Being Related to Ben Leech
Over winter break, I went to see Ben play in a home basketball game— my old high school. When I realized my friend was conducting the band, I went over to say hi. A few freshman flute players asked who I was, so I said “Oh, I’m Ben Leech’s sister.” Then proceeded to tell them that I used to be the drum major back in the day. I have told the story several times, as it was one of the most surreal moments in recent memory.
With that in mind, I get this email from my mom:
I have to tell you this before I forget — Dad said he now knows how you felt at the Bball game at North…
Dad had a patient that had had a heart attack, and he was discussing options/direction in the patient’s (43 year old) treatment. He asked dad if he could continue playing basketball. No, not for a while. Could he keep coaching his son’s team? Yes, that probably wouldn’t hurt anything.
Then the patient went on to tell Dad that his son was an 8th grader that practices with the freshman team at North. “Oh,” Dad said, “My son used to be a Jr. Northstar basketball player and he’s now a senior, still playing.”
The patient looked confused and asked Dad what his son’s name was. He said Ben.
Then the patient, surprised, asks Dad — “is your last name Leech??? Are you Ben Leech’s dad?”
Oh being related to Ben Leech.
