What it means

M

MainMan

Well-known member
2023 $upporter
My dad is 85 and a double degree holder from SJU - BS and MBA. He was an undergrad in the late 50s, early 60s when Al Seiden, Tony Jackson and Joe Lapchick reigned supreme.

Between classes - when he wasn’t working at the Domino sugar factory in Williamsburg to pay his tuition - he watched Alumni Hall be built.

One day in the early 80s he pulled me away from my Gi Joe’s sat me in front of the TV and told me to watch this skinny lefty from Brooklyn. “He’s gonna be really good.”

I was hooked.

But long before that he met my mom when they both worked at MetLife down on 23rd street. My mom had barely graduated high school and went straight to work for good old Mother Met.

Mom never thought she was smart despite having an incredibly sharp memory and the ability to complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle every week.

But with encouragement from my dad, she did something remarkable. She enrolled at SJU in her 40s taking night and weekend classes.

Mom would take the E train from midtown after work, hop onto a bus at Kew Gardens and make her classes just in time. My mom loved every second of it. SJU exposed her to literature, philosophy, theology. And this woman who thought she couldn’t hack college, made the Deans List almost every semester.

The last few years have been incredibly difficult. My sharp-as-a-tack mom developed Alzheimer’s. The descent was slow and then fast. And my dad was her caregiver to the very end. She passed away in October.

The grief and the loneliness haven’t gone away for dad. But this year’s run by the Redmen has been something for him to lean on, something to escape to, something to revel in and now something to cherish.

When I called him up last night shortly after the final buzzer as I’ve done for years, his voice no longer had that melancholy to it. He was excited. There was something in his life that was giving him joy. It was his beloved Redmen finally winning a BET championship.

And then like every SJU fan, he couldn’t be 100% happy. “Kadary better hit his free throws in the tournament!”

His voice was still full of joy, though.
 
MainMan said:
My dad is 85 and a double degree holder from SJU - BS and MBA. He was an undergrad in the late 50s, early 60s when Al Seiden, Tony Jackson and Joe Lapchick reigned supreme.

Between classes - when he wasn’t working at the Domino sugar factory in Williamsburg to pay his tuition - he watched Alumni Hall be built.

One day in the early 80s he pulled me away from my Gi Joe’s sat me in front of the TV and told me to watch this skinny lefty from Brooklyn. “He’s gonna be really good.”

I was hooked.

But long before that he met my mom when they both worked at MetLife down on 23rd street. My mom had barely graduated high school and went straight to work for good old Mother Met.

Mom never thought she was smart despite having an incredibly sharp memory and the ability to complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle every week.

But with encouragement from my dad, she did something remarkable. She enrolled at SJU in her 40s taking night and weekend classes.

Mom would take the E train from midtown after work, hop onto a bus at Kew Gardens and make her classes just in time. My mom loved every second of it. SJU exposed her to literature, philosophy, theology. And this woman who thought she couldn’t hack college, made the Deans List almost every semester.

The last few years have been incredibly difficult. My sharp-as-a-tack mom developed Alzheimer’s. The descent was slow and then fast. And my dad was her caregiver to the very end. She passed away in October.

The grief and the loneliness haven’t gone away for dad. But this year’s run by the Redmen has been something for him to lean on, something to escape to, something to revel in and now something to cherish.

When I called him up last night shortly after the final buzzer as I’ve done for years, his voice no longer had that melancholy to it. He was excited. There was something in his life that was giving him joy. It was his beloved Redmen finally winning a BET championship.
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what a post ! Condolences about your mom but what a woman !
 
MainMan, whether it’s a half sentence zing that pierces perfectly, or a thoughtful, more detailed post like this, I hang on to every one of your words.

Amazing post, I’m glad your dad got to enjoy this!!
 
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MainMan said:
My dad is 85 and a double degree holder from SJU - BS and MBA. He was an undergrad in the late 50s, early 60s when Al Seiden, Tony Jackson and Joe Lapchick reigned supreme.

