As an 8 year old boy, growing up in Southern California, I
was faced with a decision that would set my life’s path; I had to choose to
pursue my love of baseball by playing Little League, or my love for bowling.
That’s right, bowling. I’m sure much to my parent’s relief, I chose baseball.
For the next 10 years, I played Little League, Babe Ruth, and High School
baseball. Looking back, it was the right decision, and one that would lead to a
passion that to this day, still exists.
I immersed myself in all things baseball; playing year round
for 10 straight years. During this period, as you can imagine, I played far
more games than I can remember. But the one thing that I do remember, and will
never forget, is the support my parents gave me. My father sacrificed
the advancement of his career to be at every game I ever played; my mother, as
she still reminds me, did as well. They never ever missed a game I played.
Whether it was a road game against a faraway high school, or an All Star
Tournament in another State, my parents were there. That kind of love and
commitment to a child has had a very long lasting impression on me.
Today, as the proud grandfather of 3 boys who play baseball,
football, and basketball, I show them the same commitment my parents modeled for
me; it’s just what family’s do, right? While my record is not quite as good as
my parents, having to miss the occasional game, my commitment is as deep and
heart felt as were my parents. For me, there is nothing more exciting than to
see your child on the field practicing his/her skills, and fiercely competing
every game. I believe athletics can instill great values in a child, as they
learn from the discipline of honing their skills through endless hours of
practice, by learning how to deal with the failure of a tough loss, and the
occasional coach who “encourages” a better performance from a child.
My passion for supporting children makes it no surprise that
I ended up working the last 22 years for an employer that shares my same
commitment; not only to her children, but other children that she has never
even met. Each year, the owner of W.L. May Co has graciously supported my
grandsons’ All Star baseball experience by making donations to the team. Her
support of these kids has helped them to achieve much success, not only on the
field of play, but in life as well. And she sure knows how to pick a true
champion, as my 10 year old grandson’s team just won the Northern Oregon 10U
State Championship. This fete is a repeat performance having won the same championship
as 9 year olds. They are now off to Helena, MT next week to compete for the
Regional Championships. Go West Linn Lions!!
My employer’s support of children is not limited to the
world of sports. W.L. May Co is a proud participant in an organization known as
Swipe4TheKids. Every time W.L. May Co processes a credit card transaction, the
processing company donates a percentage of the fee to local charities and
organizations that support education and sports for children. This is not
something she “has to do”, it is something she does because “she wants to”; it
enables her to make a difference in a child’s life through her commitment to their
development and thus their futures.
To W.L. May Co, I say thank you; not only for the support
you have shown to my kids, but for all the kids who benefit from your
generosity. It is our children who represent the future. Your support of their
futures, as well as all of ours, is appreciated..
.jpg)
