Hello gang! I'm keeping it short and sweet this week. An update on a previous story and my son's high school adventures are over. Shall we begin?

Frontpage La Floridiana Matt's Rail Digital Divide Deadguy's Dementia Blank Thoughts Mike's homepage PCR Archives 2002 2001 2000 Crazed Fanboy home PCR 2002 Home

THE FORCE WAS WITH HER
Last year, I reported the story about the Hooter's waitress in Florida who sued her bosses because she felt duped after a company contest. She contended that she and her fellow waitress were told that whoever sold the most beer over a certain period of time would win a new Toyota. After being told she won the contest, she was led blindfolded to the company parking lot where she took possession of a new TOY YODA. Yep, she got a "Star Wars" action figure. Needless to say, she wasn't too pleased with her prize. This week, she won a settlement with the restaurant. Though her lawyer would not state the specific amount won, he did say that she could now go to a car dealership and "pick out whatever type of Toyota she wants."

HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES
I am proud as hell to report that my son, Phillip, will graduate from high school this coming Saturday night. It will prove to be an emotional night for everyone involved. It seems like only yesterday I was walking across the stage getting my own diploma and now my son is doing the same. Wednesday saw the final game of his high school baseball career. For 3 years I had watched the players all hug each other and their fathers get teary eyed and kind of joked about what an emotional family they must be. This year it finally hit me why. Following a heart-breaking loss in the regionals, I was shocked to see Phillip and his two fellow seniors on the team off to the side sobbing. At first I thought it was just the emotion of losing a close game, but then I watched as player after player came up to them and embraced them. It suddenly hit me that a major part of his life had ended and he was about to embark on his journey to adulthood. He walked up to me and gave me the biggest hug I had ever received. "You had a good run," I told him. "I know," he said, "but it still hurts." We embraced again as I quickly filed away in my memory one of the greatest father-and-son experiences I will always remember. Thank you, son. I love you.

Well, that's it for this week. Enjoy "Star Wars" this weekend! See ya!