EmptyMessage board »Message Board home »Sign-in or register to get started
Online now: 2 members: Barney Rubble, Boom66; 12 anonymousDiscussion: Pace Electronics loses team mate
| Posted | Discussion |
| Sept. 9 Al33 Men's 55 183 posts | We recently lost our friend, team mate and family member Gary Lamb to a courageous battle with cancer. Most all of you don't know Gary. It really doesn't matter though, because Gary was part of the much bigger fraternity of "Senior Softball". As a tribute to Gary and to all of you who have lost fellow team mates, I'd like to share a thought written by one of our other team mates about Gary. Guys and Gals, many of you have already experienced this and many of you will in the future. We in the Senior Softball community must continue to cherish each other and the game we love so dearly. Please accept my apology if I have offended anyone for sharing this story. I think it's worth a few minutes of your time. Lamber, I told you we would get through this together and you said, "it ain't nothin but a thing". We knew the odds were not in our favor, but we were used to that and took on the challenge with confidence and determination. We were playing on their field, as the visitors and in the early innings it seemed that the calls could go either way. Only after a tireless and valiant effort, we lost in the final inning on what seemed to be an unfair and decisive call by the home plate umpire. In my frustration and anger, I charged the umpire to let him know how much pain and heartache he would cause with his final decision. When I did, he reminded me I should never lose sight of the fact that it's a priviledge and a gift to just be able to participate in the game. That if you put out every ounce of energy and leave it all on the field, that you are a winner no matter what the outcome. When I calmed down to think about it, I knew he was right and we would have to accept his decision because had the ultimate power, for he was the home plate umpire. Through it all, my only regret was not winning the flip, because if we were the home team, with the hammer, you could hit another one in the last inning to give us another victory. Even a few extra innings would've sufficed. We ran out of innings and in time the lights went out before you could get your last at bat. So until we play together again, as team mates, the rest of us will have to step up to the plate and try to fill the voids you have left in the lineup. This will take a total team effort for us to sustain and continue to be successful without you to clean things up. Your own personal battle will inspire us to stay focused, strive for perfection and throw a "number" at them that you would proud of. Even though it seemed "brutal", you never complained or whined about anything you were enduring. Your effort to overcome was relentless, dignified and courageous. Thankyou for allowing me into and sharing your life. It was an honor and a pleasure to have you as a friend, but more importantly as a team mate. So before "I resemble that remark", or embark on a "paragraph of useless nformation", in the days ahead when I'm saddened by your absence, I'll remember your quick witticisms, sense of humor and the many hours we spent together. For me you will never be out of the lineup, but rather just waiting in the on deck circle for your next at bat. God keep you as always. Your friend "Dawg". |
| Sept. 9 E4/E6 Men's 70 873 posts | Thank you for sharing. You have done great justice to a friends memory. My heart goes out to Garys family and friends. |
| Sept. 9 stick8 1992 posts | Amen to that AI33. I didn't know Gary but what that umpire said rings ever so true, It is a privilege and a gift to play ball. Thru the competitive fire that each of us has sometimes we forget that we're lucky to be able to participate in a game we cherish. In the final analysis, it's not necessarily what you've accomplished, it's the memories that count. |
| Sept. 9 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Please add prayers from my wife and me. We sometimes lose track of what is really important-how you live your life. |
| Sept. 10 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | AL33, WHAT A GREAT FRIEND YOU ARE AND WHAT A NICE TRIBUTE TO YOUR FRIEND ! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, his team mates, friends and his family. May God Bless each and everyone of you. Tanel360/Bud light Of Austin over 60 |
| Sept. 10 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Sorry Al33.....too early to see how to put in a l ! |
