I only met Don Harris once, on Aug. 10. It was a chance encounter as my wife had arranged for Don's company to make a DVD copy of the videotape of my 25th high school reunion.
When Deb and I went to pick it up, I got much more than the new DVD. What I got from Don was a message about different points in my life.
You see, not only did I get my DVD but I got a taste of Don's passion for being one of the "older guys" still playing softball.
His eyes widened and his energy level soared as he explained how he is a large part of the Oro Valley teams in a league of players over 50 and a second one for players over 65.
His passion was contagious. I knew I had the same "softball player" in my blood as Don had. I promised to call him and find out when it was good to join in and resume my playing "career."
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I realized I had taken a hiatus from playing two times previously in my life. I played from Little League to age 25, then my profession of dentistry became my passion until age 39.
The playing bug came to life again from ages 39 to 44 but seemed to be permanently interrupted by our move from New York to Arizona.
Here I am 13 years later. This time being a dad had taken center stage in my life. But now once again, with one child in college and another in high school, the playing bug bit in the form of Don Harris.
Last week, Deb phoned Don to get some information on playing again. Tragically, the next game Don played after I met him was his last. Don passed just after batting practice on Aug. 17.
I guess Deb and I took the news of Don's passing as a sign that God sent to light our new path.
I got to play softball last Wednesday. It was the most fun I've had in a long time. I look forward to enjoying many more playing opportunities in the near future. I thank Don for that.
Enjoy the journey,
Bob
