LIKE YESTERDAY

Yesterday, I had the good fortune to catch up with Julien, one of my best friends from Hopkins. He is currently living with his girlfriend Jane in Bath, UK, and they agreed to meet up with us in London during our holiday. It had been seven years since I saw Julien, but it was as if no time had passed when we met again.

During my time in the lab, Julien and I spent a lot of time together. This was because Julien's bench was adjacent tot mine in the lab and because we socialized outside of work and had many mutual work friends. He was one of the people whom I missed most when I left Hopkins.

Shortly after I left the lab, Julien also left and took another post-doc in the UK. Eighteen months ago, he took a position as a professor in Bath, where he and his girlfriend Jane have been living. During that time, he has been working hard to establish himself and obtain research funding. We swapped stories, some horrific, about the stresses of being a principal investigator (PI), and we also reminisced about our time at Hopkins.

It was great to talk so freely and honestly with someone who knew me so well. In many ways, it was as if we were back at our old lab benches trading stories and ideas.

These kind of friendships that remain strong despite many years of absence are quite special. I am fortunate to have many friends like Julien who understand and appreciate me. Be it seven months or seven years, these are people who make me feel as though no time has passed when we meet again. This feeling is not only attributable to affection but also mutual respect and understanding.

My visit with Julien reminded me of how thankful I am for friends like him. May our paths cross again sooner than seven years, and may he and I maintain our bonds despite time, distance, and life changes!

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GAME

Yesterday, we arrived in Barcelona from Seattle after a 14 hour journey to begin our holidays on Saturday. The highlight of this leg of our trip was to be a match at the Camp Nou. That match was supposed to have taken place on a Sunday, but the club moved the fixture to Saturday afternoon approximately three and a half hours after our scheduled arrival time.

For that reason, I was quite concerned when it was announced that our first flight from Seattle to Frankfurt was delayed. We only had 60 minutes for our connection in Frankfurt to begin with, and this delay meant that things would be even tighter.

Fortunately, we made up time in the area. However, the bus to the terminal, customs, and security lacked the expected German efficiency, and we only had five minutes to get to our terminal after security before our flight departed. This was quite familiar territory for us, and so we took off on a sprint.

We made it to our gate with a few minutes to spare and safely boarded. We arrived in Barcelona with plenty of time to clean up at our apartment prior to the game. I do not believe in God, but fate once again clearly conspired to get us to this game on time!

Last year, from friends at Nike back in Portland connected us with Marcos Garzo from Nike Spain. He has generously connected us with tickets again this year. This time, we were in the VIP Sala Room area of skyboxes. Our visit to Sala Roma also came with "hospitality," or catering and open bar. The food and drink were amazing and were only matched by the team's exploits on the field.

We started off quickly with a second minute goal from Pedro from a beautiful Rakitic assist. AT halftime, the score was 1-0 for Barca. Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan striker, opened up his La Liga scoring account for the first time, which made it 2-0. The central defender Gerard Pique headed home a beautiful cross from the aging playmaker Xavi - the best player ever to play central midfield in my opinion - to make it 3-0. Then, late in the game, Messi, scored two clinical goals. The second was a work of art. He controlled a cross with the outside of his left boot, quickly pirouetted, and then struck the ball across his body with his "weaker" right foot. Clinical!

All in all it was an amazing night for the kids who had never seen Xavi play or Messi score. This Barca team never ceases to amaze me, too. They have my heart, and I will always cherish the memories of seeing them play this most beautiful of beautiful games!

CAMPEONES

Yesterday, Monster Mash did something it does very well. It took an early lead and never looked back. This was important because the Monsters (5-1) were playing undefeated league leaders FC Chaos (6-0). I will remind you that FC Chaos was the only team to have beaten us in the past two years.

I unfortunately missed the game because we were in Barcelona, but the dads who filled in said it was one for the ages.

Apparently, the teams traded blows in the first half. At halftime, the score was tied  4-4. However, in the second half, the boys pulled away and held on to a three goal lead late - the precise lead that would have given the Monsters the title outright.

FC Chaos pulled back a goal late, and the final score was 7-5. This meant that both teams had the same record (6-1) and the same goal differential (+24 goals), calculated by subtracting goals conceded during the season from goals scored during the season.

Our goal differential was actually +38 rather than +24. However, the league limits the maximum margin of victory to seven goals. Therefore, despite winning two of our games by 14 goals, we were only granted a seven goal margin of victory. I have an email in to the league. Because of our superior actual goal differential and due to the fact that we conceded fewer goals - 29 versus 37 by FC Chaos, I believe we should be allowed to claim this title outright!

Just like I am no longer surprised by my favorite pro team Barca's exploits, I am no longer surprised by the exploits of the boys of Monster Mash. However, that does not keep me from appreciating their achievements and the way they take care of business. Win or lose, these boys never falter. I will raise several large glasses of cava to them during our trip and toast our campeones!

LIVING HISTORY UP CLOSE

Last weekend, the Arbor boys' futsal team Monster Mash beat their opponents 9-2 for a 5-1 record in six games. Our only loss this season was to Team Chaos. They have a 6-0 record. Fittingly, we have a chance not only for revenge but also a chance at the title in a rematch with Chaos on the last day of the season.

Unfortunately, that game will take place one day after I leave the country for a two week trip to Europe and the day I will be in the Camp Nou watching my other favorite team FC Barcelona play.

Because I was going to be away, I decided to set up a practice this past weekend to prepare the boys and instill a greater sense of confidence in them. We ran through several drills and talked about the key points in the match: applying defensive pressure, bringing the ball out of the back safely, attacking collectively, aiming for the corners and being precise with our finishing, and playing as a team rather than as a collection of individuals.

Afterwards, we sat in a circle at midfield. I asked them to raise their hands if they thought they could beat Chaos. All the boys and I raised our hands. I reminded them that we were outscored 5-1 in the first half of the first match with Chaos. However, we "won" the second half and outscored them 6-4 after increasing our intensity, protecting the ball better, and attacking as a unit.

I also brought up the concept of goal differential. This is the value of goals scored by a team minus goals conceded. Chaos' goal differential was + 28. Ours was +24. In reality, our was much higher because we had 14-0 and 16-2 victories in two matches. However, the league only let's a team win a match by a maximum of seven goals.

Because of Chaos' advantage in goal differential, we did not just need to beat them. We had to beat them by three or more goals (i.e. a three goal victory by us would reduce Chaos' goal differential to +25 and increase ours to +27).

I again told the boys that I was confident that we could achieve this, and I had facts to back my claim. Indeed, four of our five victories were decided by three or more goals, and three of our victories were decided by seven or more goals. The boys eyes gleamed.

Finally, I asked them what it would mean if they lost. Several boys politely raised their hands and then answered when called upon.  One boy said it would mean that only one team (Chaos) would finish above them. Another boy said that they would still be proud because they tried their best in every match. I echoed their remarks and said I would be proud no matter how the game finished. We ended the practice with a rousing cheer of "Monster Mash."

After the practice, the Monster Mash boys played their parents, including me, in a scrimmage. It was non-stop action, and we just might have beaten the boys. However, according to Nicholas the game ended with a win for the Monsters or a draw at the worst. That is called wishful thinking! At the end of the night, we all said our goodbyes, and I wished every boy good luck before taking my leave.

