A time to be thankful

For the past 20 years of my life, I’ve looked forward to the Thanksgiving Holiday week mainly because it afforded a few days off of work, the chance to reconnect with family & friends as well as a front row seat to pie heaven. And while I remain equally excited about Meg's pecan pie, I've noticed my level of joy has hit an all-time high. 

The simple explanation for this increased happiness can be directly traced to a change in perspective, both on and off the field (literally and figuratively). Thus, as we head into Thanksgiving, and the subsequent fun and craziness that accompanies this holiday, I’ve decided to take a moment to reflect on what I am especially thankful for.   

As a father of three young boys, ages 5, 2, and 6 months, I often find myself challenged to maintain some level of sanity when the storm often hits before the calm. Bedtime is routinely ushered in by a cacophony of pleading, as each overtired child pleads earnestly for “one more minute” to play before getting into the tub. I sometimes suspect the impeccable punctuality and clockwork reliability of these screeching attempts would make even the head conductor at Grand Central Station jealous. 

Generally, it is during one of these heightened crises, when I’m exhausted and am the one most in need of a timeout that I’m reminded of what Eleanor Roosevelt once dutifully noted: “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart”. So, when my healthy, trouble-making boys determine it is time for nighttime shenanigans, I strive to remember that above all else, example is leadership. Thus, instead of sentencing my rascals for their evening antics, I seek to understand their motivations and to give them some extra time and attention. From speaking with other parents, I know my experiences are universal and from speaking with my father I know “insanity is hereditary; we get it from our kids”. 

Nevertheless, I hope to impart valuable lessons to my children by offering them warmth, union, and tolerance.  While I do have high standards for my children, as I hope and trust many of you reading this do as well, those standards are to be the most respectful, loving, and capable individuals they can be in all situations.

Therefore, in a week dedicated to giving thanks, I would like to take this opportunity to do just that.

First and foremost, thank you to my lovely wife Megan, who is the absolute Bedrock / Rockstar of our family, and in actuality deals with 5 boys every day.

Thank you to my mother, Judy, for raising me not to make excuses or give apologizes, but rather to take accountability for my tomfoolery.

Thank you to my father for showing me what the true definition of work ethic is. For those who don't subscribe to The Medford Transcript, Roy Belson, Superintendent of Schools, officially announced tonight he will be retiring, after 50 years of dedicated service to Medford Public Schools, in the Spring of 2018.

Thank you to all the lacrosse players who I have had the opportunity to coach and learn from over the years.

Thank you to Mr. O'Neil, my high school Latin Teacher for 6 years, who, instead of throwing me out of his class for my irreverence, chose to believe in me. Faber est suae quisque fortuna

Thank you to my sister, Sara for always caring way too much. Yes, at times it can be a bit much, but there's no doubt she has the purest heart of gold of anyone I know. 

Thank you to the Cohasset Lacrosse Program that has given me lifelong memories both as a player and a coach. #Proudskipper

Thank you to the unsuspecting walkers in Wheelwright Park, who, on more than one occasion, have happily returned the friendly neighborhood black bear, aka our beloved and somewhat nomadic dog, Monty.

Thank you to all my teammates throughout the years, who not only made me a better player but, entertained my pump-up speeches before, during and after games.

Thank you to the courageous women who have spoken up to raise our society's need for more consciousness. Now, it is our collective responsibility to raise respectful young men. 

Thank you for my step-parents who all have played such pivotal roles in my life; Maxine Wish, who inherited a 5-year whippersnapper and over the course the last 33 years, has never stopped believing and rooting for. To the late Jack McLaughlin, who instilled discipline and character that has served as my moral compass for so many important aspects of my life. Finally,to Jeff Mann whose BBQ Skills are only surpassed by his Grampy talents.

Thank you to all the parents and players who attended the inaugural Scoops clinic last week or as I like to refer to it, the best party in town.

Finally, thank you to Archer, Dashiell, and Wylie for being who you are and doing the silliest little things that make me the proudest of fathers.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope this time affords you an opportunity to relax, eat, drink, spend time with family (in-laws included) and most importantly take a moment to reflect on everything you have to be thankful for. 

Sincerely,

Coach Bels