My wife, Nada, and I were blessed six times with the gift of new life. Each of the children was unique and beautiful in his or her own fashion. Each arrival brought adaptation and change to our lives as well as the other children's. They were bumped to different room and seats at the dinner table. For my part, the routines that I had deemed so vital rightfully became secondary to my responsibilities as a father, but they did continue. I took my pregame naps usually curled up with a baby. Game day departure times suffered with emergency diaper changes that often required a wardrobe change. No longer could I spend all day thinking about the game as activities with the kids abounded. Helping with homework also crept into my pregame routine. These changes were good; they offered a different perspective. Basketball wasn't the most important thing in the world. That realization, ironically, helped me play more relaxed and, in turn, play better.
I enjoy being a dad. Being a good parent, however, is a challenge. I haven't always succeeded. But meeting that obligation is far more important to me than being a good basketball player ever was. I will keep working at making the family better tomorrow than it was today.
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