I remember the kiss.

 

On May 20, 2022, at 5:41 PM, Ramon Lopez del la Vega <lopezdel@fiu.edu> wrote:

I have been on vacation for the last two weeks.  During vacations I purposely do not answer emails; I need to get away.  It was during that time that everyone began writing back and forth about different topics.   I would read the email,  it would remind me of something and I really wanted to comment but then I had other responsibilities like relaxing and not thinking of anything else.  

Your stories are incredible. Pat, every time I would read one of yours I would be on the edge of my seat.   What happened now?  I really love everyone’s contribution to our emails.  They are a great resource for all of us to trigger beautiful memories. 

I did notice that the baseball and track athletes seem to have a better recollection of many instances than football players.  I have one football story.

It was the first game of the season.  We were playing at Milander Park (Hialeah Stadium), it was a night game.  I do not really remember the team we were playing against.  I do remember I felt good about it.  We probably won.  

On the first play the opposing team ran an option play.  I was very happy that I tackled the running back or the quarterback.   The announcer said “López on the tackle”.   

That was a really big deal to me.

Those of you who played the “skill” positions get your name announced by the announcer often. Linemen hardly get their name called.  That was the first time my name was announced, ever.   I was even happier since my family, including my dad, was in the stands.  My dad had never seen me play.  That is what happens when you have a huge family and your dad has to work so much.  All of us want to impress our dad. Even though my dad has passed, I still do. I was really happy.  

On the next play the opposing team ran up the middle; Cesar’s position.  The announcer said “Pumariega on the tackle”.  

 All through the game very often I would hear either López on the tackle or Pumariega on the tackle.  I was having a great time.  But then I realized I was getting called a little too often.  Several plays later the announcer said “López on the tackle.”  The problem was that it was on the opposite side.  I was nowhere close to the play.   A bit later I was on the sideline when the announcer again said: “López on the tackle”  I just laughed to myself.  Lets face it my dad must really have been impressed.  

I asked someone: who was the announcer?  They told me it was George Armada.  I knew he was one of us. He pronounced Pumariega perfectly.

George and I go way back.  George’s brother Al was my brother Roberto’s roommate in Gainesville.   I just thought: George was just being nice to Cesar and me.  

After the game I changed clothes and went toward Rocky’s car since he was going to take me home.  I see Jorge who had parked behind the Science building.  I actually thanked him.  He said Pero Moose, es que no me dieron el roster.  Yo no sabia quien era quien.  Y cuando tu estabas cerca I would call out your name.  (sorry for the Spanglish; Moose they did not give me a roster for the team.  Whenever I saw you close to the play, I would call your name).  It turned out very well, my family was very impressed.  Thank you, Jorge.  

Rocky and I kept walking to his car.  On the way I spoke to one of the beautiful ILS ladies. 

She said she was proud of me.  She said I must have played very well.  She heard my name a lot. Then she hugged and kissed me.  

Thank you, Jorge!!!

What our minds choose to remember years after any occurrence or happening, has always intrigued me.  Some may not remember any of this story or that game. 

I remember a lot but specifically remember only several things.   I remember being happy when I made the first tackle and Jorge called out my name.  The actual making of the tackle I do not.   I also remember arriving late at the next tackle on the next play and watching Cesar make the tackle.  The rest of the times my name was mentioned I just remember noticing it and laughing internally.  

What I actually specifically remember this many years later was .....the hug ....and the kiss.

I  remember the kiss.

Fight on my friends  

 

Moose.