I met a man and watched as he lived his life as an imitator. Meet my friend, the imitator.
Arriving at the rundown recreation center where the boys' tournament was scheduled, parents parked their cars. Our ball players gathered and we all headed toward the gym, boys laughing, pushing, and bouncing balls. Parents followed, sharing game stats and planning future tournaments.
It was then that I experienced a sacred moment. I noticed children running toward us from here and there. As they ran, they repeated one name, the name of the popular celebrity traveling with us, a former NBA star and well-respected member of my community. First, I heard his name in whispers. Then I heard announcements of his arrival. There were questions as to whether it was really him. His name was repeated time and time again, joyfully, in conjunction with his team, and then in shouts. Those who had first noticed him now confirmed his presence. He walked with us - spectators who had come to support our children's competition, but he turned and smiled at them - the least of these. No child, regardless his appearance, age or position was rejected. Little dirty boys darted up and touched him - the imitator. Others grabbed his legs - for he is very tall - and held on. They were rewarded, not rebuffed. Large hands descended from the man, patting heads and squeezing shoulders, drawing children to his side. Soon the NBA celebrity was surrounded by laughter and happiness. Children called his name, touched him, and danced around him. The scene stood still before me. I remember the picture. It had hung on my wall, in my bedroom, when I was a little girl. The caption read, "Let the children come to me."
The imitator reached the steps of the school. He grabbed one little boy and lifted him high, laughing with his little friend. Then he turned around and sat down. Children threw themselves at him, hanging over his shoulders. He grabbed them, somersaulting tiny fans into his lap. He poked and teased until the little boys and girls had their fill. Standing up, with the smile that makes him famous, he casually walked into the building to watch his own child compete. The hero worshippers either followed him or skipped off happily, loudly announcing that their idol was in their neighborhood, proclaiming that they had touched him, called him by name, and had been rewarded with his affection.
He spends time with the poor, hungry and homeless through his foundation for the less fortunate in town. His learning centers are safe places where education is encouraged and positive self-image is promoted by offering personal tutoring and computer training. He coaches youth teams when he could be traveling and making a bigger name for himself. He can be spotted watching his sons play ball while his little girl curls comfortably in her daddy's big protective lap. If he is coaching a group of boys, he not only encourages good ball skills on the court, he is their driver and their pizza delivery guy.
You may ask me how I know he is 'an imitator' and not just a guy who does good deeds for his community?
ps..
can u be a good example
or bad example..
choice..
do u know of an imitator..
???
Posted By: SIE aka george simons
Thursday, September 22nd 2005 at 4:15PM
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