“Yes and no. It makes me smile to see them cheering for me, but there’s times I still wish I could experience it with them.”
“Right now he’s so little that he doesn’t understand what I do. But he does like to throw the ball with me. So that’s been a lot of fun.”
“Kids are a trip and being a dad? Well that’s a whole different part of life, but you’re going to love it.” Harrison laughs.
I laugh as I nod. I already love being a papà to Giancarlo. We head out to the field to warm up. I’ll be able to spend a little time with everyone after that. I don’t know why I’m so nervous, but I want my son to have the best time at his first game.
“Papà!” I hear Giancarlo call out.
I smile and wave at him. I can see the smile on his face, he’s my heart.
“He’s a cute kid.” Harrison says as he’s waving to his kids too.
“Thank you. It’s crazy how I can’t imagine my life without him now.”
“Kids are like that. They worm their way into your heart and stay there. Even when they’re being little shits.” He laughs.
“I know how my siblings and I were growing up. I pray Giancarlo isn’t like that.”
“Oh just you wait. They say kids are worse than their parents.”
“I’m so fucked. Are your kids worse than you?”
“My youngest is a terror. The older three? They were fucking angels. But Lance keeps us on our toes.”
“Maybe I’ll get lucky. Because so far he’s a great kid. The only times he isn’t is when he’s trying to understand why his mama’s not around.”
“Yeah, that’s definitely not an easy situation. But he looks really happy.”
“I’m lucky to have my family to help. I don’t know how it would be without them. Especially with our schedule.”
“That’s how I feel about my wife. She’s a saint. I don’t know how she does it, four kids. Under seven. Somehow she does it all. I help when I’m home but when we’re away? It’s all on her.”
“If she ever needs help, I’m sure my family would help.”
“Thanks. I’ll let her know, her family is in Maine. So we don’t see them often. And mine suck so yeah.”
“My family loves to take in new ones. You guys should come to one of our get togethers. I’ll let you know when the next one is.”
“That would be awesome, thanks.”
We finish up warm ups and head back inside the clubhouse. We have a dedicated family area in our clubhouse. It’s a place where the families can hang out during the game if they want to. Most are in the stands during the games. But it’s here in case they want to be inside. And I’ve noticed that most of the wives get along well, so there’s never any issues. I see my brother Salvatore and his wife, Raven in the family room with Giancarlo. I head over to them as he runs into my arms.
“I saw you pwaying.” He giggles.
“That was called warm ups. The game hasn’t started yet.” I say as I kiss his face.
“Warm up is fun. Dere were odder kids yelling at their papà’s.”
“I heard them and I heard you. Did you make any friends?”
“Yeah. But I don’t wemember dere names. Too many.” He giggles more.
I laugh as I introduce Gianluca to some of my teammates. He’s loving all the high fives and I love the smile that hasn’t left his face. I look at the time.
“I have to get ready. You go with Zio and Zia. You listen to them during the game, okay? I love you.”
“Otay, papà. Pway good! I wuv you.” he says as he hugs and kisses me.
