Happy Father's Day, With Some Thoughts From Coach

All the gang here at Bruins Nation would like to wish a very Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there.  I hope you all have a wonderful day.   Put your feet up and relax, and maybe cheer on one current and 2 former Bruins, all of whom are currently in the top 15, as they play the final round of the US Open Golf Championship.

As it is with the moms, a dad's hours can be long, the pay pretty minimal, and the tasks often thankless.  But for those lucky ones who had or have a supportive and caring father figure, though, the role is priceless.  I hope today will remind us to be appreciative of those fathers in our lives.

From a local standpoint, especially as Bruins Nation recently celebrated its 6th birthday, I am reminded of this little blog's founding and de facto father, Nestor.  Well, I am happy to report to you all that Nestor is celebrating his very first Father's Day today as a brand new dad!  Unfortunately for us, that's more work to keep him away from here.  But I'm sure he's discovered something he loves as much as (and even more than) his U.C.L.A. Bruins.  Welcome to the club, N!

And to those of us with our own kids, I hope we can always accept some sound advice and wisdom from a man who knew a thing or two about nurturing and teaching kids, whether they were his own or they were his players.  John Wooden always said that his father was the most influential and important man in his life.  In a 1996 interview, Wooden spoke in detail about his father, Joshua.  As usual, Coach's words are touching, profound, and telling. 

Here are a couple quotes:

Like Mark Twain, when I was young, I probably didn't appreciate my father at all. But thinking back, some of the things he did became so meaningful. I didn't realize at the time.

My father was a good person. I don't believe there's ever been a better person than my dad.

On John's graduation from 8th grade, Joshua Wooden gave his son a handwritten card with some ideals that he wanted his son to try to live up to:

And, on the other side, was a seven point creed that I say I've tried to live up to... One was "Be true to yourself, help others, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books, make each day your masterpiece, build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live, and give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day." I kept it with me until it had completely worn out. I still carry it around on a card, and always have it with me.

Those are some pretty lofty ideals.  But it worked out well for that father and son, and so I believe those thoughts are applicable still today.

And then there is this beauty...

Gatorade "Wooden Poem" (via vhklholdings)

So to the memories of Joshua and John Wooden, and to Nestor and all the other dads out there, we wish you all a most excellent Father's Day.  Go Bruins!