My neighborhood is made up of a great group of people. The adults all seem to remember what it is to have been kids. And, that makes it great to be a kid on the cul de sac on Madera Lane. Sadly, we're losing the sweetest family we have. Brian and Kim Long are taking their three wonderful kids away from us this weekend. It seems his company thinks the Longs are more needed in Virginia.
Of course, Brian's company could never know how much we all have come to love his wife's smile, his son Brice's mischief, son Brennan's quirkiness and Brandtley's movie-star cuteness. No realtor could simply replace the Long Family. That's for sure.
We had our last great hurrah this July 4th before we see the Longs drive away for the last time. It was raucous; and it was bitter-sweet. I was allowed to say our last prayer. And, in it, I asked for their safe travel. And, I thanked the Lord that my family's journey was allowed to intersect with theirs, if only for a short time. I know my other neighbors feel the same.
The 4th of July this year is a time to celebrate our blessings as Americans. We live in the greatest democratic republic that the world has ever seen. And, despite the left's best efforts to thwart our president, our economy and our security, our system and our brave and proud people continue to present the world an example of the freedoms that all men should enjoy.
Also, my family can sit back and reflect on another baseball season. The Beaumont Gladiators were outfitted with half a roster of players, and half a roster who expected the other half to deliver the day. Our coach did everything he knew to develop the players.
Morgan Walker was a fine coach, in that he extended respect to players who gave effort. And, he extended opportunities to improve to players who were simply over-matched at this level. We were a .500 team. But, I don't lay any part of the blame at Morgan Walker's feet. From my perspective, when Walker realized that our team was out of its depth, he dedicated the season to the development of the players, with little regard for win-percentage. Most coaches' egos will not allow them to make decisions on that basis. My son learned from a player with professional experience, and a coach who extended him more respect than any coach ever had before. Walker was both.
John is now working out with the Beaumont Westbrook football team, doing summer workouts. It's tough. But, he can see already that he's above average among incoming freshmen.
