As parents, we try desperately to teach our kids the right things - eat your vegetables, don't play with matches, look both ways before crossing the street, and respect the officials at the game. Huh? respect the officials? Yes, in youth sports, we talk to the kids about respecting the officials. Over and over and over I've heard the coaches say "don't argue with the refs."
Flip the page to the NFL in 2012. They are using replacement officials and there has been a lot of frustration surrounding them - blown calls, not following some of the rules, etc. Teams are in an uproar because they feel they were "cheated" out of a victory. The most notable is the Green Bay Packers loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 24th on the last play of the game. After repeated reviewing by all of us, the official blew a call and it cost the Packers the game.
People are yelling - literally and via social media about "those terrible replacement officials." Some have used language that I won't repeat, others have ranted and still others have been just plain mean.
How then do we reconcile the mixed messages we send our kids? "Son, when you play sports, always respect the officials." With "When I watch the BIG game, I reserve the right to curse, berate, smear, and just plain hate the officials."
Let me offer some perspective.
Once upon a time, I was much more opinionated about my sports teams and the officiating at the games. I've been guilty of yelling (but not cursing) at officials for a bad call during a contest. It's not something I'm particularly proud of, but nevertheless it has happened.
Over the years, I've learned a thing or two from others and have changed my perspective on what officials bring to any sporting contest. The first thing I learned sometime ago from an article that pointed out at the end of a contest, the official goes home to his or her family. That article talked about the family members of the official sitting in the stands and being mortified as spectators used language for their loved one that no one would use on their dog! That article opened my eyes to their humanity and started to change the way I viewed officials at a contest.
The second thing I learned was from a coach that my older boys had. She has said for years, "If they didn't call it, it didn't happen." In other words, you can't change what the official did or didn't see so get over it. This taught me that the officials deserve respect, even when they are wrong.
A blown call is horribly frustrating. Ask Armondo Galarraga who lost a bid to have a perfect game for the Detroit Tigers in 2010 by a blown call from umpire Jim Joyce. Here's what the umpire said after the game, "It was the biggest call of my career," an emotional Joyce told reporters, "and I kicked it. I just cost that kid a perfect game." A perfect game is nearly impossible to complete and this one was taken by a human error.
As frustrated as he was, here's what Armondo said, "I feel terrible. I don't know why life works this way, but sometimes life just isn't fair for people. He's a good umpire."
Fast forward to August 2012. That same umpire with whatever names people wanted to call him in 2010 after the blown call, made the right call and literally saved a woman's life. From Yahoo Sports.com "Joyce, a 24-year veteran of the major leagues, used CPR to help save the life of a woman having a seizure. The woman, a game-day employee of the Arizona Diamondbacks named Jayne Powers, who joined the organization on its first day of existence in 1998, is said to be "doing well" Tuesday. But if Joyce had not stepped forward, who knows if she would have made it?"
I'm pretty confident that Jayne Powers is thankful that umpire Jim Joyce "made the right call" and didn't quit umpiring the day he made a mistake. If he had, maybe she wouldn't be here.
Officials make mistakes, but don't we all? Have you ever yelled at your kids when it wasn't their fault? Have you ever been speeding and didn't get a ticket? How about running a red light? The list goes on to infinity.
The tough part is that an official's job is magnified a thousand times by instant replay with cameras at almost every angle. The human official gets seconds (if that) to make a decision. The rest of us get to watch the play for as long and as slow as we want and then make our decision. How many of us could get all of the calls right with only seconds to watch the play and make a decision?
What are we going to do? Are we going to follow our own advice to the kids and respect the officials? Or are we going to curse, berate, and shout at "those blankety-blank officials until they see it our way?
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"I've wanted this all of my life"
As a family, we watch TV so infrequently, because there's very little that doesn't annoy us or assault our morality in one way or another. We have, however, been fairly faithful in watching "America's Got Talent" or AGT to those of us "in the know." It's a reality type show that's actually worth watching. The acts vary from really, really awful (think a guy getting kicked repeatedly in his private area) to amazing - a guy whose creates and plays instruments that can only be described by seeing them.
Week after week, the show works to eliminate some of the acts with the ultimate goal of having one act named the winner. Week after week we hear various reasons of why an act should be voted for. I'm not against any act saying that they are "the best" or "we've worked so hard," or "I want this so much." What I find somewhat annoying is a 14, 15, or 16 year old who says "I've wanted this all of my life. This means the world to me."
