Fielder’s Choice - Barry Burleson


Thursday, December 29, 2011
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Fielder’s Choice
By Barry Burleson

More memories

Santa had to call off his “putting together” project about 1 a.m. Christmas Day.

Our fourth grader, Erin, had requested a basketball goal. Santa, shopping at home, made his purchase right here in Holly Springs a couple of weeks before December 25.

The old goal in the driveway had definitely seen its better day. We bought it about 12 years ago for our other two children, Emma and Andy, when we lived in Laurel. They were about ages 8 and 5 at the time. Now they’re 20 and 17.

It’s been used a lot since our move to Holly Springs. And then a couple of strong winds this year crashed it to the concrete and bent the rim, making it no longer shaped like a circle.

Santa should have had the elves assemble the new basketball goal before he ever left the North Pole.

Instead, he got it out of the box and tried to put it together in our garage.

Pam and I had patiently assembled that old basketball goal 12 years ago.

But to Santa’s defense, this one seemed to have more bolts and screws and springs and rods and such.

Anyway, Santa got tired after midnight and left Erin a kind note.

“Sorry Erin. I did not have time to finish your gift. Daddy and Andy will take care of that for you.”

The “finishing” began Christmas Day. Andy took the lead role. Pam and I assisted.

We worked on it a bit at a time and made great progress. Then we put a bolt in the wrong slot, had to force it out and damaged the bolt.

A frustrated Andy said, “I’m glad I’m going to be a basketball coach. I will just give my children the key to the gym.”

Hopefully, by the time this paper is your hands, the project Santa started will be completed. Warmer than normal temperatures are expected to ring in the new year. Maybe Erin and I can shoot some hoops in the driveway on the new goal.

It was indeed a wonderful Christmas.

We made the trip to Alabama for our annual holiday get-together with my family. I don’t think I have stopped eating since.

We made a change this year. Instead of buying gifts for everyone, the adults drew names. We took our time and enjoyed it. And I left with pants, shirts, a belt and plenty more.

The gifts kept coming back in Holly Springs at our home, too. I badly needed those socks. And that new pullover jacket is great. That’s just naming a few.

Erin received a new version of Scrabble. Our family spent several hours gathered around the table playing one of my all-time favorite board games.

She also got Pictionary. That added to our holiday fun.

For our Christmas Day lunch, Pam came through with my special request – seafood. We had shrimp, clam strips, stuffed clam. Plus, she threw in some other family favorites, like green bean casserole and new potatoes.

By Monday, designated a day off for The South Reporter staff, I just had to get out of the house for some work and exercise. I worked in the yard for a couple of hours – getting rid of some leaves and cutting up a pine tree that had fallen a couple of months ago.

Christmas 2011 helped build more special memories for the Burlesons. And I cherish all of them.

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