So the other day, I found myself on vacation wondering how I was going to spend the time with my sons. The morning was kind of touch and go given a few appointments that we had to go to, and then I had some things break in my home that required some immediate attention let’s say. So the plans for the afternoon were largely flushed in more ways than one.
So here late in the afternoon, I’m contemplating my options for the rest of the day as things were basically blown to hell in terms of the options I had in hand for that day. I have mentioned previously the quandary of where to spend my time for the upcoming vacation, basically first world problems right? So the typical pressure was building again as I am helping one of my contractors dig a hole outside as we were repairing something in 90+ degree heat…
And then I get a reminder text from a brother of mine – ‘So are you going tonight?’
And then it dawned on me that he had texted me over the prior weekend that Barcelona and AS Roma were coming to Dallas for a one night match. I had totally forgotten about it…
Then that text hits, and I immediately jump into ticket mode which I learned from a mentor of mine. He can get a ticket to any show or event, the day of, for less than he has any right for a cut price. Still learning this dark art of fortune at the moment…
So holy shit – this means I can take my sons to see Messi???
So I bounce onto some seats, get them for a great price, and I saunter back into the house after getting the hole dug and repairs well underway… I ask my boys if they would like to see Messi and crew tonight down at AT&T stadium…
My middle son did not even let me finish the question… so we were sold on this notion.
We then hit the local community pool for an hour, and my partner in crime informed me somewhere along the way that Messi and Suarez were not in play for the match due to their World Cup related sabbaticals. Oh well, still going to see a match.
Fast forward a few hours, and I find myself surrounded by 54,000 of my closest friends while watching Roma overtake Barca.
Somewhere in the mix, my buddy is texting me from his front row seat out in Minnesota as he was attending the other game here in the US at the same time. We were talking about the smiles and love I had on my side of the phone. And my buddy goes —- let’s see a post about — and then it broke up —- and I asked him to repeat himself…
He goes –
‘Put this in your blog, will ya. About how friends look out for eachother, and you’re welcome!’
And with that we agreed to catch up later.
I turned to my left, and I’ve got love. I turn to my right, I’ve got love. Surrounded by it on both sides. The loud lady in the row in front of me notwithstanding – I was surrounded by exactly the right people at the right time.
Smiles like I have not see in weeks on my boys’ faces. We are all enjoying the soccer match, as the quality of play is quite good, and the crowd vibe is like watching the Bruins in the old Garden during the playoffs. For those of you that know what Boston playoff hockey is like – that is what it was like for the second half of this soccer game.
What a way to truly kick off vacation!
Living in the moment, no pressure at all, and truly enjoying it as comes.
And as promised to one of my brothers – here’s to friends looking out for eachother, even if separated by thousands of miles. On top of it, I had no idea he was even reading this blog, so hopefully he sees this as a shout out for saving the day and jumpstarting the chill mode of this vacation.
It is very much needed.
Now it is time to hit that beach!