This is annoying because when they say "I've wanted this all of my life," 14-16 years isn't really long enough to develop a serious want for a majority of kids in this country. Up to this point, mommy and daddy have been providing 3 squares, some sheets, a blanket and a bunk, along with a wardrobe that would cover an entire village in the poorest of cities and countries. In other words, they lack nothing and haven't been without any of the basic necessities needed to survive.
Furthermore by the age of 16 most kids barely know who they are. Most of them are trying to fit in at school, keep the zit count down to 3 or less or figure out if their best friend from last week still likes them.
Finally, by this age, they haven't been on the planet long enough to develop a serious passion in order for something to "mean the world to me." Passion comes from a deep, deep longing that is really only discovered after several very high and/or low life experiences and definitely comes after they have figured out a few things about who they are.
To be fair, I'm sure they really want to win the contest, but to say "I've wanted this all of my life. This means the world to me" is simply naive, immature and annoying.
By all means, enjoy your performances kids, but go home, live life a little bit and discover what it really means when you say "I've wanted this all of my life. This means the world to me."
Week after week, the show works to eliminate some of the acts with the ultimate goal of having one act named the winner. Week after week we hear various reasons of why an act should be voted for. I'm not against any act saying that they are "the best" or "we've worked so hard," or "I want this so much." What I find somewhat annoying is a 14, 15, or 16 year old who says "I've wanted this all of my life. This means the world to me."
This is annoying because when they say "I've wanted this all of my life," 14-16 years isn't really long enough to develop a serious want for a majority of kids in this country. Up to this point, mommy and daddy have been providing 3 squares, some sheets, a blanket and a bunk, along with a wardrobe that would cover an entire village in the poorest of cities and countries. In other words, they lack nothing and haven't been without any of the basic necessities needed to survive.
Furthermore by the age of 16 most kids barely know who they are. Most of them are trying to fit in at school, keep the zit count down to 3 or less or figure out if their best friend from last week still likes them.
Finally, by this age, they haven't been on the planet long enough to develop a serious passion in order for something to "mean the world to me." Passion comes from a deep, deep longing that is really only discovered after several very high and/or low life experiences and definitely comes after they have figured out a few things about who they are.
To be fair, I'm sure they really want to win the contest, but to say "I've wanted this all of my life. This means the world to me" is simply naive, immature and annoying.
By all means, enjoy your performances kids, but go home, live life a little bit and discover what it really means when you say "I've wanted this all of my life. This means the world to me."
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Matt Man Epilogue
In most of the good shows on TV (there's really only 3), there's the "rest of the story" or an epilogue.
For our brave son, his epilogue involves winning the "tube game," going to Subway and then having some possible ongoing issues.
Yesterday (Monday the 9th), Matt went to see the doctor that did his surgery. He was pleased with the healing of Matt's incisions and gave Matt the "all clear" from a surgery standpoint. Matt was told he would be able to have his NG tube out and he pumped his fists with excitement. He is now officially "tubeless."
After the appointment, we headed to Subway to give Matt a chance to eat without any extra things in his way. He was happy to have the tube out and would likely have eaten just about anything.
His mood improved right away and the rest of the day was spent talking, singing, or eating without being annoyed by the tube.
As a result of the surgery, Matt came home with some equipment. He has oxygen and a "pulse-ox" or oximeter to measure his oxygen levels and his heart rate. Last night, we heard the alarm on the machine beeping several times. I investigated and discovered that his heart rate was dropping below the alarm setting of 50. Matt was awakened by the alarm so I'm not sure it was a concern, but we have called the cardiologist to see if we should do something more.
Stayed tuned (can you really be "tuned" to a blog?) for more riveting posts from the never dull, and always crazy Price clan.
For our brave son, his epilogue involves winning the "tube game," going to Subway and then having some possible ongoing issues.
Yesterday (Monday the 9th), Matt went to see the doctor that did his surgery. He was pleased with the healing of Matt's incisions and gave Matt the "all clear" from a surgery standpoint. Matt was told he would be able to have his NG tube out and he pumped his fists with excitement. He is now officially "tubeless."
After the appointment, we headed to Subway to give Matt a chance to eat without any extra things in his way. He was happy to have the tube out and would likely have eaten just about anything.