Between classes - when he wasn’t working at the Domino sugar factory in Williamsburg to pay his tuition - he watched Alumni Hall be built.

One day in the early 80s he pulled me away from my Gi Joe’s sat me in front of the TV and told me to watch this skinny lefty from Brooklyn. “He’s gonna be really good.”

I was hooked.

But long before that he met my mom when they both worked at MetLife down on 23rd street. My mom had barely graduated high school and went straight to work for good old Mother Met.

Mom never thought she was smart despite having an incredibly sharp memory and the ability to complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle every week.

But with encouragement from my dad, she did something remarkable. She enrolled at SJU in her 40s taking night and weekend classes.

Mom would take the E train from midtown after work, hop onto a bus at Kew Gardens and make her classes just in time. My mom loved every second of it. SJU exposed her to literature, philosophy, theology. And this woman who thought she couldn’t hack college, made the Deans List almost every semester.

The last few years have been incredibly difficult. My sharp-as-a-tack mom developed Alzheimer’s. The descent was slow and then fast. And my dad was her caregiver to the very end. She passed away in October.

The grief and the loneliness haven’t gone away for dad. But this year’s run by the Redmen has been something for him to lean on, something to escape to, something to revel in and now something to cherish.

When I called him up last night shortly after the final buzzer as I’ve done for years, his voice no longer had that melancholy to it. He was excited. There was something in his life that was giving him joy. It was his beloved Redmen finally winning a BET championship.

And then like every SJU fan, he couldn’t be 100% happy. “Kadary better hit his free throws in the tournament!”

His voice was still full of joy, though.
Click to expand...
My condolences on your loss. Louie will make sure she's got a great seat to cheer on our team.
 
MainMan said:
My dad is 85 and a double degree holder from SJU - BS and MBA. He was an undergrad in the late 50s, early 60s when Al Seiden, Tony Jackson and Joe Lapchick reigned supreme.

Between classes - when he wasn’t working at the Domino sugar factory in Williamsburg to pay his tuition - he watched Alumni Hall be built.

One day in the early 80s he pulled me away from my Gi Joe’s sat me in front of the TV and told me to watch this skinny lefty from Brooklyn. “He’s gonna be really good.”

I was hooked.

But long before that he met my mom when they both worked at MetLife down on 23rd street. My mom had barely graduated high school and went straight to work for good old Mother Met.

Mom never thought she was smart despite having an incredibly sharp memory and the ability to complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle every week.

But with encouragement from my dad, she did something remarkable. She enrolled at SJU in her 40s taking night and weekend classes.

Mom would take the E train from midtown after work, hop onto a bus at Kew Gardens and make her classes just in time. My mom loved every second of it. SJU exposed her to literature, philosophy, theology. And this woman who thought she couldn’t hack college, made the Deans List almost every semester.

The last few years have been incredibly difficult. My sharp-as-a-tack mom developed Alzheimer’s. The descent was slow and then fast. And my dad was her caregiver to the very end. She passed away in October.

The grief and the loneliness haven’t gone away for dad. But this year’s run by the Redmen has been something for him to lean on, something to escape to, something to revel in and now something to cherish.

When I called him up last night shortly after the final buzzer as I’ve done for years, his voice no longer had that melancholy to it. He was excited. There was something in his life that was giving him joy. It was his beloved Redmen finally winning a BET championship.

And then like every SJU fan, he couldn’t be 100% happy. “Kadary better hit his free throws in the tournament!”

His voice was still full of joy, though.
Click to expand...
What a magnificent post. For so many of us, last night was about more than basketball. It was about overcoming challenges in our own lives, our love for our city, and feeling a moment of pure, long-awaited joy….
 
MainMan said:
My dad is 85 and a double degree holder from SJU - BS and MBA. He was an undergrad in the late 50s, early 60s when Al Seiden, Tony Jackson and Joe Lapchick reigned supreme.

Between classes - when he wasn’t working at the Domino sugar factory in Williamsburg to pay his tuition - he watched Alumni Hall be built.

