Payback

The other day while I was on the golf course a man came up to us on the 4th hole and returned a club cover that was dropped by mistake. When I looked at him I realized that I recognized his face and I said “I know you from somewhere”. He then told me his name and I remembered that I had coached his son in hockey over 20 years ago. I told him my name and he said “Yes I do remember you” and then returned to his game. Later after we had finished and were sitting on the patio having a pop both he and his wife walked over to our table and he put out his hand to shake mine. He said” Of course we remember you that was the best year of hockey my son had and he says to this day that you were the best coach he ever had.” I thanked him of course and then asked about his son and how he was doing. We chatted for a bit and then they left. I had coached minor sports for over 20 years as a volunteer and when anybody asks me how I could have done it for so long I always refer to this type of encounter with a parent or a former player when you meet them in later years and they remember you, hopefully in favorable terms. I have been blessed to have been able to meet so many wonderful people and young players over the years and to know that you made some small impact on their lives is payback that is unequaled. My sons were the reason I got into coaching and thankfully I had a background in the sports that they played so I could participate and teach with some success. One of the players I coached when he was a boy grew up to be a fine young man and he was also one of my best students. Later he stepped in to help me one year when I did not have a very strong coaching staff. He knew I was having a difficult time and without a request he showed up one night and provided much needed support for the rest of the season. Eventually I had the honour of being the emcee at his wedding reception. He will always be s special friend to me. Another young man this past year searched me out to see how I was doing and also indicated he had enjoyed the years he had played on my teams. This type of recognition is worth more than awards, trophies and championships and I am humbled by the appreciation every time it occurs. This is the ultimate payback for the time I invested in volunteer coaching but it is not the only positive I garnered over the years. The challenge of keeping up with these young boys and then men when it came to wit and banter was immense. I would suggest that I never aged over those years and my family will tell you today that there is still some question as to whether I ever did grow up. And you know what? I hope I never do.