Afterwards, I reflected on the many reasons why it has been a privilege to coach these boys. First, they are incredibly talented, respectful, and motivated. The latter is quite striking because so many people lack motivation in life. Indeed, I often share a quote about motivation from the Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger with people interviewing for my lab. Mr. Wenger said succinctly, "My goal is not to motivate people. My goal is to help people who are motivated!" These boys would make Mr. Wenger proud.

I also enjoy coaching Nicholas and his friends because I realize that their time with each other and with us as their parents is finite. The boys are all at least half way through Arbor. In the coming years, many of them will also go to different high schools. They will eventually leave home. Sniff. Sniff.

I feel privileged to see the boys create lasting memories of their friendships on the court and to see them achieve so much collectively on the court. I know the other parents feel the same way, too.

Watching these boys' lives unfold is much like watching living history. What more could a parent ask for than to witness one's child's happiness, perseverance, and triumphs up close?

Win or lose, this is a season that none of us will soon forget.

GOODBYE COACH

One of my patients died this week. Coach B was a dedicated father and husband. He was also an exceptional college basketball player in his day and eventual coach to countless kids in several sports. 

His battle with prostate cancer stretched over 15 years, and I had the privilege to be his doctor for 7 of those years. His wife accompanied him to most visits, and they were always very deferential and personable. At the end of every visit they always said thank you. This was despite the fact that I had bad news about his cancer so often in his last few months. 

We eventually decided to do hospice, which he accepted with the grace and dignity I would have expected from him. He realized that the clock was ticking down deep into the fourth period and that our backs were against a wall. He declined "last ditch" efforts with chemotherapy and was quite at peace with what we had tried to control his cancer. Moreover, he seemed very at peace with the prospect of dying. 

I reflected on this more after he passed, and I tried to understand why Coach was so calm in dying while so many of my other patients struggle to accept their mortality. The answer is probably quite complex. However, fundamentally, I believe that Coach had no regrets about the way he lived his life or how he treated those close to him. There was not lost time to be made up for or apologies to give. I say this because I saw the devotion his wife and daughter had for him firsthand. 

When I called his family to express my condolences on the day of his passing, I also came to appreciate how much his example had touched me. Coach made me want to be a better dad, a better patient, and a better person. I wept when I spoke with his daughter that day. I told her, "I hope that when I die I am half the man your father was."  I told her, " I am sorry that I could not do more. " I told her that  I was certain that Coach was in a better place. I imagined him up in heaven playing ball and schooling the angels who would be better for having known him just like me. 

BACK ON TRACK

Today, Monster Mash returned to the court to play its first game after losing to FC Chaos last week. Before the game, I reflected on our prior game and defeat with the boys. I talked about how we started off tentatively last week and that we lacked confidence and control. I told them that if that if we played our best and focused that we could beat practically any team. I also told them that we should fear no team because we are in this together!

The boys appeared to hear these words, and we came back strong and defeated the Hurricanes 9-5. It was a great team performance, and every one of our players contributed to the victory. The game was capped off by a gorgeous play started by Nicholas at midfield. He passed to Quincy who made a darting run down the right flank. He crossed the ball to a surging Torben who scored with a beautiful back heel goal. Class!

What a way to bounce back! It is so great to see the boys playing well and having fun! I told them that that is the only thing that matters out there. Here's to Monster Mash!

FIRST TASTE OF DEFEAT

Today the Arbor boys team Monster Mash did something they had never done before. They lost a match.

To remind you, last season we went undefeated, and we started this new season with a resounding 14-0 win. However, this week we played a much tougher team - Team Chaos - that featured primarily fifth graders, including two of the boys' Arbor classmates.

In the first half, our boys were visibly nervous. Our nervousness led to many errant passes and easy giveaways. Team Chaos pounced on those mistakes and made us pay. At halftime, we were down 5-1.

It was clear what we needed to do to turn this match around, and I instructed the boys to play more aggressive defense and to take their time making decisions when we had the ball. We quickly mounted a comeback and pulled to within one goal with 5 minutes left. However, we missed several chances and gave up the ball in our end. The final score was 9-7.

After the game, many of the boys hung their heads in despair and some were close to tears. I told them that I was incredibly proud of them and that they had given everything they had. One cannot win all the time, and sometimes the better team is the other team.

My boys tasted defeat today, but I know they will learn from this and bounce back. We will take one game at a time.

In the final game of the season, we have another shot at Chaos. This final match will decide the title if both Monster Mash and Chaos win the rest of their games. My money is on our boys who will surely come back from this win stronger and more resolute. Go Monsters!

THE MARIGOLD CAFE

Today Cate and the kids from the Primary Den invited their parents to breakfast at a restaurant they called the "Marigold Cafe" in the school arena. The kids worked all week to make carrot muffins, fruit salads, granola cups, and mint tea. The parents were assigned the task of bringing in vanilla yogurt to go with these wonderful dishes and were told to bring their appetites.

Moreover, the kids made us feel very welcome. The drew menus and made place cards at our spots on the tables. They eve made clay plates for us in the kiln at Arbor. Amazing!

The food was great, and we had the best server in the world - Cate. She took our orders, checked in on us, and even cleaned up after us. I told her I would give her a tip tonight - ice cream anyone?

Arbor never ceases to amaze me, and I am so glad both kids are thriving their. The school motto is: Intellect, Character, and Creativity. Our kids are overflowing in those things, and Arbor has a lot to do with that!

ALL SCREWED UP

It is hard to believe it has almost been 9 months since that fateful night when I broke my fibula playing futsal. I could not walk for 6 weeks but thereafter began the slow road to recovery with PT and gym work. Within 8 weeks post-op, I began to ran, and within 6 months I was playing pick up soccer. I even played on a coed futsal team this fall. For the most part, my ankle felt fine, but I began to notice more discomfort over the plate and screws. An x-ray revealed that the fracture was totally healed but that 2 of the screws were broken and others were loose. It was impossible to know for certain whether the screws and plate were causing my discomfort, but I felt confident that they were the culprit.

Yesterday, I had surgery to remove the hardware from my ankle fracture fixation.  It was a fairly straightforward procedure. The worst part was actually nausea and vomiting in the recovery room that was probably precipitated by dehydration from being NPO and the anesthesia.

Today, I feel great! There is a little discomfort and swelling over the incision, but otherwise I feel fine. My surgeon has instructed me to avoid running or jumping for the next month. However, I should be able to resume activities by mid-December and to resume soccer in January.

I am grateful and thankful for the miracles of modern medicine. If this had been 20 or 30 years ago, I probably would have just had a cast and might still be walking with a limp. However, the new techniques in fixation of bones has revolutionized the recovery from accidents like mine.

I will never take my health for granted again, and I have a much greater appreciation for the simple things in life, like walking. Here's to living life to the fullest ... without any metal on board!

MONSTER MASH 2.0

Last week the Arbor Intermediate boys' futsal team began a new season.  This year, the boys are playing in the "competitive" division. That division is made up us more experienced kids who are playing in competitive leagues rather than recreational soccer leagues. I was somewhat worried about our chances because many of our boys play exclusively in recreational leagues.