One day in the early 80s he pulled me away from my Gi Joe’s sat me in front of the TV and told me to watch this skinny lefty from Brooklyn. “He’s gonna be really good.”

I was hooked.

But long before that he met my mom when they both worked at MetLife down on 23rd street. My mom had barely graduated high school and went straight to work for good old Mother Met.

Mom never thought she was smart despite having an incredibly sharp memory and the ability to complete the Sunday Times crossword puzzle every week.

But with encouragement from my dad, she did something remarkable. She enrolled at SJU in her 40s taking night and weekend classes.

Mom would take the E train from midtown after work, hop onto a bus at Kew Gardens and make her classes just in time. My mom loved every second of it. SJU exposed her to literature, philosophy, theology. And this woman who thought she couldn’t hack college, made the Deans List almost every semester.

The last few years have been incredibly difficult. My sharp-as-a-tack mom developed Alzheimer’s. The descent was slow and then fast. And my dad was her caregiver to the very end. She passed away in October.

The grief and the loneliness haven’t gone away for dad. But this year’s run by the Redmen has been something for him to lean on, something to escape to, something to revel in and now something to cherish.

When I called him up last night shortly after the final buzzer as I’ve done for years, his voice no longer had that melancholy to it. He was excited. There was something in his life that was giving him joy. It was his beloved Redmen finally winning a BET championship.

And then like every SJU fan, he couldn’t be 100% happy. “Kadary better hit his free throws in the tournament!”

His voice was still full of joy, though.
Click to expand...
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mom, may she rest in peace. I know how bad Alzheimer’s is, I watched my dad deteriorate for 13 years. So glad that your father could revel in our collective enjoyment last night, may he be blessed to share in a few more wins this season to lighten up his day and mood.
And what a beautiful story.
 
Beautiful post. You normally make me laugh with your comments but this brought a tear to my eye and it hits home.

Yesterday I visited my grandma on her 90th bday. She has Alzheimer’s and didn’t recognize me, my wife or kids of course. She’s like a second mother to me so it’s always difficult seeing her in this condition. Going to the game last night and screaming my lungs out together with the old ball and chain made it a much better day. One we’ll all never forget!
 
Great post Main man. Family has been season ticket holders for just about 50 years. My dad never went to college, but his brother played baseball at SJU. He developed a love for SJU hoops, he left us 3 years ago. Last night was than just a game for me, he was no Pitino fan but would have been so proud of this team.
 
redmannorth said:
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your mom, may she rest in peace. I know how bad Alzheimer’s is, I watched my dad deteriorate for 13 years. So glad that your father could revel in our collective enjoyment last night, may he be blessed to share in a few more wins this season to lighten up his day and mood.
And what a beautiful story.
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It is a cruel disease that does damage well beyond the patient. Be well.
 
sirvoo said:
Beautiful post. You normally make me laugh with your comments but this brought a tear to my eye and it hits home.

Yesterday I visited my grandma on her 90th bday. She has Alzheimer’s and didn’t recognize me, my wife or kids of course. She’s like a second mother to me so it’s always difficult seeing her in this condition. Going to the game last night and screaming my lungs out together with the old ball and chain made it a much better day. One we’ll all never forget!
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Hang in there. It’s a terribly cruel disease but the comfort of family coming together to the aid of a loved one can be a balm like no other.
 
Thanks for sharing your story, Main Man. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Like you, I'm a fan because of my father, a SJU athlete and grad from many years ago who started taking me to Alumni Hall (CA) back in the mid 60s when I was a pre-teen. Already had me excited with tales of SJU's basketball history dating back to the Wonder 5. He played in pick up games in Brooklyn with Fuzzy Levane and others from that era.

My dad got to live into his mid 90s. I was so fortunate to have him that long. After his retirement to Florida, I always called him after St. John's first televsied game of each season, knowing he had watched the game. Over a decade ago, I picked up the phone by instinct and was about to dial, when it registered that my dad had passed before the season started. He would have been so proud of this team because, like many from our greatest generation, he would have appreciated how hard and determined everyone on this SJU team plays, and how they represent the university with class and dignity.
 
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