A few weeks ago, I was grumbling about the lack of a real winter and it’s still freakishly warm in March here, but it certainly doesn’t do me any good to complain about that. Instead about an hour ago, my daughter asked me to play catch.

There’s a reason why this clip from “Field of Dreams” is so popular. Playing catch with a parent is one of those memories that always stays with a person. It may be one of the most perfect ways to have a conversation. You’re engaged in an activity so that lessens any awkward silences. You’re outside. And as a parent, you have the opportunity to bestow wisdom. (Keep your elbow up! Use two hands when catching a pop fly!).

It was simply a marvelous way to spend the afternoon. Throwing, catching. And Caroline would intersperse the popping of the mitts with questions about my childhood. What position did you play, Dad? Did Grandpa coach you? What other sports did you play? And on and on.