Reflections: Welcome to the end of 2022
First year of writing still has a few months to go: what I’ve learned
With Christmas squarely in our sights this weekend, the celebration is usually tempered with reflections on the events of the past year. Some of my friends approach that reflection aspect with a holiday newsletter. Some of those letter writers simply update all of us about their family members, while others go deeper, sharing an honest self-examination of their lives with some deep insights into their souls.
For all the writing that I have done this year, you might think I would pursue the soul-searching angle. You would be wrong. Sadly, I don’t think I have the courage—even at my age---to go that direction. But I will be somewhere in between the straight factual and the deeply spiritual in this examination of the past year.
My decision to become a writer this year came from the realization that I had more free time on my hands as a retiree, that I had been an English teacher for three decades with little actual writing to show for it, and that my even longer time spent in the sports world as a broadcaster made the sports writing avenue a natural pursuit. And so I took the plunge last April—warts and all.
It has been quite the journey. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if 1) I would be any good at writing and 2) whether I could sustain the effort. After nine months of this journey, I have clearly enjoyed where I have gone so far—but remain unsure of where it will take me from week to week.
Typing my thoughts has gotten easier in some ways, harder in others. I find that frequently the path for the story just presents itself, and it is a matter of just getting all the relevant details together.
Certain types of stories have popped up again and again. Death is a natural part of life—and there have been several people who have passed away during the year. Basketball official, coach, and former teacher Millard Bates, young basketball athlete Phil Nelson, Coach of the ages Kenny Slack—and several more. Some people I knew well, others not at all. I learned something about each one of them along the way—and vowed my life could and should be lived as well as their lives were. Sadly, taking stock of one’s life tends to make you feel a bit deficient. I guess that should be a good thing—the assessment keeps you honest about the direction you are going.
The year also was a time of transition as a person—as the result of death. 2020-2021 marked the loss of both my parents—and a shift to to the role of “patriarch” of my family—and all that it means or doesn’t mean. I have never written about the process of making that transition during this year, but very simply it involves processing of paper work, teaming up with attorneys and tax accountants, consulting with my bride and siblings—and finally—distributing the remnants of material/financial inheritance left behind by Mom and Dad. How about that for saying next-to- nothing in a complex-compound sentence?
The steps involved in the estate process have been taxing (literally) at times, frequently emotional, and finally rewarding once the last signatures were applied to forms set before me as the eldest member of the family. I think my siblings agree we are glad it is over.
Back in the area of writing, I witnessed several life transitions of people I have known over the years. Some former athletes moving out of the sports arena in one form to take on a different role. There is a nice collection of stories in this category—and the two that come to find involve a pair of former Oregon State University catchers. Cole Hamilton—who is pursuing a career as a surgeon, and Erik Ammon—who is now a veteran police officer---underscore the changes we must all face in the seasons of life.
I enjoyed doing any and all of those “life-evolution” stories because they are about situations we will all take on personally. My own shift from a teacher to a retiree is a bit boring—but as I have mentioned, it is a change that one must get used to. Whole feature films have been dedicated to that major life transition.
Finally, a life aspect I must take squarely by the horns is life balance.
As a sportscaster and writer, I tend to go “all in” when I do my work—and sadly, it can come at the exclusion of other elements in my day—investment into the life of my lovely bride, children, and even my soon-to-be graduated grand kid. Setting aside the writing and the sportscasting to be a husband, a father, a “Popi.”
It is in those parts of my life with which that I struggle—and struggle mightily—to invest quality time with those who rightfully deserve more attention than they have received. When you are constantly apologizing to the family about being distracted, you should know you have a problem. It is THE major aspect of my life that needs repairing. Be sure to ask about this if you see me.
I hope all of you—like me—can find some time to take stock in how you are living your lives. We all do better if time is invested in making life “course corrections.” Stay off the rocks of over commitment, avoid the shallow water of personal neglect, readjust the direction your life to balance all of your interests in the personal, social, and spiritual arenas.
I wish all of you a happy, balanced, and productive 2023.
Mark,
Keep up the good writing. As someone who has lived in Salem, and a grad from North Salem, husband and 2 daughters who graduated from South and now 3 granddaughters playing at Sprague basketball, and a daughter as the assistant coach there, I look forward to seeing who and what you write about. Was always interested in sports and believe all children need to be involved in sports or some activity that they want to pursue from a child and through their adult life. Your dream may not work out for you, but don’t stop dreaming and find a way to be involved. Volunteering and involvement in community and family are key to a fulfilling life.
Love you writing to hear what others are accomplishing.
Merry Christmas, Mark! I’m enjoying your new writing venture and appreciate the effort you’ve put into your stories. Well done, my friend!