Day 33

One of my friends had season tickets to the San Antonio Spurs through his work.  On occasion, he would invite three of us to join him for a game.

These were the days when the Spurs still played in the Alamodome.  David Robinson and Tim Duncan were the Twin Towers, and winning came often.  In fact, they won the NBA Championship that year.  This wasn’t simply a basketball game invitation, however.  This was an experience.  A package deal.

It begin with the drive down to San Antonio.  Always filled with laughter and  embellished stories.  Then dinner was at the “Top of the Dome Club.”  This was a pre-game VIP buffet spread for certain season ticket holders.  Always great food.  Seats were about 8-10 rows up, free throw lane extended.  I mean, seriously.  Who wouldn’t say yes to that invitation?

One of my favorite moments of those game days, was during the dinners.  David Robinson’s father seem to always be there.  Same table.  Same chair.  Anyone would know it was him… they are carbon copies of one another.  We would walk by and politely say, “Hello, Mr. Robinson…”  He would always return the greeting and smile.

We saw David at an NCAA tournament game this past Spring, and I had a chance to tell him this story.  His eyes lit up when hearing about his father.  He relayed that his dad still lives in San Antonio, still attends all the Spurs games, and still has that great smile.

Some invitations have lasting effects.