our minds create pictures of moments that we can cherish the rest of our days, or perhaps soften the blow of our final moments as we are standing between our flag and bitter enemies, being hurled towards a tree, or simply fading to black.

this is the month we lost Bill Pope and his son and Bryce a year ago. you can read about that, here: taken aback by Bill Pope/

I often wonder what Bill’s final moments were like, the last thought, the image in his mind. I suspect he was calmly sorting through options that would navigate he and the boys to safety, and determined to realize Jane’s arms. by the way, Jane, if you are reading this, I only bring all of it up again because none of us can or should forget Bill and the man he will always be the standard for, and Bryce and his great potential.

the last few weeks were tough on my own family with Haley Anne suffering so much. it’s been a tough year. but, the recent events were, if naught else, perspective building.

emerging from all of this is a continued appreciation for the moments, great and small alike, that are making my own life so very rich.

monday night I was watching Stargate Universe (I don’t need any rude comments or jibing. at least I admit that I watch it – oh, and Battlestar Gallactica, as well). it was past her bed time but Haley Anne, still sore and restless could not sleep. so, she groggily made her way into the family room, muttered something about needing Daddy, drew up a large pillow and put her head up against my chest so I could stroke her hair for awhile. within moments she was purring and asleep. no ferocious tiger, just my silly little kitten.

that was a great hour. just me and Haley Anne. she was safe, relaxed and sleeping deeply.

last night at my U10 Shockers soccer practice I had a small turn-out. tuesdays are “extra” practice for the little ones.

this gave me an option to work very closely with the team and I decided to try and work on some fairly advanced “give-and-go” drills.

“think simple about giving the ball to a teammate and then running up pitch and calling for them to pass it back. give-and-go, give-and-go.”

to both my astonishment and delight, and that of one of the more experienced mothers, we pulled it off. the girls knew thay’d done well, and we all felt great about practice.

so, seeing my keeper roll the ball to an outlet player that deftly passed the ball to my little Emma Jo who then set up the “go-pass” was inspiring and deeply satisfying – both as a coach, and a Dad.

dammit Bill… I genuinely miss you. and, I know you would have listened to my stories at Starbucks and enjoyed them as much as I relished relaying them.

peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.

brian patrick cork