This tired, but happy kiddo helped his soccer team earn a first place title in their league tonight. To say this win was hard-fought is an understatement. The game was a nail-biter from the beginning, and ended with a tense shoot-out. Our kids came in hungry. After a few lackluster years of games that mostly ended with pep talks instead of victory celebrations, this season of winning was a long-awaited change of scenery.
After the thrill of winning subsides, what I'll really remember about this night is....
1. A kid who wanted to quit midway through the season, but powered through various frustrations, found his stride, and became one of the celebrated heroes as goalie in the final game.
2. Seeing 8th grade boys (and girls!) cry tears of joy with zero embarrassment or shaming.
3. A sideline full of parents who know nearly every kid by name, because this school IS community.
4. Players falling over each other to compliment the performance of their teammates after the game, recognizing the team effort and value of each player.
5. Socks, cleats and shin guards that miraculously made their way into my son's backpack on game day, without a single reminder. (Soccer moms know....this is celebration-worthy)
6. Pride, joy and excitement in abundance. Parents, coaches, players, and even salty older siblings, all caught up in the celebration.
Victory on the field is awesome. But the wins of character, growth, responsibility and teamwork are the ones that I will savor the most.
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