However, the boys did not disappoint in our first match last week against Celtic FC, a competitive team from the Foothills Soccer Club. The boys of Monster Mash dominated the game and had the vast majority of possession. Every player, no matter his position, applied constant defensive pressure when Celtic had the ball. This forced many errors from the Celtic players that led to our counter attacks and goals. We ended up out shooting Celtic 25-5. The final score was 14-0.

I was amazed most by the cohesiveness of our team more than the "football" scoreline and shutout. Everyone was focus and played his heart out. They knew that they would rise and fall as one. Their motivation was clear - playing together and achieving something through collective effort.

I could not be more proud of the way they conducted themselves and the way they played the beautiful game. Their through balls, passing, and clinical finishing made me proud to be their coach. Indeed, I get goose bumps every time one of the boys addresses me as "coach." I will do my best to live up to their effort and talent. It is a privilege to be their coach.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

This year Nicholas and Cate did not disappoint for Halloween. Cate decided early on to go as a knight. She recycled Eric the horse and wore him as part of her costume.

Nicholas was a little more undecided. However, he finally settled on the idea of being a cyclist. He borrowed my US Postal Service jersey from the Lance Armstrong days and wore a bike helmet and his black, tight long underwear. I joked with Kathleen that we should get him a few syringes labeled with "EPO" for the growth factor erythropoeitin Lance illegally took. Ultimately, we decided that that would be in poor form and skipped it.

Fun was had by all, and they both had a big haul of candy. Fortunately, they are both good at sharing with me. :)

GO CATE!

This weekend Pumpkin finished up her season with her team the Jaguars. It was a great season, and the team grew a lot as the season went on.

Cate was a great role model for the other girls, and she helped everyone see how the game is supposed to be played. By the end of the season, many of the girls were making good runs and even dribbling the ball down the field to the correct goal!

Many of the parents on the sideline marveled at Cate's skills. They asked me how long she has been playing and how she got so good. I told them that she has been playing for 3 years and that we practice like she plays. Decision making, ball movement, and ball control are the key things on which we focus. It does not hurt that Cate is also the most coordinated and physically gifted child whom I have ever met.

Cate is moving on to another team this winter - futsal with a group of boys. I look forward to watching her exploits on the pitch, and I hope she continues to love this game as much as I love watching her play it.

WHY I PLAY

They call football the beautiful game, and there are many reasons I fell in love with this sport

First, our lives are filled with frustrations, and other people often fail to understand our intentions and points of view. For me, football is an oasis from that world when it is played well with gifted players.

Fundamentally, the game allows one to deeply connect with people who have a shared purpose. Football is  a team game, and the concept of a team sport is something I never experienced growing up. Indeed, I spent most of my adult exercising life was spent running alone or training at the gym alone. Those individual activities are fun and great exercise. However, there is something amazing about playing with others. 

The objective of football is quite straightforward – put the ball in the back of the other team’s net while preventing the other team from doing the same. This task seems simple, but it is quite easy to make the game more complicated than it needs to be. Indeed, the great Dutch number 10 Johan Cruyff said it best, "Football is simple. But nothing is more difficult than playing simple football.” 

Indeed, the best teams do not complicate the game. They work together, anticipate each other’s movements and actions, and work as a cohesive unit. There is beauty in that, and many have rightly compared the play of the greatest teams like Barca to works of art or symphonies.

The futsal and soccer teams I have played on are not Barca. However, my teammates and I have been able to create some beautiful moments on the court or field. My most recent coed team Arse-and-all (a play on the English club Arsenal) has been a miss-mash of players of all levels. Some do not know there head from their, well, arse. Others like me are more skilled. 

We lost most of our games this season, but most of the games have still been quite fun. This is because of moments of magic and connection between our teammates. Many of us have come to anticipate the others'  movements or actions, and we have more effectively worked together to create outstanding, collective football. This more than goals or assists is what kept bringing me back this past season.

I am going to have the hardware removed from my previously broken leg soon, so I am going to take next season off from the game. However, I hope to be back in January even stronger and more able. You see, football is like a drug - a drug best shared with people whom you like and who play like you!

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Spending time with Nicholas is one of my favorite things. Fun activities that we often do together include: watching soccer games, reading bedtime stories, or playing the mandolin. Even running errands is fun because the little guy and I have so much to talk about.

Today, we decided to walk to Whole Foods together to get some groceries and supper. On the way there, we talked about the top European soccer leagues and who we thought would win each major league. The dialogue was fluid, and each of us had our own observations and opinions to share.

We passed many people on our walk, and each individual or couple smiled at us as they passed. It was clear that they appreciated how much fun we were having and how special our connection was. Their smiles made me further appreciate how lucky I am too have a son like Nicholas who looks up to me and who wants to spend time with me. I realize that he will not always be this close by and that our interests may not always be this close, but I will enjoy this idyllic time with him while I can!

I was reminded of the special bond between fathers and sons later today when I watched the recent movie "Chef." The story centers around a once-famous chef who is a divorced father with a son Nicholas' age. The movie depicts the chef's mid-life crisis and how his son helps him forge a new path in life. I highly recommend it whether or not you have kids. However, those with kids will probably find it extra endearing.

Kids are precious not only because they come from us but also because their very existence as children is so fleeting. I am constantly reminded of the latter, which makes me appreciative of the simple pleasure of a Sunday afternoon walk with my guy!

THE NEXT... CATE

I think it is clear to all who have ever witnessed her play that Cate is an exceptional soccer player. Cate is playing "up" one year on an under 7 year old "U7" team. The other girls range in talent from "picking daisies" to "engaged. Cate is on the far end of the latter spectrum.

Last weekend, I filled in for Kathleen as the assistant coach of the team. For the games, both squads are divided into two. At half-time, the squads switch and play the other opposing half of the opposing team.  I had the pleasure of coaching Cate in the first half. If I had to pick one word for her performance, it would be imperious. She scored all 9 goals for her team in a mere 24 minutes and was all over the field helping out defensively and playing the role of midfielder in addition to "number 10, " or forward. The other team was held scoreless. In the second game, she scored nine more goals and led her team to another resounding victory.

This girl does not cease to amaze me, and the other coaches were quite impressed, too. At one point. the coach of the opposing team who was a woman said, "I think he's a boy. That must explain it." To this I responded, I can assure you Cate is a girl!" Dumbfounded, the coach picked up her jaw and swallowed her pride.

It is hard to know how far Cate may go and whether she will continue to be passionate about the game and head and shoulders above her peers? Some have said she is the next Mia Hamm, the greatest female soccer player of all time. I have even called her "Mini Messi" after the world's best player Lionel Messi. However, Cate is her own person and will achieve her own rewards on and off the field. As her father and as a football fan, there are few things that give me more pleasure than watching her play. Go Cate!

JOY

We recently took a vacation to Black Butte Ranch in Central Oregon with my mom when she visited. It was a thoroughly relaxing weekend spent reading, swimming, bike-riding, running, and enjoying good food and good company.

The kids especially enjoyed it, and it is hard not to be in a good when they are in a good mood. We snapped this selfie on one of the last days of our trip, and our faces say it all. Contentment, carefreeness, and silliness. In a word: Joy!

THE CHILDREN ACT

Once in a while, an author comes around who nearly always captivates you and who rarely lets you down. For me, that author is Ian McEwan.

