Earlier today, my boys were struggling.  You could tell that they were tired.  You could tell that they were having trouble expressing themselves.  You could tell their grumpiness.  You could tell that an explosion was about to take place.

Unfortunately, I had previously promised to take them to the gym, where I knew I had to face the likelihood of a full meltdown in public.  Promises however are promises, so we loaded into the car and I took my chances.  The plan was for me to run on the treadmill and the boys to play basketball in the gym.  The likelihood of a meltdown during those twenty to thirty minutes stood at close to 90%.

The boys, as usual, were much faster in the locker room than me.  This is probably due to the fact that my clothes are a lot larger, I am slower, and it’s understandable how no one really wants to be in their underwear around strangers.  So, the boys headed to the gym, after I gave them each a reminder / veiled threat / pep talk about keeping it together.  My speech reduced the risk of a meltdown by 5% at best.

Tying my shoes, I considered another option.  I could throw myself into the situation.  Give them some positive attention.  Help refocus them.  In some ways, give them a common enemy.  In other words, be a dad.

I marched into the gym.  Grabbed the basketball and announced that I would take them on.  Three against one.  Sons against their dad.  Sure I still have a significant height advantage, but I really cannot shoot to save my life, plus I am slow and middle aged.  It had the potential for a good game.

As we hustled around the court, sweating, laughing, enjoying each other, the realization dawned on me.  I had stumbled on a moment.  One of those moments that you tend to remember.  Not because it was planned.  Not because you did anything special.  You just happened to be present and let moment unfold around you.

I had found peace and prevented a meltdown.  It’s truly amazing how a few blocked shots and having a horrible shooting percentage from the floor can somehow turn around a day and make a memory that will cause smiles for many years to come.  Wonderful things are waiting to happen.  Wonderful things that come with being a dad.