She sat on the couch and I bent down to put on her shin guards and lace up her soccer cleats.
“I am so excited about tonight,” she said, with a big smile spreading across her face.
Man, I love that little face.
“You are? I’m so glad! How come?” I asked.
“I’m excited about seeing my friends again and playing soccer.”
I cautioned her that this time I think we only know one other person on the team. The son of a friend, that Madeline has only met a handful of times.
“That’s ok, I’ll make new friends.”
And so it goes.
That bright little spirit. The go-get-’em attitude.
Fully present.
One of my firm rules, since Nick was old enough to start playing sports, was that the kids had to play sports. One sport. I don’t care which one. They can try a few until they see what they like best. Or stick with one. But there will be sports.
It just teaches them so much. Things that books can’t. Teaches them things they learn by doing, by being involved in. Working together for a common goal. Helping each other. Socializing with kids outside of their normal social circles. Being fit and active. How to lose and still be ok. How to handle winning gracefully. How to problem solve. How to meet their goals and objectives. And loving the great outdoors.
And so much more.
…