I first encountered McEwan in the late 1990s after he won the Booker Prize for "Amsterdam." Since then, I have read nearly every new book he has published. These include, "Enduring Love," "On Chesil Beach," "Saturday," "Sweet Tooth," "Atonement" - one of my favorite books of all time-, and most recently "The Children Act," his newest novel.

What distinguishes McEwan from other authors is primarily how well-researched his books are and how his characters capture the feelings of their era. In that sense, "The Children Act" is a perfect example of McEwan at his best.

The story centers on a female British judge, who focuses on domestic cases. Her job is not only to interpret the law but also to determine what is best for the children whose cases come to her court. She does so with thoughtfulness and earnestness. However, the same cannot be said of her dealing with others, most notably her husband from whom she has become estranged.

Over the course of the book, we see the judge's life unravel while at the same time that she is doing her best to prevent the lives of the children in her court room from doing the same. I will not spoil the ending, but it is a classic McEwan twist, which is fitting. Indeed, (my) life rarely works out according to plan. This explains why I love McEwan and why I recommend "The Children Act" without reservation. 

SELF-PORTRAIT

I have the privilege of dropping off the kids every Wednesday. First, Cate and I drop off Nicholas in his classroom, and then I drop off Cate. Each week, I ask each of them to show me something they like about their class or something they have worked on.

This week, Cate showed me a piece of her art work. It was a self-portrait she made. The picture is shown below and bears a striking resemblance to Cate.

I especially love the Barca shirt and the quote from Cate: "I have chocolate brown eyes. My dad says that." My little peanut is sweet enough to gobble up, just like her eyes. 

BOO!

This is Cate channeling her inner Power Ranger. Be afraid! Be very afraid!

BEGIN AGAIN

This past weekend, two of Kathleen's friends texted me to see if they could borrow our kids. This was because they wanted to see the kids'  movie, "How to Train Your Dragon, Part II," and they thought babysitting would be the perfect cover to do so. I enthusiastically agreed, which meant Kathleen and I got to see a movie. We decided on "Begin Again" from the director of the film "Once."

"Begin Again" is the story of two lost souls - one played by Keira Knightley and another by Mark Ruffalo - who are both in the music business and who have both lost out in their love lives. However, this is not you typical romantic comedy of falling in love. Rather, this is a movie about finding one's self and rekindling one's passion in all things musical.

It is a light movie, and one that hit the spot for me in this world of cynicism and dejection (see our politics, our world affairs, and our warming planet). The soundtrack is quite good, and the acting more than makes up for the unbelievable plot. I can sure you "Begin Again" will not walk away with any Oscar. However, it may just walk away with your heart!

BEDTIME RITUAL

Each night, Kathleen and I take turns reading stories with the kids before bedtime. As they have gotten older, Cate and Nicholas have become the primary readers, and we have become the listeners. However, I was reminded last night that these two are still little guys.

First, Nicholas fell asleep like a sack of potatoes in our bed. We could not rouse him, and Kathleen had to carry him into our bed. Not to be undone, Cate claimed she was unable to fall asleep because it was too hot in her room. I turned on the fan for her and tucked her into bed. However, approximately 10 minutes later, she came back into our room and said she could not sleep because she had a bad dream. I asked her what it was about, and she replied, "I think I saw a ghost. I am afraid to sleep in my bed, and have I mentioned it is hot in there." I walked her back in and explained to her that there was no such thing as ghosts. I also said that my room looked out onto the hallway, so I would be able to see and catch any ghosts that might try to make their way into her room. That seemed to satisfy her, and she snuggled back into bed.

You see, bedtime is many things in our house. However, boring is one thing it never is.

THERE IS NOTHING CHILDISH ABOUT CHILDHOOD

My children never cease to amaze me, and they always seem to remind me that there is nothing childish about childhood. 

Yesterday, Nicholas reminded me just how challenging some of the "simple" moments of life can be when I dropped him off at soccer practice. Ordinarily, I am not the one to drop him off, but I got home early yesterday, so I took him. 

When we walked into the practice facility, Nicholas said he wanted to hang out with me rather than join the other boys who were playing an impromptu game of soccer prior to practice. I encouraged Nicholas to join the group that included many of the kids from his team. Nicholas looked over at the boys wistfully, but he did not join them. He said that he wanted to save his energy until practice started. 

A few minutes later I told him I was heading out and that he should go have some fun. He stayed at the fence watching the other boys and said he was going to rest until practice started. Mind you, he was plenty rested, and he is one of the most energetic people I know. 

That night I shared this anecdote with Kathleen. She said that that was pretty typical behavior for Nicholas before practice and that she was not surprised. 

It then hit me that joining in with that group of boys - many of whom he has been playing with for three months - was still an incredibly difficult situation for him to navigate. He must have been thinking: How should I behave? What should I talk about on the field with these boys whom I do not know that well? Why is it so easy for the other kids to be out there?

Not surprisingly, they say that recess is the hardest part of the day for kids. That is because the play is unstructured and one often has to join activities that are already in progress. 

I wish I could say that these types of interactions become seamless as one gets older, but the truth is that they do not. Navigating unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations is part of life - especially for children. 

We will do our part to give Nicholas the tools and confidence to meet this and other challenges. We will start by going to the soccer team's carnival this weekend. I cannot promise him that that, too, will be without uncomfortable moments. However, I know that once people get to know Nicholas and he gets to know them, mutual appreciation and friendship are the rule and not the exception.

Like I said, there is nothing childish about childhood.

WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN

Today, right before I left Cate's classroom, I picked up a poem that had been left for all the children's parents. It was by Naomi Shihab-Nye, a Palestinian-American who is the unofficial poet laureate of Arbor.

The poem may be found here, but I suggest you grab a box of tissues before reading it.

Between tears, I now appreciate my mother's and father's ancient eyes.

FIRST DAY

I have always found first days of any kind to be difficult. However, I found today - Cate's first day of kindergarten - to be especially difficult. This is because it hit me today just how quickly this little one is growing up.

It is incomprehensible that it has been almost six years since we brought Cate home from the hospital. During those six years, Cate has developed into a wonderful little person with quirks and a character all her own.

Cate is accomplished. She can read, write, and do math. She is an incredibly athletic person, and she picks up new activities easily and quickly. In fact, she recently beat me in chess after only playing a dozen or so times. Some feat!

Despite her aptitude for so many things, I was reminded today when Kathleen and I took her to school today that deep down Cate is still a child. Cate was shy in the classroom (gasps of incredulity), and she said she did not want us to go. Her teacher quickly re-directed her to a game, but Cate seemed reticent to be on her own... to take this step away from us.

To avoid a long, drawn-out goodbye, Kathleen and I gave her a hug and reassured her that she would have a great day. Then, we walked out.

At the door, I turned to snap a picture hoping that Cate would be immersed in the classroom activities. However, I found her standing in the door (see below). She was not crying, but the look on her face said, "Am I ready for this dad? Are you ready for this dad?"

The answer to the former question is clearly yes. However, the answer to the latter is clearly no based on how I feel as I type this.

Tonight, we talked about Cate's day. Cate gave me a detailed play by play just like when Nicholas was a primary. She spoke with an excited yet matter of fact tone. She had no negative words to say.

