I started this while sitting outside on my deck on Saturday afternoon, listening to the breeze softly flow through the trees, the occasional warble of a robin or the brisk rush of a car driving by. A nearby air show is featuring Canada's famed Snowbirds. I hear one, but he's gone before I can try to spot him, or his friends.
The weather is virtually perfect, with warm sun and a light breeze accompanied by a cold Corona at my side.
Life is pretty good. The kids are playing quietly inside, Mohawk was set to offer some of the best racing in North America and there were no major mishaps at my daughter's morning birthday party.
But for some reason, I can't take my mind off someone I have neither met nor talked to. Someone who couldn't say the same about mishaps.
Richie Silverman suffered a severe concussion after an accident on Friday night at the Meadowlands. I didn't watch the accident. From the reports I received, I didn't have to watch to understand what happened.
Day in and day out, these 21st century chariot warriors go into battle. At times I marvel at how few accidents of this severity occur. It's truly a testament to the professionals that devote their lives to ensuring the equipment is safe and strong, and that the participants - both human and equine - are ready, willing and able.
With Father's Day upon us, I think of my father and all the fathers that have brought us together in this sport, this business, this industry which we all love. And I think of Richie, whose father Jerry brought him into the harness racing game, who came into the season with a renewed focus, who has a family and is now a father himself.
To the Dads, I raise a toast to you. Thank you. And Happy Father's Day.