(I'm writing this on August 6, the actual date of this episode is sometime in early February.)

The Letter.......

The "letter" was delivered to my house sometime in late January.  My wife, Cindy knew about it and my D.A., Jenice knew about it....but I didn't.  They kept it a secret from me.  The plan was for me to take my family out to dinner on a weeknight, and they were all going to surprise me with the presentation of the letter.  I just thought it was a night out with my family.

All of a sudden the waitress gives me an envelope with my name on it.  I said "What's this?  This is not my birthday."  So I open the envelope and there it is.  "Congratulations.  Your Regional Director has recommended you to umpire in the 2012 Little League World Series."

With a puzzled look on my face, I re-read it and keep looking at my family.  Then all of a sudden, about 15 of my closest Little League friends come rushing to my table with excited congratulations.  This was a time for sincere hugging. 



Here I am hugging my District Administrator, Jenice Condie.

Everybody was so excited.  I was celebrating this moment with my entire "Little League Family."

My Little League family.  There are some excellent umpires in this group.

Doesn't get any better than this!