His mood improved right away and the rest of the day was spent talking, singing, or eating without being annoyed by the tube.
As a result of the surgery, Matt came home with some equipment. He has oxygen and a "pulse-ox" or oximeter to measure his oxygen levels and his heart rate. Last night, we heard the alarm on the machine beeping several times. I investigated and discovered that his heart rate was dropping below the alarm setting of 50. Matt was awakened by the alarm so I'm not sure it was a concern, but we have called the cardiologist to see if we should do something more.
Stayed tuned (can you really be "tuned" to a blog?) for more riveting posts from the never dull, and always crazy Price clan.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Matt Man IX
I wanted to title this post, "Matt Man The Final Chapter" but thought many might be concerned that something bad happened to him.
It is our day of freedom at last! We got out of the hospital, but not before a frustrating time getting a tube back in for feeding. He was not a happy camper during the procedure.
He's home now and obviously feeling better. He's playing air guitar as he listens to music.
I managed to get all of the vendors to come to our house (they had our neighbors address for some reason) and of course they showed up at the same time!
But now we are settling in and trying out our temporary "new normal." We have some of the hospital equipment here - suction, pulse oximeter, oxygen, and feeding supplies. Hopefully we can wean off of the feeding supplies as he eats more.
Thanks again for thoughts, prayers, visits, phone calls, and well wishes. It is greatly appreciated.
It is our day of freedom at last! We got out of the hospital, but not before a frustrating time getting a tube back in for feeding. He was not a happy camper during the procedure.
He's home now and obviously feeling better. He's playing air guitar as he listens to music.
I managed to get all of the vendors to come to our house (they had our neighbors address for some reason) and of course they showed up at the same time!
But now we are settling in and trying out our temporary "new normal." We have some of the hospital equipment here - suction, pulse oximeter, oxygen, and feeding supplies. Hopefully we can wean off of the feeding supplies as he eats more.
Thanks again for thoughts, prayers, visits, phone calls, and well wishes. It is greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Matt Man VIII
Happy 4th of July!
We are hoping for our freedom today! The plan is to go home today if we can get everything lined up. We need some supplies and equipment and hopefully they can be delivered on the holiday.
Matt had a pretty good night. He slept fairly well and his nurse was wise enough to know that some things don't need to be done any more - like vital signs every 2 hours - and just let him sleep.
Unfortunately at 5:30 a.m. Matt decided he didn't need his NG tube any more and pulled it out! Now we have to wait for speech to evaluate him again to see if he can eat by mouth otherwise he will need to have the tube placed again. Either way, I'm still pushing to go home. We can manage what he has now inside our own 4 walls.
Matt's had some great visitors that have boosted his spirits and encouraged me. Thanks to all who could come and to all who are here in spirit. When we have support like this, it makes the journey easier.
Update: we are not going home today. It's been a day of ups and downs. He had a shower and was up in a chair and ate some applesauce and pudding! And then we tried to have the NG tube replaced in the room, but that failed. We can not get the radiology team to assist with the NG placement so we have to stay one more day. :(
On a completely non-Matt related note - if you are a MN Wild fan, the next season looks very promising!! The Wild signed the two most prized free-agents on the market. That means the Wild WILL be competitive and the hockey will be exciting! As a great fan of hockey, this news got me excited on an otherwise frustrating day.
We are hoping for our freedom today! The plan is to go home today if we can get everything lined up. We need some supplies and equipment and hopefully they can be delivered on the holiday.
Matt had a pretty good night. He slept fairly well and his nurse was wise enough to know that some things don't need to be done any more - like vital signs every 2 hours - and just let him sleep.
Unfortunately at 5:30 a.m. Matt decided he didn't need his NG tube any more and pulled it out! Now we have to wait for speech to evaluate him again to see if he can eat by mouth otherwise he will need to have the tube placed again. Either way, I'm still pushing to go home. We can manage what he has now inside our own 4 walls.
Matt's had some great visitors that have boosted his spirits and encouraged me. Thanks to all who could come and to all who are here in spirit. When we have support like this, it makes the journey easier.
