Family Harmony, and a moment of elite athleticism!

Every year I get invited to a street party in front of an old friends mothers house. The affectionately nicknamed "Gordo" throws a block party for his mom. Last year my band played for this family and we all had a wonderful time. I am always surprised by how united this family was, imagine a block party of 100 where 50 our blood relatives, breeders that stick together. 

This year they wanted us to play again, and we respectfully declined. However my brother and I wanted to pay our respects and apologize for our rejection. We arrive and again just happiness and harmony from this large family. Gordo has 3 kids, his oldest is from another relationship, and Gordo's girl and his baby momma are best friends! HARMONY

I am always amazed by how effortlessly they dismiss any negative emotions. Then something happened that screamed for my individual attention. While I was shooting the shit with this family, Gordos son who is 14, and his cousin, who is 12, starting throwing the football on the street. Both these kids are pushing 5'11". 

GORDOS SON, unleashed and effortless mortar shot, where the ball had ridiculous spin and the nose falls naturally towards the target at 60 yards. I had to say something! With no hesitation I approached the kid, as if summoned, and said "Hey man, you got a great arm, can you make that throw and try to keep the ball as flat as possible" while gesturing with my hands the request. The kid didn't ask why, he wasn't concerned about the request, he simply grabbed the ball and did it! What A Display, he unleashed a 50 yard strike with ease, velocity, rotation and basically no arch; but more revealing, he didn't even look at me after to get approval or confirmation.

I was blown away, I immediately went to Gordo, his father, to tell him what I just experienced. Gordo was elated and dragged me to his baby momma, who at the moment was shooting the shit with Gordo's girl, to share my observation. The mother was also intrigued and proud of my account, which was not intended to sell anything. 

The Stepfather was not happy by my narrative. The intrigue and happiness of the blood parents didn't coincide with his perspective. The stepfather is a stand up dude, and he has seen this arm playing baseball as a starting catcher, he is invested. I know nothing of baseball, and I am not surprised, this kid is a special arm talent. However, my reverence by the families decision to just be happy about any positive, was only surpassed by my inability to comprehend how unhappy the stepfather was when an expression of respect was viewed as an obstacle.


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