SEATTLE — In an interview with the Seattle Times, John Lester, the father of last night’s Red Sox starter, Jon Lester, spoke about his changing perspective.

“I’m always nervous to see my son pitch,” said Lester, who works for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. “But I really don’t care how he does now.”

On the surface, that comment seems reasonable. After all, Jon Lester has survived a bout with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and has been declared cancer-free. Such an experience makes little things — such as wins and losses on the mound — seem pretty trivial.

But Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who read the comment yesterday morning, knew better. And when he spoke with Lester the elder yesterday by phone, he told him as much — good-naturedly,

“I saw (Lester’s parents) in the stands in Cleveland,” said Francona, smiling at the memory. “They care.”

Indeed, numerous TV replays showed Lester’s parents — John and wife Kathie riding on every pitch that night, when Lester returned to a big-league mound for the first time in 11 months, belied John’s words.

With each inning-ending out, with each dramatic strikeout record, John and Kathie Lester reacted like students at a pep rally — the emotion evident, the satisfaction palpable.

Imagine, then, their thoughts last night, when Lester started for the Red Sox in their road trip opener, just miles from where he grew up, in front of not just parents, but many other relatives and friends.

It’s as if Lester’s dramatic comeback has unfolded in steps.

There was the first start in Cleveland, when he went six innings and allowed just two runs in a 6-2 Red Sox victory over the Indians, a genuine feel-good moment.

There was the second start, less successful, but significant nonetheless, as Lester went 6 2/3 innings, left with a no-decision in the Red Sox’ eventual 12-6 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

There was last night, in his hometown, in a ballpark where he was introduced to major-league baseball as a fan.

“Anytime he pitches in Seattle,” said Francona, “it’s going to be special, not only because it’s home, but also, after what he’s gone through. His folks will have a ton of emotion. This will be pretty special — this is their son.”

And eventually, there will be the most emotional night yet, when Lester gets a start at Fenway Park and 37,000 Red Sox fans get the chance to welcome his return officially. Lester was on the Red Sox active roster during their brief three-game homestand but didn’t start and has yet to appear in a home game.

That will come Aug. 14, when the Sox host Tampa. But for now, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Scouts have already noted that Lester’s velocity has improved over last year. In his rookie year with the Sox, before he was stricken, Lester was 7-2 in 15 starts, but he pitched mostly at 89-90 mph, and didn’t get many swings-and-misses on his fastball.

This year, his strength rebuilt after an arduous winter and weight training, the spped of Lester’s pitching has returned. He’s been clocked mostly at 91-92 mph, occasionally touching 93 mph.

“I’ve noticed that, too,” Francona said yesterday afternoon. “I don’t know if anyone will ever be able to (pinpoint what effect the disease had on him in 2006). But the further he gets away (from his health problems), I think the stronger he’ll be.

“This was a kid who was touching 95 mph a couple of years ago.”

And last night, on the mound in hometown, touching more than a few hearts — his parents’ included.

smcadam@projo.com