Cate has been ready for this day for sometime, and today merely marked the beginning of a new chapter of Cate's life - a chapter that will be richer than the last six years spent largely with us. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead, but that does not mean that my heart is unbroken.

Time flies. Hugs your little ones up! I know I did tonight!

BOYHOOD

Tonight I watched Richard Linklater's new film "Boyhood." Quite simply, it was one of the best movies I have ever seen.

The film was shot over 12 years and involved a small corp of the same actors. The fact that they all returned for several days of filming on an annual basis is quite remarkable. Because of this, the film feels all the more real as we see each actor/character age in real time.

The focus of the film is on Mason, Jr (MJ) played by Ellar Coltrane. MJ is only six years old when the films begins, but he turns eighteen when the movie concludes. Through the course of the film, we see his family's ups and downs and how his experiences shape him into the young man whom he becomes.

His parents' choices, which are often poor, play a major role in his development, and one comes to appreciate how we are truly the sum of our experiences and the circumstances in which we have been placed. At its core, "Boyhood" is really about resilience and finding one's way in a life that is filled with obstacles and in which time moves so fast.

As I watched the film, I reminisced about my own childhood and the transition from child to adolescent to adult. I thought about how ill-equipped I was at so many times in my life and how that was probably quite age-appropriate.  I also thought about how my childhood has influenced my worldview and way of being in nearly every respect. This is no surprise, but "Boyhood" made me realize just how impressionable we all are.

The film also made me think about my own children and their childhoods. Primarily, I thought of Nicholas. This is not only because he is a boy like MJ but because he is older than Cate. Indeed, Nicholas just turned nine, which means he is halfway through his own childhood.

Think about that for a second. Nicholas has already lived one-half of the time he will be in this house with us. That blows me away.

When Nicholas and Cate are gone, I will miss them more than I can possibly imagine, even after seeing this film. I want to cherish and take advantage of every second I have with him and Cate.  Eighteen years is simply not long enough. Have I mentioned that Portland has some wonderful colleges?

Moreover, the movie made me think of how to parent. The lesson is not to behave as though a camera is in the room filming your interaction with your kids. Rather, the lesson is to behave as though you were your own child. How would you want to be treated? What kind of example would you want your kids to see? Easier said than done, but I will do better.

There are moments in life that make one take stock. Moments or events that shed a light where only darkness or ignorance once existed. For me, "Boyhood" made me appreciate how beautiful, fleeting, and remarkable childhood can be. For that important reminder, I thank Mr. Linklater and these wonderful actors. Go experience "Boyhood" for yourself! You will not regret it.

SUMMER BREAK

I went on summer vacation last week. This may not seem like news. However, I have spent the past three summers writing grants that prevented me from going on vacation. Since, my lab is in a good funding position currently, I decided to take a break this summer and forgo writing any grant applications.

In the past few years, Kathleen and the kids have traveled to Minnesota to visit her family in the summer. Oftentimes, they rent a house on lake up North, and the kids rave about how much fun it is. This summer was my first trip to the lake with them and Kathleen's family.

The rental house was modest but very comfortable and spacious. Importantly, the backyard led directly to the lake with a dock. This made water activities - swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing quite easy. 

The kids spent a good deal of time on the lake with their cousins while I spent quite a bit of time just relaxing. I read two books, took many photos, and stared at the lake and my little people frolicking in it quite a bit.

More than once, I marveled at how relaxed I felt and how at ease I felt to be away. Sure, I still checked email and surfed the web on our spotty cellular and wireless connections. However, I also felt detached from work and attached to life and my family more than anytime in recent memory. Importantly, each day was simple and filled with communal meals, exercise, trips to town. There was no rushing about, no multi-tasking, no pressure.

For a few moments, I thought about what my life might be like in a small town like Nisswa, MN. I realized that there would be stresses or disconcerting aspects of living there, but I was also struck by how much simpler life would be. 

I am not ready to jump ship or leave the city, but this trip helped me to appreciate the value of focusing more on living life rather than simply jumping from one crisis to the next. 

Here's to summer vacation and recharging one's battery! I cannot wait for the next break, wherever that might be!

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR

Today is the final of the World Cup. Lionel Messi is the best player of this generation and arguably the best player ever... However, he has not yet won football's greets trophy - the World Cup. Today, he can change that.

There are players who feel like family, and for whom you wish success. Messi is one of those players. I would give anything to see him win this tournament. May my wish come true!

TRANSATLANTIC

Yesterday, I finished Colum McCann's most recent novel TransAtlantic. It is a novel that spans five generations, three wars, two countries while linking the story lines of numerous families.

More than anything, this book is about how we are all bound together. In that sense, it is very similar to Mr. McCann's prior novel Let the Great World Spin. That book is not quite required reading for TransAtlantic, but rather a continuation of similar themes.

We begin with a transatlantic crossing of men named Alcock and Brown in a plane in the early 20th century from Newfoundland to Ireland. Then, we are introduced to the freeman Frederick Douglass during his visit to Ireland in the 19th century. There, Douglass meets and inspires a young Irish maid named Lucy Duggan. Because of this meeting, Lucy decides to try her luck in America and make a better life for herself. The book continues with the story lines of Lucy's life in America and that of her descendants on both sides of the Pond. The latter stages of the book include the Irish peace process shepherded by George Mitchell that weaves in some of Lucy's descendants.

Only a bold writer could tackle such a storyline, and McCann is up to the task. His own life took him on a transatlantic journey from Ireland to America, so he has a firsthand appreciation for what many of these characters went through.

As an immigrant, myself, I empathized with many of these characters. My migration might have only been transnational, but this book gave me an even greater respect and appreciation for my parents. They scarified everything and moved not once but twice (first from India to Canada and then later tot he US) to give us the greatest opportunities possible on this earth.

It is fitting that this book is really about shared experience and how we become the people whom we will become. There are two passages in particular that leaped out to me. McCann writes, "What was life anyway? An accumulation of small shelves of incident. Stacked at odd angles to each other."

Near the end of the book, McCann also writes, "The tunnels of our lives connect, coming to daylight at the oddest moments, and then plunge us into the dark again. We return to those lives of those that have gone before us, a perplexing mobius strip until we come home, eventually, to ourselves," and "we seldom know what echo our actions will find, but our stories will most certainly outlast us."

Let us all appreciation the twists and turns that our lives take - both good and bad - for our life and our individual character are forged of both.

IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING

The World Cup is coming to a close, and it has been a truly sensational tournament.

Unsurprisingly, my favorite player Lionel Messi has shined. He has single-handedly carried Argentina to four straight victories, and he has scored nearly all their goals.

It turns out that Messi's play in this tournament and in the past few seasons has truly been out of this world. Do not take my word for it! Read this piece that uses statistical analysis to assess Messi versus other top players.

The author's conclusion is clear: Messi is Impossible.

However, to quote the slogan of Messi's football boots sponsor Adidas: Impossible is nothing.

Messi seems to prove that adage right every time he takes the field. Vamos Messi and Argentina!

PROMOTION

This post is not about promotion of soccer teams, the term that describes the process by which lower tier teams move up to higher leagues. Rather, tonight, I received word that I was promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Medicine. I was thrilled to hear this news, but mostly I was relieved.

