Gramp Camp! Wanna Shoot Hoops?

Basketball has always been a big part of my life. I was good but not too good. In school I did well but not that great. I didn't care and I still played and participated.

The years passed and my first daughter gave birth to my first Grandson, Corey. Corey grew up a wild little guy running with unlimited energy. We played with his Thomas Trains, horsey back rides, hugs watching television and along with his sister Sydney we formed a great trio.

At age 9 the family moved from San Diego to Portland. He was now 9 years old and he slid past Thomas Trains to Lego Star Wars ships. We had a great time "flying" around the house. Sydney was now 14 and her and her Mom hung like 2 peas in a pod.

Corey got into basketball and one day out of the blue he asked me if I wanted to "shoot some hoops", that is, we shot some baskets in his backyard. That started a whole new adventure in "pal-ism". Whenever, we had the need to go out and shoot the basketball we would simply say, "Wanna shoot some hoops?" No answer we merely put our tennis shoes on and we went into the backyard and "shot some hoops". We would take a little rest then go back out. He was a short little guy much like me when I was his age. He barely got the ball up to the hoop. I encouraged him and we would shoot and shoot and shoot.

About a year later I was back up in Oregon. And we shot some more hoops and lots of them. He was better and he could get the ball up to the rim pretty easy now. He was looking good in his shooting style.

Then another year later when I went to visit them we "shot MORE hoops". He was now 11 years old, he wore size 11 shoes and he must have grown 8 inches! And, man oh man, could he shoot! My little guy was growing into a man.

I saw him today. My basketball pal and his parents came down to see the relatives. We gathered for chatting and dinner AND SOME HOOPS! Corey is now in the bracket where all he needs to do is hone his skills because at age 12 his size 13 shoes are propelling him like the pros. I don't show him anymore but I make suggestions. Corey is getting really good. A Pro some day? Could be.

When I left and said goodbye we hugged. He used to cry and hold on to my leg before I boarded the plane back home. Since he is now a young man we looked at each other with a deep hard look of love. We didn't have to speak it because we knew it. And, YES!!!, we are anticipating shooting more hoops this July when I visit him in Portland!