Robert

When I first met you, I was 7.

A late starter, I never quite knew what was going on. You wanted perfection, and I was lost.

At 7, you scared the hell out of me. I wasn't allowed to say hell, thus I didn't think of it. So I suppose at 7 you just REALLY scared me.

When I was 9 I was still confused. Slightly less lost, burdened with more responsibilty my lack of knowladge became apparent. I don't think you ever knew what to do with me. A moment of talent and then a blundering mistake.

You said you'd loan me a T if I'd practice batting. I said I probably wouldn't. You laughed and said at least the kid is honest.

At 9 you made me cry. A lot.

When I was 12 we found out I was compatent with a catchers mit. I used yours, it was too big, so when your daughter threw the ball it bent my fingers back.

They snapped. You knew it. You knew they were broken and so did I.

You also knew that I could finaly prove myself, you called time, came out with a weightlifting glove, shoved it over my batters, and didn't make fun of me crying and wincing. Natile won't admit it, but we were equals then.

At 12 I was scared, crying, and intemidated.

And you were done. Politcs took over and you didn't want to deal with it.

Last year you told me I shouldn't even bother trying if I was going to do it so badly. I laughed and said I knew, but I wondered where you got off telling me that. I tried to do it your way....I don't know if it helped.

I used to time my batting to get done before 4, becuase you got off work at 3:45 and would be there JUST in time to see me, and I knew I couldn't hit if you watched.

At 14 you made me so mad I refused to give up.

This year you have yet take me asside and tell me I'm awful. i've caught every ball you've hit and even did the stupid back hand thing you hate so much but admit is necessary.

Tonight you hit me, I laughed again and said child abuse.

"Yeah it is" you say, but for once I'm not afraid, I didn't cry, I didn't want to run away and be intemidated....

I dunno. You are a weird guy Bob.