Leftovers

As I munch on the last leftover turkey sandwich wishing I had some of that homemade pan gravy which survived Thanksgiving Day but not Thanksgiving Night, these are the things I’m thankful for these days.

Whoever said, and it may be more than one person, “Without health, you are nothing,” was right of course.

Another friend of mine passed away last week. He was one year younger than me. I have lost so many friends over the years on Saipan, many of them my age or even younger. For that reason, I treat each day as precious endeavor to spread joy, happiness and goodwill, knowing too well that our time on the planet is finite, too short really but then, who are we to complain about that?

I am thankful just to be able to write this with a clear mind and strong body, well, except for lower back, left knee and right shoulder. But those things are minor, temporary pains that serve to remind me how alive I really am. It actually feels good to be a little bit hurt!

Masters basketball will start up soon but as tempted as I am to get back on the hard court, I will resist temptation, knowing that I would be good to go for one game, score six points and then probably end up on the disabled list. I tip my cap to all those guys in their 50’s who can still get up and down the court. That’s why—I’ll throw it out there—I admire Ray McDuff!

With benign weather, world-class lagoon and interesting topography, Saipan is truly paradise for fitness buffs who regularly gather outdoors to run here, bike there and swim somewhere. Seeing people like Wolf Mojica, Fred Camacho, Joshua Berger and the barefooted Chang Jang hold back the arms of life’s ticking clock is truly inspirational. Like Jim Valvano said, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”

No, I haven’t given up, just slowed down. Winning isn’t as important as it used to be, except for my fantasy teams and Florida football.

Over the years, I have acquired a greater appreciation for those who volunteer their time to make life a little more enjoyable for our island youth.

Little league is one of the island’s strongest programs year after year, simply because of its continuity, adult volunteers and sponsors. To me, playing little league baseball is an essential vitamin for boys 9-12.

The soccer festival a couple of weeks ago had almost as many adults as kids. I think the sport has successfully taken root here and as long as adults give boys and girls an opportunity to play, they will.

Youth basketball, it seems to me, could be stronger but for some reason doesn’t attract as many qualified coaches as baseball and soccer here. True, people like Elias Rangamar, Jesse Tudela, Joe Diaz and Joe Tumaquip deserve medals for their extra hours teaching the game to Saipan teenagers. They often coach multiple teams simply because there are so many youngsters who want to play.

Saipan is a good place for a kid to grow up if the boy or girl takes advantage of all the outdoor opportunities. And I’m not talking about barbecues.