Fan Club

What This Picture Is

This is a picture of my dad, known to his grandchildren as Grandpa Jim, and my father-in-law, whom we called Papa.

The little boy swinging from their strong hands is my son Chris. He's wearing his T-ball uniform. That year, he played for the Dodgers.

They're all looking at the camera, sharing their delight in the moment. They're standing outside Diamond 2 at Hamlin Park in Chicago, which had recently been renamed Ron Santo Field. It is one of the park's four "Legends Fields."

Having both out-of-town grandfathers at the same T-ball game happened only once for Chris. It was the weekend he made his First Holy Communion at St. Andrew in 2008.

The grandparents were in town for that special occasion. The T-ball game was a bonus!

Why I Saved This Picture

When Chris was sworn in as an attorney for the State of New York, I found myself thinking about this photograph. I went hunting for it and was delighted when I found it.

Both of his grandfathers had also been attorneys—my dad in Wisconsin and my father-in-law in Minnesota.

This picture reminds me how much they enjoyed connecting with the people around them, especially family.

My favorite part of this picture is the twinkle in both grandfathers' eyes as they laugh with their grandson swinging between them. It's a simple moment of shared joy.

Both grandfathers are gone now, but I can imagine how proud they were, watching Chris take the oath from above. I think about the qualities they modeled—not through lectures, but through the way they lived. Their character. Their kindness. Their love for family. Their example.

This picture makes me smile.

Showing Up

Figure out how to be present for the important milestones in the lives of the young people around you. Then, when you're there, soak up the moments.

Reach out to the others who have also shown up in support. Share a smile or laugh. Relish these kindred spirits who understand the responsibility and the joy of encouraging the next generation.

In the workplace, be there for the celebrations, the presentations, the difficult conversations, and the career milestones. People remember the leaders who made time for the moments that mattered.

Your presence says, "I noticed. I'm proud of you. What you're doing matters."

Key Points

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