March 26, 2020. Today begins how the last ended, a vicious cycle, an infinite roller coaster loop, immersed with CNN, The New York Times, Dr. Fauci, President Trump, and Gov. Cuomo. I’ve been relegated to different ways of entertaining myself, how I used to; how life once was, a life that will never be – again.
:::FLASHBACK::: March 26, 2020.
Personally I was coming off a high of Officiating in the New York State Federation Tournament, and rife with enthusiasm of the weather breaking with Flag Football, Lacrosse, and Baseball.
Back to today, the present – we have the gift of looking back, of the things that we went through. Lord knows that you, everyone you know, the whole world, universally, is going through some sh*t.
“Damn, here we go again
People talking’ sh*t, but when the sh*t hit the fan
Everything I’m not, made me everything I am.” – Kanye West
Thank God for Social Media. Just a month ago before this all this burden was in front of us, it was a major part of our day like sunshine. As the the bright days are ahead, the new world Social Distancing is apart, at least we get a chance to stay connected when it’s required that we stay apart.
And so, it’s a time to reflect; on the good, the bad, and the ugly. There’s beauty in the struggle; there’s meaning in the solace; there’s togetherness in the isolation.
Reflection.
In terms of officiating, I reflect on the season that abruptly came to pass. I was in the midst of finishing, the beginning of the end of the season, the best part; when a Black Swan came along and took it all away. At first, it was easy to think bout your own personal plight in lieu of COVID-19 – I was robbed of assignments, robbed of a Baseball | Lax | Flag Football Season, and deprived of my love –
OFFICIATING SPORTS.
Yet, I find solace in using this time wisely; for one creating art, better art – I don’t mean to speak in hyperbole, yet the best art I can create. I’ve thrown myself in publishing and shipping new Podcasts of #therant to keep things moving. It’s a good time to find out what officials are doing, and what the’ve learned about themselves in a time we are absence of the sporting industry as a whole, world wide.
I’ve got an Apple Pencil digitally gliding through an iPad, learning painstakingly how to write Left Handed, and foundations of writing. And with reffing, although it’s taken a backseat, all my art, my time is consumed with thinking when I can get back on the field, back on the court, I reflect on the good times that I just had with all my fellow officials that commiserate with my pain.
I urge everyone, even when things get normal, to reflect on your experiences, especially with officiating – with reflection, we can learn patience, reflect on our mistakes and our breakthroughs, and cherish them as all an experience that make up who you are.
One day, this whole situation will also be a memory, one where we can remember as a moment of time, that we can draw as a positive experience of resolve, overcoming adversity, and endurance.
I reflect on the times that once was, and look ahead to the good times ahead.
“Yeah, come on and let the good times roll
We’re gonna stay here til’ we soothe our souls
If it take all night long” – Sam Cooke
Until Tomorrow:
