Through the duration of our childhood we all face those moments of truth. When our pride is challenged or when youth gets the best of us. Especially for the testosterone charged young males who have false bravado to protect.

Regrettably I gave into some of those moments of foolishness as a boy also. Two times stand out for me. Let me run them by you for a little snickering at my expense.

The first was during a school yard basketball game. It was after school and the day was beautiful. Often was the case on nice days for a group of us to stay and play basketball. There was another group of guys that challenged us to a game. So we had a 4 in 4 match.

At one point we were demolishing the other team from one end to the other end of the court. On a few occasions we suggested splitting up the eight of us into a different combination of 4 on 4 to even out the competition. But one of the boys wouldn’t have it. He insisted that his team was going to rally back. However this did not happen. Finally the time came for most of us had to get home.

As everyone was leaving the one stubborn boy got up in my face and started in at me. “Oh you think you’re really cool. You think you’re tough beating us like that?” he was yelling at me.

I was like “look man, get out of my face. It was just a basketball game.” He took offense to my reply and shoved me quite harshly.

Honestly I wanted to end it right there. Frankly because for one I knew I could inflict some serious damage to him if I wanted too. But also I was raised to avoid violence. But then I got a little to big for my britches. I got up in his face and said “on your best day I would laugh at any thing you can throw my way.” I pointed at my chin and gave him the old “take your best shot”. Of course I was certain that the fact everyone was warning him he shouldn’t mess with me and the fact that I was much bigger then he, would make him back down.

Boy was I wrong. He coiled back his arm and gave me a shot square in my face. Holy Moly did that hurt. My nose began bleeding and my face immediately started to swell. Nonetheless my pride swelled up even bigger. I started laughing right back into his face. Of course I had to force myself to do it. Then I waited the obligatory “I told you so” amount of time and then walked away.