Going from Learning to Fun to History

Lots went on this week.  It was the first week of high school.  And right away there was an amazing parenTalk session with Karl Subban.  More often known as "PK's dad".

He is such an interesting person and so personable and likeable.  A husband, father, grand-father, hockey-parent, teacher, principal, author and speaker.

We learned quite a bit from him.  More importantly we learned that we were doing a lot of things right.  I had a few questions during his talk, but as he spoke I began to realize that I already knew the answer.   He was so warm and friendly and fun, and so much just a regular parent like us.

Immigrated to Canada as a young boy with his parents from Jamaica, similar to my family, looking for a better life.

As parents of 3 professional hockey player, he said he spent time with his kids.  He loved his kids, he also let them face adversity so that they could learn to handle it on their own.   To cope with what life throws at them.

The boys left home at 16 to play with their clubs.  They needed to know how to take care of themselves without their parents.  He said he was initially there for guidance, but after that he said tried to stay out of their way.  Let them live their lives.

A focus on a dream was the other parent.  That dream kept them on the path.

Taste of the Kingsway.  So close to us but something we'd never been too.  We didn't realize the concerts that were being put on by performers like Desire the U2 Tribute band.  They were so awesome.  Performing all the hit songs of U2.  Not just sounding like U2 but looking and acting like U2.

They're a local group.  Big U2 fans, and all friends since they were little lads.  It was terrific.  Like going to a show where the price of admission was a beer.  Glad the weather forecast was wrong.  It said rain.  But no rain fell.  Not a drop.

The band was even giving a shout out to Bianca Andreescu and her incredible US Open win over Serena Williams.  It was going to be a historic match either way!  She even apologized for winning to the pro-American crowd in NYC.  Very Canadian.

It was a rematch of the Rogers Cup where Bianca won as Serena withdrew from back spasms.  1st Canadian in 50 years to win.  This time, Serena was healthy and playing well!  Looking for Grand Slam #24.  I felt bad for Serena.  She is an incredible ambassador for game of tennis.  Inspirational, and gracious.   A big part of me wanted her to win her 24th, but the Canadian in me won out.  I was rooting for Bianca.  And she did not disappoint.  She played great!

Kudos to the young Canadian, for blocking out the NYC fans cheering when she served up a miss or during her service motion, in attempt to derail her.  She beat the G.O.A.T.  + NYC crowd that was supporting Serena, even the Duchess was there to support her friend.

Bianca put on display of combination of power and touch, and incredible mental fortitude to get this win.  Her first Grand Slam event, first Slam final, and first Slam win!  And made history as the first Canadian to win a Slam. Wow.  It will inspire the next wave of Canadian tennis players.  Holy cow!