Today is a special day, no doubt.  It's Kirby Minter Day, and I'm excited about it.  So excited that I'm celebrating in a special way.

Most of you reading this know who Kirby Minter is; for those of you who don't, he's my Grandpa.  AKA PaPa.  AKA Big PaPa.  My other PaPa, Robert Coleman, was AKA Little PaPa.  While Little PaPa wasn't teeny tiny or anything, Big PaPa was true to his differentiating name, standing 6'6" with a big ol' personality to match.

Both of my PaPa's have passed away, but that doesn't mean that I don't think about them, aren't reminded of them, and am not proud of each of their own special accomplishments. 

Today, I'll be talking about Big PaPa mostly, because it is January 4th, and it's Kirby Minter Day. 

To help me out, I'm going to provide a few links from the world wide web that will provide some information on him.  Here ya go:

USA Basketball's Second World Championship - 1954
The Durant Daily Democrat - PaPa's Obituary

As you can see (if you looked at the links), PaPa had quite the career in his early years playing some mad hoops. When he was inducted into the Durant High's Athletic Hall of Fame, they provided a wonderful reception and presentation.  I received a CD that included a copy of the presentation and I borrowed a few pictures from that.  Other pictures I've stolen (honorably) from family members so that I can share a few with you here:



And here's one of me, PaPa and MaMa at the induction in Durant.  This happened in 2008 - my hair is no longer blond, thank goodness!!


Despite Papa's amazing achievements being a basketball player, I think his greatest achievements included being a husband, father, grandfather and friend.  Was he perfect?  No.  Was he a saint?  No.  (That one even gave me a little giggle!)  But he was kind and would do almost anything to help anyone who needed it. 

Anyway, I decided this year that I should do something to honor PaPa.  My only regret is not doing it sooner, while he was still alive.  But there's nothing I can do about that now.  So today I met with a nice guy at the local YMCA and we talked about ways that I could maybe provide some equipment (i.e. basketballs) or even sponsor basketball league scholarships or scholarships for basketball camp.  He gave me several options and a lot to consider.  Granted, the actual act won't be occurring on Kirby Minter Day...this year.  But I'm trying to figure out something I can do that is sustainable for years to come. 

Currently, my plan is to donate basketballs because of the timing of things.  They already have their leagues set up for the winter games, so a scholarship wouldn't be as helpful (although it could be for the summer games), and it would take some time to get situated. 

So, basketballs it is, for Year 1.  And, after sharing some information about PaPa and talking about doing this with the YMCA guy, he also said that the league games start next week and he would like to invite me to attend the first game and talk about my donation and about my PaPa.  To the audience.  Outloud.  OMG.  Is it too late to start Toastmasters?  But how cool is that?? 

So there will definitely be more to add to this story; stay tuned! 

(If you're interested in contributing to my effort, let me know or click on the donate button below to make a contribution through PayPal.  100% of what is donated will be used for the equipment and scholarships at the YMCA as outlined above. No pressure to anyone, though.  I'm doing this regardless.)