"Confirmation"

I've been off the running scene with the idea that a break will do me good. I have come to realize that I'm not really the runner that I used to be; in terms of my ability to race. I decided to stay away from racing for the moment. Also, the running fraternity and among them, a few runners that I've come to know, have revealed themselves to display personality traits varying from immature, subversive, and furtive, to plain diplomatic. Some have shown outright animosity and aggression. It is something that not only appalled and shocked me, but also left me saddened.

And so it was welcome relief from the pangs of longing to run and being unable when Bryan told me yesterday that I have to visit our church along with him, for mass. He has been going thru' intense catechism in preparation for his sacrament of "Confirmation". The church periodically wants that he should be present for a special mass along with a parent. And so I was delighted to accompany him to church. The 'community hall' was abuzz with teenagers greeting each other excitedly before mass. The parents all hovering around with benevolent smiles on their faces. Even as the priest delivered a homily on the 'Apostle' Creed', I retraced my reverie and thought of the years that have gone by. I recalled right from paying his fees at playschool and taking him to Goa on my lap by air as a three year old, right thru' to the years of teaching him studies and football and taking him on vacations. How he' grown now! I thought of my own father and Paul Anka' words came to mind from the song of yesteryear.

Ev'ry day my Papa would work to help to make ends meet,
To see that we would eat, keep those shoes upon my feet.

Ev'ry night my Papa would take and tuck me in my bed,
Kiss me on my head after all the pray'rs were said.

Growing up with him was easy, time just flew on by,
The years began to fly, he aged and so did I.