You see, I have been at my current position for seven years, and during that time I have worked hard to contribute in the three areas that are expected of a faculty member - teaching, service, and research. However, hard work alone does not guarantee one a promotion. One must demonstrate that one's efforts have been substantive and that these efforts have led to the betterment of the institution.

As you can imagine, there is a lot of subjectivity in judging an individual's accomplishments. That is why the applicant writes a letter, much like a grant document, to convince the promotion committee that one deserves promotion.

Writing this type of document focused on me was quite difficult. Many of my friends and colleagues advised me to write this as though my mother or father were writing it and to extol my virtues without regard for humility. I followed their advice, but their edits invariably played up my accomplishments more than I had. I suppose that if one cannot convince one's self that a promotion is justified, one will not convince a committee of one's peers.

As I finalized this letter last fall, I reflected on my efforts over the past seven years. I looked back on all the committee meetings, lectures, and countless weekends in the lab or in my office. There was an opportunity cost to doing all those things. Likewise, not doing those things would have jeopardized my ability to be promoted. Surely, there must be a way to achieve balance?

Moving forward, I hope to become more focused and to devote my efforts to being great in specific areas - namely my research - while trying to limit other assignments or activities that might dilute this focus or diminish my time with equally valuable pursuits - i.e. my family.

While I am thrilled to be one step closer to tenure, I want my tenure on this earth to be both productive but also enjoyable and healthy. Here's to advancing up the ladder but not losing sight of the wonderful view from where one stands with the people one loves!

R01

R01.

Three simple characters.

However, there is nothing simple about securing an R01, which is an independent investigator grant from the NIH. I know this first hand. That is why I was so grateful to hear last week that my R01 grant was funded.This type of award means several things that I will attempt to describe below.

First, it means that one has surmounted an incredibly high academic bar. The NIH receives thousands of R01 grants each year, but less than 10% of these grants are funded. That is not to say that the other 90% are terrible. Indeed, investigators spend years generating a body of work to support the central idea for their R01 grant, and it is not uncommon to spend one year writing this 12 page document.

Second, an R01 means that one has some measure of security. This is because an R01 is generally a five year award as opposed to most other grants that are only one to three years. The dollar amount for an R01 is also generally higher than most other grants, so one is better equipped to pay for one's own salary, staffs' salaries, and supplies. An R01 also means that one can temporarily take a breather from continuously writing grant proposal after grant proposal. Whew! I should have been an English major.

Finally, an R01 comes with the obligation to do meaningful science that will impact human health in a positive way. My project focuses on figuring out how a key protein called lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) promotes progression of the lethal form of prostate cancer. Importantly, we have identified a drug that blocks LSD1's function, and we have designed experiments to determine how blocking LSD1 leads to prostate cancer control. We have high hopes that we will be able to move this drug to the clinic very soon.

So, tonight I raise a glass. I do not celebrate myself. Rather, I toast all of those who made this award possible. I am indebted to my family more than anyone else. They have tolerated me working six to seven days per week and missing summer vacations because of the need to work on proposals such as this one. I could not do what I do without their understanding. and support. I am also grateful to my lab staff who work tirelessly to generate the data that makes our arguments strong in grants like this one and in our manuscripts. Finally, I am also grateful to my mentors and colleagues at work who have helped facilitate my success and provided me so much guidance.

You see it takes a village to secure an R01. Tonight, I am one happy villager!

THE END

Today, Spain crashed out of the World Cup. They did not go out with a bang, but rather with a whimper. I know I will fail to capture how their departure makes me feel, but I will try anyway.

I first came to truly love the game of football four years ago after watching the Spanish national team play in the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Spain's style was truly a revelation and unlike anything I had seen before.

Spain did not boot the ball down the field and hope for the best like so many other teams I had watched before. Rather, they treated the ball like a valued possession and used quick, short, accurate passes to magically work the ball up the field. Every player was interchangeable, and every moment was so precise. It was impossible to defend against them because they played as a unit. It was also impossible not to marvel at their style of play because of its fluidity and effectiveness.

If I fell in love with football through Spain at the World Cup, that courtship continued with FC Barcelona. Indeed, more than one half of Spain's players in 2010 came from Barca. After the World Cup, I began to follow Barca and could easily appreciate the club's influence on the national team. Both teams loved to play with the ball. Both teams loved to involve every player. Both teams enjoyed making something beautiful on the pitch.

However, in recent years, both Spain and Barca have declined from their peaks. Their key players are older and more tired, and they have given everything to club and country in the past six years. Indeed, the national team won the 2010 World Cup bookended by back to back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

It is not the fall from the podiums that pangs me however. Rather, watching Spain play in this World Cup felt like a funeral because of their complete lack of effectiveness or execution. Yes, they lost to talented teams from the Netherlands and Chile, but Spain's imprecision was every bit as important for their elimination from Brazil. To see these players incapable of executing felt like sitting at the death bed of one's first love. It was painful, sorrowful, and shocking.

Rather than mourn the passing of this great generation of players, we should appreciate what all they have achieved and what they have given the world. In my opinion, no one ever played this game as well as they did. No one ever played it more beautifully. No one ever swept me off me feet the way Spain did. For each of us, there is only one first love. For me that will always be the not so young men of this great Spanish side who also starred for Barcelona- Andres Iniesta (shown above crying as he left the pitch today), Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, David Villa, and Gerard Pique.

We do not owe them any sympathy tonight. What we owe them is gratitude and appreciation. I will not soon forget this first love...

A MAN WITHOUT A COUNTRY

Yesterday's New York Times Sunday magazine was devoted to the World Cup. In my opinion, the best article in that issue was about my favorite player, Lionel Messi, entitled, "The Burden of Being Messi." The author Jeff Himmelman captured the paradox of Messi - the best-loved footballer on the planet who cannot get any love in his home country of Argentina.

There are many reasons why Argentinians have never warmed up to Messi. These include: he left the country for Spain as a young boy; he has triumphed for his club Barca but has never won a major trophy for Argentina; that he is quiet and downright aloof compared to the country's first soccer god, Diego Maradona.

I hope Messi has a great tournament. I hope he scores lots of breathtaking goals. I hope he wins the Cup and silences all the doubters. Fundamentally, I hope he gets his country back. If not, both he and  Argentina will be the losers.

PASS IT ON!

I saw a very poignant video on the New York Times today called "Pass It On." It was about a man in the Democratic Republic of Congo who makes soccer balls out of trash and scraps for the young children in his village. These kids' lives have been disrupted by war an violence, but soccer is a refuge for them. The joy on their faces while they kicked their "trash" ball nearly brought tears to my eyes.

This video reminded me of a wonderful organization called One World Futbol that has created a nearly indestructible soccer ball. Every time you buy a ball throughout their site, One World donates a ball to someone in a developing country. You can even choose to simply donate balls without purchasing one for yourself. I donated two balls tonight, and I encourage you to do the same.

We in the West have so much, and we have so many reasons to be thankful. However, let us remember that we are more than citizens of our respective countries. We all belong to one world. Pass it on!

THE BIGGEST STAGE IN THE WORLD (CUP)

The 2014 World Cup begins in three days, and this spectacle is sure to captivate long-standing fans of the game. However, the World Cup also has a way of converting non-believers into die-hard soccer acolytes. I, myself, joined the fold of the soccer-obsessed during the last World Cup. Since then, Nicholas and Cate have also become quite the devotees of the beautiful game.

