Yesterday you played in your first organized soccer game. It was actually your first practice too but that doesn’t matter too much.
You were apprehensive at first, understandably so, but it helped when you realized that your friend and neighbor, Ben, was on your team too. The two of you, when together, are always connected at the hip. This is so true that you are often mistaken for twins even though your last names aren’t the same and both your mother and Ben’s are at the same place at the same time most times. I guess people just tend to see what they want to see sometimes and the facts matter little.
Your mom accompanied you onto the field for the opening drills. She was the only mom on the field but she didn’t care because this made you feel more comfortable. She always keeps what is best for you girls at the front. By the time the game was actually going to begin I had to help you understand that we were only a few feet away and you’d have to do this yourself. Your lip quivered for a moment but you did a pretty good job of holding back the emotion that wanted to break free. You are four now, after all.
The game went well. You did your part to chase the ball and I was proud of how you were supporting your team from the sidelines. “Go Kings!” you would yell as I stood behind you grinning. You warmed up to the coach after a bit (it was his first day too) and by the end of the game you were all high-fiving one another. It was really something to watch.
The best part, for me, was simply taking you home. Taking you, your sister and your mother home. The thought of practicing with you in the backyard really fills me with anticipation. You can’t possibly understand this, and I pray you never do, but for years and years I have been going to the games of your older brother and sister only to kiss them goodbye and wave as I went to one home and they went to another.
I’ve been waiting so long for this.
Go Kings!
lovely. We are living the same life right now- Finn was doing this yesterday too. I love this. SO much.
amys last blog post..and maybe that’s all that we need is to meet in the middle of impossibility
@amy -
Isn’t it just the best! I’ve heard from plenty of parents that just hate this type of thing and consider it a waste of time since the kids are hardly organized. Seems they are missing the point. So good to hear from you Amy!
I can’t wait till my daughter gets to the age where I can take her out to do things like that. Right now I get to take her for walks through the park.
orlunds last blog post..Friday’s Photo: Football
@orlund -
These simple things are the ones that bring the most joy. Look forward to each and every one!
Mine are in “official” organized sports for the first time and it’s more amazing to watch them than I ever thought it would be. Your heart just swells with pride regardless of the “outcome” of the game. It’s great that you are recording these moments for your children so that one day when they get older they will see how much you did care…Thanks for sharing.
Farrajs last blog post..Works for me Wednesday…IIS (Important Information Station)
@Farraj -
It does kinda take you by surprise doesn’t it, how much you can enjoy watching these kids run around? Thanks so much for the comment!
Wow! Boy, can I agree with this! I am so glad I have one that I can keep and don’t have to give up on a regular basis. Good for you and good for her for being such a great teammate. It’s going to be a lot of fun, i’m just sure of it.
@tom -
I knew you would relate to this one Tom. If you haven’t walked a mile in our shoes you just can’t know.
Great and inspiring post!! Thanks a bunch for sharing this and the pictures.
Sorry I have haven’t been around lately, but we have had a very trying last few days.
wblmoms last blog post..Helpful Tip For Dye On Your Carpet
I wrote a soccer post today too! Though, of course, mine had to do with my son misbehaving! It’s still fun to watch and great to be a part of. The kids just love it. I am so glad you get to have this experience, Chuck.
Momo Falis last blog post..Let There Be Light, Eh?
@Momo Fali -
and your post was hilarious! I’m so glad to be having this experience too! Thanks Momo.
I observed that you are very supportive father. I believe your daughter will grow up strong because you help her a lot and you let her shine alone.