Time

In the most recent New York Times, I found an article, Next Test - Value of $125,000-a-Year Teachers - NYTimes.com (6 June 2009), talking about a special school. That's not my topic here, but I was inspired by the following quote to get back to my little ramblings.

Mr. Carbone, 44, spent four years as head strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He left for a quieter life in Spring Valley, N.Y., last year, after overhearing one of his three sons say, "I want to play basketball, but my dad hasn't taught me yet." read it here

I found this small tidbit of information so motivating. Imagine a great coach, full of success and passion for his sport and his field, never having brought that skill set into his home. This would be a sad cautionary tale, except he had the gall to change his high profile professional pursuits and had the courage to change in order to benefit his family. I find this remarkable and admirable.

It makes me wonder if sometimes we forget to teach our children our own basic talents. That the daily stuff of life takes over and exploring our professional capabilities with our children isn't priority. Perhaps for good reason -- children aren't interested, adults are full of it during the day, other lessons are more important...

When I say that my mother is an artist/professor or that my father makes pottery (this never suffices to explain my fathers professional skill set -- day trader, fixer-upper, engineer...), people often ask, "Oh, can you draw?" or "Oh, do you know how to throw on the wheel?"

No.

Was there an opportunity missed? Interest not shown? I'm not sure. But, I do feel that my wonderful parents did give me many other lessons. Eating together (not in front of TV). Taking walks together. Listening to each other. Taking part in family and home upkeep (caper charts!). Being a unit of support and knowing that others, your family, are there for you.

In the end, this isn't about learning to do what your parents do. It isn't about passing on skills of the older generation to the younger. It is all about time. That learning or "coaching" can be the impetus for being together.

I doubt the young Carbone boy has never played ball. I doubt that he really wants a lesson. But, I'll never doubt that he wants time with his dad and an activity to do together.