For new fans of the game, the World Cup is about much more than the world's best players giving their all on the field, or pitch. The World Cup is also about national identity, history, and triumphs and  failures of past Cups.

Pamela Druckerman, an American author living in Paris, captured the wonder that is the World Cup beautifully in a piece in the New York Times today entitled, "We are the World (Cup)." I could not help but appreciate the similarities between her children who have become soccer aficionados and my own children, especially Nicholas. Her children and mine are collecting stickers in the Panini sticker album (Note to the grandparents, this makes a great gift for a certain soccer-obsessed eight year-old).
Both her kids and mine seem to possess a messianic devotion to soccer trivia and history at such a young age.

Why shouldn't they be excited! The World Cup only comes around every four years, and each tournament is bigger and more popular than the last.  Regardless of one's station in life, race, religion, nationality, soccer is something we can all appreciate. What better way to spend one month than living this dream with players and fans, alike, from 32 lucky countries.

Let's hope that the next month is a memorable one for soccer. Let's hope that dreams come true for some deserving souls, especially if they are from Argentina. Let's hope that millions of new people come to appreciate all that is beautiful about this, the most beautiful of games.

INDEPENDENTS' DAY PART IV

Nicholas presented his Independent project last week. This was his fourth one at Arbor, and each one seems to be better than the last.

This year, he covered the city of Barcelona. We had gone there in November on a family trip, and he was clearly moved by the experience. 

To prepare for the presentation he read articles from the encyclopedia and several books. He decided to do both a poster board and make a book - sort of a guidebook about the city. Finally, he also made creme Catalana, a Catalan version of creme brûlée. 

Unsurprisingly, Nicholas did a wonderful job. You can see for yourself below.

I am blown away by this young man and look forward to many more of his accomplishments in the years to come.

Go Nicholas!

LEFT OUT

This week, Nicholas told us that one of his friends was planning a sleepover this weekend. According to Nicholas many of his closest friends from school were going to be in attendance. I expressed my concern that it was Wednesday, and I had not heard anything about the sleepover from the child's parents. Undeterred, Nicholas was on cloud nine about the prospect of spending time outside of school with his friends at this sleepover.

Today, I received the bad news in an email from Nicholas' teacher. He said that there had indeed been talk all week about the sleepover. However, the child's parents had to limit the number of kids who could sleep over, and Nicholas was not ultimately invited. He said Nicholas was quite upset upon hearing this and could not understand how he was left out. The teacher used this as a teaching moment to illustrate how Nicholas' feeling were hurt because plans that did not include everyone were openly discussed. He also used the moment to describe how the lack of an invitation did not mean that Nicholas was any less important to his friends. All the kids agreed that they would do better next time.

Tonight, I was not sure how to approach the discussion with Nicholas, so I just asked him about his day. I did not reveal to him that I was aware of the day's events.

Nicholas first response was that he was looking forward to the sleepover and being with his friends. I reminded him that we had not heard anything about this, and that I was not sure this was going to happen. At that point, he confessed that the sleepover was happening and that he was not invited. He said he could not understand how such a thing could have happened.

I told him that I had had many similar experiences and that his friends still loved him and enjoyed his company. I told him there would be many sleepovers and that we could even host one. He was not convinced.

Upon hearing the news from Nicholas teacher, I had also prophylactically contacted the parents of one of his soccer friends from the neighborhood. I confirmed that that boy could sleepover tomorrow night. When I told Nicholas this, he perked up, although I could still detect a sense of sadness in him.

I could not think of anything else to say without making the situation seem even more upsetting or awkward, so we moved on to story time. We also fit in some World Cup videos from YouTube, which made him quite happy. Then, he went to bed.

My number one goal in the world is to help my children be happy. This is not always possible, and there are many moments of sadness and emptiness in childhood.

This is one of those moments, and it will soon pass. However, that does not make it any less upsetting.

Nicholas is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. I love him unconditionally, and I want others to treat him the same. He will learn from this, and he will hopefully remember to treat others with respect, affection, and fairness. However, rejection is a bitter pill to swallow whether one is eighty or a mere eight.

I can promise Nicholas one thing. We will host one hell of a sleepover tomorrow...

END OF AN ERA

This past weekend Barca was unceremoniously defeated 1-1 by Atletico Madrid. Defeated, you ask?

Barca trailed Atletico by three points going into this final game. The Blaugrana needed a win to secure the Spanish league title. For Atletico, a draw would be sufficient for them to win the title.

Barca came out strong. Soon thereafter two of Atletico's top players had to leave the field due to injuries. Then, Barca took the lead after a blistering shot by Alexis Sanchez. At halftime, Barca clung to a 1-0 lead.

However, in the second half, Atletico came out like men possessed. They quickly put Barca on the defensive and soon scored an equalizing goal. The air left the stadium, and it was clear that Barca were on the ropes.

Barca tried mightily to score once again, but most of there efforts were individual. A single player trying to doing it himself. There was no cohesive in the attack and no coordination. This was a great departure from the tiki-taka, or total football, team approach that is ingrained in the club's DNA.

Atletico, on the other hand, played as a team. They hunted the Barca players in packs and functioned in concert. Soon, the final whistle blew, and the best team had won.

We will bounce back. Our club will see better days, but this will only happen if we learn from the defeats of this miserable trophyless season. We need new players, but we do not need a new way of being.

Indeed, if Atletico has taught us anything, it is that playing team football is not only beautiful, it is also highly effective.

TICKING CLOCK

Today, I gave out some good news in clinic, but I also had to give out some bad news. My patients' reactions to the bad news made me wonder how I would feel if I were in the same position.

"The average patient in your situation lives three to five years." I could not imagine having such a short time frame left especially with a five year old and eight year old whom I love more than anything on earth. That would mean no graduations, no weddings, no grand kids. In short, it would mean missing out on the most important things in the lives of the most important people in my life.

"Treatment is generally effective for one and a half years." I cannot plan one and a half days ahead let alone one and a half years ahead. However, plan one must when one is faced with such a stark prognosis. One patient decided to quit his job. Another patient has decided to take the motorcycle trip to Europe he had always dreamt of. One man's suffocation is truly anothers' liberation.

"Prostate cancer is a race. However, it is not a 5K, a 10K, or even a marathon. Prostate cancer is a crazy 50-100 mile ultra marathon. There will be starts and stops and ups and downs, but we will run this race together." I would want my oncologist to be on my side if I had cancer. That sense of fraternity is something I try to impart to my patients. I may not be the best co-pilot, but I will not abandon ship... ever.

Just a few thoughts from today's cancer wars...

HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES II

Nicholas is a mere eight years old, but he already has a long list of accomplishments. Indeed, Nicholas has been accepted after every "try-out" he has attended. These try-outs include admissions assessments at three private schools before kindergarten and recently the Portland City United (PCU) Soccer Development Team. Nicholas played for PCU this winter, and he had a good season.

Northeast United (NEU) is another club in the area to which many of our friends' kids belong. Therefore, we decided to check out this club, too, before making a decision on the Summer/Fall seasons. Sure enough, Nicholas did a great job at his two NEU try-outs and was invited to join their Development Team.

