Saturday, March 10, 2012

It's Tough Being a Dad...

Hi Max!

Wanted to share my thoughts from last weekend. Really hated missing your soccer game because I KNEW you were going to play well. You were dribbling the ball so well and kicking the ball so well in the back yard. You have improved TREMENDOUSLY! So wonderful to see your improvement and watching your athleticism start to shine. Here is the Facebook strand from when I was missing you - and look at the wonderful advice from my special friends! 

Dear Friends, Being a dad is sometimes very tough. Opportunity to talk to producers, literary agents, and screenwriters today in LA... while Max is playing his last soccer game of the season in KC. Really crushing hard and thinking about him. We've been kicking the ball, playing soccer, and having fun learning the game. Watching his understanding of what it is all about has been incredible. From the first game to now, his awareness has increased by light years. He's the youngest of this group, but my guess is he shines today... and I will shine here... but as a dad, I'd rather we shine together. Sad Dad in LA. Any words of wisdom for Sad Dad?
 ·  ·  ·  · March 3 at 9:59am near Los Angeles, CA

    • Todd Pembleton I hear ya! You kind of take it for granted being able to be at all the games. I was going to have to work and miss my daughter's last game of the basketball season and I was pretty upset. Then things changed and I ended up making it. I would be very sad in your spot as well, but I'm sure he will in true Maher fashion kick some booty! :)
      March 3 at 10:03am ·  ·  2

    • Greg Webb Ask somebody to video the game and then make a big deal of watching it with Max when you get back.
      March 3 at 10:07am ·  ·  4

    • Tom Cooper · Friends with Sheri Maher and 4 others
      ‎"live like no one else so that later you can live like no one else!" and don't forget to reshape another season of your life to be "out of balance" toward Max and Sheri.
      March 3 at 10:08am ·  ·  1

    • Michael J. Maher He has scored only two goals all year - both left-footed (he's right-footed). Just got the update - he has three goals already today! OMG! And he's having a ball! I really hope it is being videoed. Greg Webb LOVE THAT IDEA! Movie night - and it's MAX!
      March 3 at 10:09am ·  ·  6

    • Gwen Daubenmeyer Quality trumps events in most cases M+2. You've got cred. :)
      March 3 at 10:11am ·  ·  2

    • Irene Hughes Michael as you know we cannot be more than one place than one time physically...what you are doing you are doing for the family.....that's what Daddy's do~take care of their families (sounds old school but that's okay) hunter's and gatherer's. Put on that smile and get it done!
      March 3 at 10:13am ·  ·  1


    • Feel the pain, I was at a mastermind group when Kyle hit his first homerun...Video it and make it like a professional game watching with popcorn...maybe even your own medal from you. I always talk with Kyle about how important it is that n...See More

      March 3 at 10:14am ·  ·  1

    • Brandon Wilson You are a great father and coach! I know you were one of my high school coach's. Your son loves you unconditionally and you will have many more soccer games. From now until he makes it to the pro’s.
      March 3 at 10:15am ·  ·  1

    • Craig Layman 
      Sorry you can't be there for the game today. It sounds like he has improved so much! He knows you're there in spirit! I'm sure he's enjoyed time he's spent with you kicking the ball, playing soccer and learning the game! He will remember th...See More

      March 3 at 10:19am ·  ·  1

    • Sarita Lahoti Dua Just tell yourself over and over that everything you do, you do for your family. It's true and Max, even at his young age, knows it!
      March 3 at 10:26am ·  ·  1

    • Brian Maher That why digital video cameras are such a good investment
      March 3 at 10:28am ·  ·  1

    • Gwen Daubenmeyer Don't forget iPad2 FACETIME! Peptalks before and cheers afterward!
      March 3 at 10:29am ·  ·  2

    • Jon Powers · Friends with Dustin Hughes and 20 others
      A hat trick! Way to go Max!!
      March 3 at 10:30am ·  ·  1

    • Tonya Wyatt awww. well, first of all, know that you are not alone. you can believe that every parent has experienced this in one way or another. and it won't be the last time either! such is life. talk to him before/after the game as i'm sure you always do! get a full detailed account of the game from him when you see him again and of course, be your very best today in your endeavors in honor of him:)
      March 3 at 10:55am ·  ·  2

    • Josh Bosley Well I am not sure how well they will help but I always remember these words when stuff don't go as planned "EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY" hope that helps
      March 3 at 11:23am ·  ·  1

    • Diana Shirley 
      Oh Michael, I'm not quite sure what advice to give you, except this. Don't do things today that you may regret tomorrow. That goes for both yourself as well as your son. I'm sure if you spend enough time with him, quality time that is (a...See More

      March 3 at 11:56am ·  ·  1

    • Michael J. Maher Love this advice! Love my Friends! Thank you for making me feel better and for the record Max and I had incredible days - and just so you know I read a lot of your comments before I went into my meetings. What you say matters and means a lot to me. Thank you!
      March 3 at 12:23pm ·  ·  3

    • Diana Shirley ‎*Sheri (sorry, I hate misspelling names!)
      March 3 at 2:01pm ·  ·  1

    • Diana Shirley ‎@Greg Webb, love that idea!! Max can give him the highlights while they watch it!!
      March 3 at 2:02pm ·  ·  1

    • Sheri Maher I did video the game!!! It was awesome! He scored 3 out of the 6 goals for his team. He had a ball today!!!! Maybe there is Spring league in his future...... Love the movie night idea so we can watch the game together as a family. We love you Daddy!!!!

    • Terri Mentzel As parents you are always going to have things that beat you up, especially when work has to come before family! You will have a lot more Soccer games to see, the fun is just beginning!

    • Carrie Smith Qualters You love him so deeply - there's no way he can miss that!
      March 3 at 3:59pm ·  ·  1

    • Take it from this 20 year military wife- you make the best of times together. Plus the homefront does what it can with video, pictures, Skype etc. Back in the day we had 15 minutes one night a week on a satellite phone so today's communication is amazing for our Soldiers. It's part of the price paid for being away, hard but it is what it is.
      March 3 at 4:17pm ·  ·  2

    • Johnston Evelyn Make every second count when you are with him, teach him all he needs to know and then let him be him. He will remember your points when he needs them.
      March 3 at 10:56pm ·  ·  2

    • Pat Hiban One of my best friends who is a Colonel in the U.S. Army has a saying " Your either talking or your doing"
      20 minutes ago · 

We need to schedule our Movie night to see your highlights... and we did sign you up for Spring soccer. And I will make as many of those games as I can. =0)

Blessings, 

Max's Dad (Michael)

P.S. I love you!