger GOT me! He points at me with his finger, and then shoots me the "I Love You" hand sign... Two heartbeats later I'm Balling like a fucking 10 year old... GOD I hope I can be more like him...When "I" grow up! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #2 September 8, 2005 Wow, a wonderful, WONDERFUL storySudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #3 September 8, 2005 I love your skydiving stories, but this one blows them all away. Thanks for sharing. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #4 September 8, 2005 Omg! That was one of the cutest things I have ever read!!! My favorite part.... QuoteI'm jumping up and down, screaming like an idiot! Just like all those 'other' parents I use to think were over emotional crazies... I don't have kids, but I have two nephews that I love as if they were my own, so I completely understand! Your son sounds like an amazing young man, and you sound like a terrific father!There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpchikk 0 #5 September 8, 2005 That is a beautiful story. I'm sitting here getting all teared up. It sounds like you've done a wonderful job at bringing up such a great kid. It almost gets me reconsidering the whole idea of having kids myself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riddler 0 #6 September 8, 2005 Great story, Twardo! Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YahooLV 0 #7 September 8, 2005 you da MAN! Kidsave organization? I've got friends here in Cali. that adopted through Kidsave! Thet're so wonderful! GO JIM!http://www.curtisglennphotography.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #8 September 8, 2005 My sons and I shot the "I love you" sign also. When my boys were younger and I dropped them off at school, I'd shot the sign to them as they were walking away. They in turn would try and hid the sign back to me. Fast forward, and now with pride both my boys will say "I love you" when ever they are leaving the house, or we are ending a phone conversation. One time my son was walking out the front door with a couple of male friends, as he's walking out, he says "I love you." I tell him, "I love you too." As the door is closing I hear one of my son's friends say, "Ugh, you say that out loud to your mom?" My son tells him, "Yup, don't you love your mom? I love my mom, and I will always let her know." That conversation left more then a tear in my eye.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chutem 0 #9 September 8, 2005 You have created a "bright" spot in my otherwise dull day. Thanks James Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
teamjenn1 0 #10 September 8, 2005 What a great story...excuse me while I go get a tissue...*********************************** "His dick is ringing!" Female Skydiver "Well...answer it!!!" Male Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brierebecca 0 #11 September 8, 2005 aw.....I'm all teary-eyed! What a great story! You must be an amazing dad, to give him so much of your time and love. "Ive seen you hump air, hump the floor of the plane, and hump legs. You now have a new nickname: "Black Humper of Death"--yardhippie Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2fat2fly 0 #12 September 8, 2005 OK, you struck me as a cool guy when I met you-now you've proved it--And going with "the proof's in the pudding" logic, you're a great dad also. Congrats to both of you.I am not the man. But the man knows my name...and he's worried Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #13 September 8, 2005 I'd wondered whether life could be better than my son's first year. After reading this post, it appears that it does!Thanks, Jim. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nickkk 0 #14 September 8, 2005 What a great story! Thanks for sharing What do you do when someone throws a big planet at you? Throw your pilot chute in defense! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
missg8tordivr 0 #15 September 8, 2005 Wonderful story!*** F LORIDA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haymangonzo 0 #16 September 8, 2005 I fucking hate you for getting my face wet! Awesome story, makes me feel good. Shit I even printed this out to show my SO. True love and caring is about the best kick possible in live. All the best to you,your wife and the kids. Cheers, Gonzo *** Nice to meet you toot! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
monkycndo 0 #17 September 8, 2005 I don't have any kids, but that had me reaching for a tissue. Thanks for the lift.50 donations so far. Give it a try. You know you want to spank it Jump an Infinity Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wishintobe 0 #18 September 8, 2005 Wow! Thanks for that touching story. Pass the tissues! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwampThing 0 #19 September 8, 2005 Quote Another hand signal the kids give Mom & I a hard time about, is the symbol in sign language for 'I love You'. Mom and I throw it to each other all the time in crowded places like airports, airshows, whenever we're to far away to whisper it to each other... The kids all laugh, roll their eyes and say it's 'Hokey' Quote Now that puts your sig line in a whole new light! Great Story! The Pessimist says: "It can't possibly get any worse!" The Optimist says: "Sure it can!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,171 #20 September 8, 2005 Awesome!!! Totally, totally awesome Sometimes your heart feels so full of happiness it wants to burst, doesn't it Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trae 1 #21 September 8, 2005 wow airtwardo, Good on you and yours, Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites markd_nscr986 0 #22 September 8, 2005 Marc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Michele 1 #23 September 8, 2005 Brilliant. 'Twardo, you rock. Thanks. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cocheese 0 #24 September 8, 2005 A big thumbs up to you guys. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bob.dino 0 #25 September 8, 2005 You've written a lot of good stuff in your time (cf. most of the Scary Stories from the Old Days thread), but this one takes the biscuit. Attaboy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
markd_nscr986 0 #22 September 8, 2005 Marc SCR 6046 SCS 3004 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #23 September 8, 2005 Brilliant. 'Twardo, you rock. Thanks. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #24 September 8, 2005 A big thumbs up to you guys. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob.dino 0 #25 September 8, 2005 You've written a lot of good stuff in your time (cf. most of the Scary Stories from the Old Days thread), but this one takes the biscuit. Attaboy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