It was difficult for Nicholas to decide which team to play for. This is because he felt loyal to his PCU coach and teammates. Ultimately though he chose NEU. I think this was because he sensed that both Kathleen and I thought the teaching methods were more rigorous and because he knew many kids at NEU whom he liked and who were equally passionate about the game.

Deep down, I think Nicholas would have succeeded with either club because he is one hell of a kid with a great head on his shoulders.

Consider me impressed and consider me proud!

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TIMBERS-STYLE

Today was Mothers' Day. We had a day filled with soccer and family outings. In the morning, we first went to Cate's soccer game. Then, we made a mad dash to the Timbers' game.

Last week, I had emailed our Timbers customer service representative Chris Wilson to see if the team could display a Mothers' Day greeting to Kathleen from the kids on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, all the spots were already taken. Chris, though, said he would make it up to us and bring a gift to our seats. I told him this was not necessary.

However, sure enough, Chris came by in the first half and handed Kathleen a sweet Timbers' scarf. This is an item of clothing that fans often bring to the game to show their support for the team. Kathleen's was truly beautiful, and she wore it throughout the game. Perhaps it was good luck because the Timbers came back to tie the game 1-1 in the last minute of the game!

Here's to the Timbers and Chris Wilson, and here's to Kathleen and all the moms out there!

I RAISE 10s, NOT 9s

Each position in soccer is traditionally assigned a number between 1 and 11. The lower numbers are reserved for "defensive" players. The middle numbers are for "midfielders," and the higher numbers are for "offensive" players.

The number 9 is assigned to the striker, or main forward on the team. This is often a tall, strong player with relatively limited dribbling or passing ability. Traditionally, the 9 is the main goal scorer, and 9s play the farthest up the pitch. In many teams, the 9 is the player who is the central focus, to whom the other players provide "service" - play that supports the 9's success. If scoring goals is your thing, you probably want to be a 9.

Another prominent position on many teams is the 10, or so-called "false 9." This is the preferred attacking player for team's like Barcelona and the Spanish National Team that do not play with a traditional striker, or 9. Leo Messi is the 10 at the former, and he is the best player at this position in the world.

Unlike a 9, a 10 is much more versatile, and height and strength are dispensable for this position. Tens are very engaged in the build-up of play. They are great dribblers,  and they often drop into midfield to make decisive passes. Tens can often be prolific scorers but doing so requires quite a bit of work. This is because a 10 sits back farther in midfield unlike a 9 who often sits far up the pitch awaiting for service.

Nicholas and Cate, especially, score plenty of goals on their soccer teams. Parents and coaches often comment on this to me. However, parents and coaches are even more astounded by Cate's and Nicholas' ability to seamlessly take on the role of defender, midfielder, and attacker during the course of a game. Their pinpoint passes, called "dagger balls," often leaving coaches and opposing teams, alike, dumbfounded. They truly can do it all when they are at the best.

You see, in this house, we do not settle for 9s. We make perfect 10s!

DEFIANCE

It is no secret that racism is alive and well in our world. The problem is particularly prevalent in European football.

Today, fans in Villareal's stadium threw a banana on the pitch as Dani Alves, a dark-skinned Brazilian defender from Barca prepared to take a corner kick. This was not the first time that Dani had been subjected to this type of abuse or monkey chants unfortunately.

However, this time, Dani responded with an act of defiance that rang around the world. He did not storm off. He did not complain. He did not get in a fight with the bigoted fans. Rather, he picked up the banana, pealed it, and took a bite. Then, he proceeded to take his kick.

What was to follow demonstrates that there is justice or fate or divine intervention. Prior to the incident, Barca was trailing. However, Dani and the team upped their game further. Dani scored two goals that went in off Villareal players - so-called "own goals" and Leo Messi added a third for a 3-2 comeback win.

What a fitting result!

END OF AN ERA

Last week was one of the toughest weeks in Barca's history. First, they were eliminated from the European Champions' League. Next, they lost a league game, which may have effectively ended their hopes for a league title. Finally, they limped to defeat against the eternal rival Real Madrid in the Spanish Cup final.

Those of us who have been following the club closely this season were worried about lack of intensity and focus. However, none of us could have predicted the catastrophe we witnessed last week.

The impotence of the Barca players was shocking, and many cules around the world hung their heads in disbelief. I nearly lost my voice yelling at the TV, which scared off my kids from watching the games with me.

It took me a few days to fully appreciate the depths to which my favorite team of any sport of any era had sunk. There was plenty of blame to go around, and it was hard not to be disappointed in the players, the coach, and the board that runs the club. These losses were so complete, that many signaled that this represented an end to the era of Barca dominance. I must say that I agree with this assessment.

As I reflected on the state of the team, I did not feel despair, however. I took this moment for what it might be - an opportunity to revitalize the squad, the staff, and the board. We need new blood. We need to end this era and began anew. I also reflected on the utter joy that this team and these players have given me and countless fans around the globe these past four years.

My mind drifted away from these three defeats to jaw-dropping moments of brilliance: 1)The 5-0 win over Madrid in 2010, 2)the 2011 Champions' League final win over Man United 3-1 at Wembley, and 3) the 4-0 remontada against AC Milan last year. These are but a few of the amazing football displays these men put on that I will never forget. One can also add to that list the 3-1 win over Zaragoza and 4-0 win over Granada that I saw live at the Camp Nou. I realized just what this team has meant to me and what a central role this team has played in my life.

Even if this era is over, it does not mean that the team cannot recover. We should waste no time and begin to write the next chapter and start a new era.

In the meantime, win or lose, we should enjoy these players and moments of inspiration that they turn out on a weekly basis. They truly are a special group that may never be matched again.

Here are but a few of my favorite moments.



Visca Barca!

SURVIVING

I have been thinking more and more about resilience and perseverance ever since I was injured six weeks ago. There is no one answer for how to overcome life's challenges. However, looking beyond one's self and one's troubles is certainly a start.

In this vein, I read a wonderful Op-Ed by the Indian-American author Akhil Sharma in the New York Times today that echoes this same sentiment.  You can read it for your self here. 

Whether it be prayer, kindness, or meditation, do whatever you need to do to get through life's challenges  If you are lucky, this strategy will not only help you survive. It will also help you thrive in this, our one and only, life!

LIFE'S UPS AND DOWNS

Today, Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury of his right knee. This is a devastating blow because Valdes is a key player both for Barca and the Spanish national team... in a World Cup year when Barca is in the hunt for three major trophies.

I would have been sympathetic if this injury had happened to this player at any other time in the past. However, I am doubly sympathetic - no, make that empathetic - because of my own recent injury.

Getting hurt or diseased is a cruel twist of fate. I felt this most strongly myself when I was in clinic yesterday as many of my own patients expressed their concern for me. I told them that my injury was unfortunate, but I also told them that I was staying positive. Their courage in the face of their disease gave me perspective and strength. I hope Victor is surrounded by people who make him feel the same way.

Tonight, I was heartened by a message of support sent by Valdes' former teammate Eric Abidal on twitter. Abidal was struck by cancer not once but twice, and he told Victor, "All my energy and strength so that you recover quickly! #animsvaldes" (my love to you Valdes). All of us cules feel the same way.

As low as this low is Victor, you will get back up again and you will triumph again. Your friends and all the fans are behind you. Stay positive! You will be back soon and better than ever! AnimsValdes!