Update: we are not going home today. It's been a day of ups and downs. He had a shower and was up in a chair and ate some applesauce and pudding! And then we tried to have the NG tube replaced in the room, but that failed. We can not get the radiology team to assist with the NG placement so we have to stay one more day. :(
On a completely non-Matt related note - if you are a MN Wild fan, the next season looks very promising!! The Wild signed the two most prized free-agents on the market. That means the Wild WILL be competitive and the hockey will be exciting! As a great fan of hockey, this news got me excited on an otherwise frustrating day.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Matt Man VII
Tuesday morning. We 'slept' in a regular room last night. Let me add that 'sleep' is not quite the right word when you are in the hospital so let's change that to 'stayed in a regular room.'
The good news is that after a horrible day yesterday, he's doing much, much better. He had a good 4 hour nap late yesterday which was good for the move from ICU. After getting up here, he listened to some tunes on his iPod and then I had to force him to go to bed.
He's handling the junk in his throat a lot better. He's off of his oxygen for now. He's keeping his oxygen levels in a decent range without the O2 so that's also good. He's getting in and out of bed easily when directed.
He's also got his sense of humor back - in part due to some pain medication - but as the doctor said to Matt as he left the room, "If you are fist bumping, then I don't think you need to be in the hospital." :)
The plan for the day is to see speech again to see if he can swallow and ultimately eat by mouth instead of by tubes. If all goes well, the ENT doc thinks we could get out of here tomorrow!
I would love to have God's vision of all of this. I believe pretty strongly that when a number of people come together and pray for something that God moves. He's told us in the book of James that if we are in trouble, we should pray. I know a number of you have prayed. When you add up all of those prayers, God moves. Not that we manipulate God, because we can't, but it's like ALL of your children asking you for the same thing. You think about it more simply because of the number of requests. So thanks for praying, it's having an affect.
The good news is that after a horrible day yesterday, he's doing much, much better. He had a good 4 hour nap late yesterday which was good for the move from ICU. After getting up here, he listened to some tunes on his iPod and then I had to force him to go to bed.
He's handling the junk in his throat a lot better. He's off of his oxygen for now. He's keeping his oxygen levels in a decent range without the O2 so that's also good. He's getting in and out of bed easily when directed.
He's also got his sense of humor back - in part due to some pain medication - but as the doctor said to Matt as he left the room, "If you are fist bumping, then I don't think you need to be in the hospital." :)
The plan for the day is to see speech again to see if he can swallow and ultimately eat by mouth instead of by tubes. If all goes well, the ENT doc thinks we could get out of here tomorrow!
I would love to have God's vision of all of this. I believe pretty strongly that when a number of people come together and pray for something that God moves. He's told us in the book of James that if we are in trouble, we should pray. I know a number of you have prayed. When you add up all of those prayers, God moves. Not that we manipulate God, because we can't, but it's like ALL of your children asking you for the same thing. You think about it more simply because of the number of requests. So thanks for praying, it's having an affect.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Matt Man VI
Without being too gross, the overall battle for Matt is against secretions or junk in his throat. He can cough, but can't spit it out. He's too weak to get it out and it just sits there. Thus he needs some help via suctioning.
Monday has been a tough day. Matt has been keeping his sense of humor up until today. Today was his mental breaking point. He has cried several times and complains of pain or being tired.
It's been a frustrating day for Matt and for me too. Before I got here of the doctors removed a tube that made it easier to suction Matt. Matt was as mad as I've seen him when he was suctioned after that. His nurse agreed to replace the tube and that made a miserable experience a little better.
Speech came to evaluate his ability to swallow. He was upset and tired and didn't really do enough to give them an indication of whether or not he could eat by mouth. They will try again tomorrow.
The doctors were just here this evening (5pm) and we basically concluded that he will be in the hospital at least one more day. They had scheduled him to go to a regular floor earlier in the day so that's forward progress, but as of 5pm, that hasn't happened.
Monday has been a tough day. Matt has been keeping his sense of humor up until today. Today was his mental breaking point. He has cried several times and complains of pain or being tired.
It's been a frustrating day for Matt and for me too. Before I got here of the doctors removed a tube that made it easier to suction Matt. Matt was as mad as I've seen him when he was suctioned after that. His nurse agreed to replace the tube and that made a miserable experience a little better.
Speech came to evaluate his ability to swallow. He was upset and tired and didn't really do enough to give them an indication of whether or not he could eat by mouth. They will try again tomorrow.
The doctors were just here this evening (5pm) and we basically concluded that he will be in the hospital at least one more day. They had scheduled him to go to a regular floor earlier in the day so that's forward progress, but as of 5pm, that hasn't happened.
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