This is Jack. You know, my handsome (yes, I think so!) 13 year old . The one that's already 6 feet tall and still growing. The one that is so much like me that we're like oil and water most of the time ;)
Couldn't be more proud of him lately!
Spring of last year he decided he wanted to play football. Tackle football. Never you mind that he had never played before and that most kids start when they're 8 or 9.
That didn't stop him, no siree bob.
He played last year and his team took the championships for his age group. And he loved it. He grew so much last year through football - really emerged from his shell, gained more confidence, more strength, learned more about who he was.
This year he was as determined as ever to play again. But this year he had his heart (and mind) set on making the A team. He worked with a trainer all summer long before tryouts started. And he gave every workout his all, no matter how hot it was, no matter how tired he was, no matter how much he wanted to kick back and enjoy his summer.
And you know what, he did make the A team.
And he's been thrilled with every single second so far. But it's been a bit of a change for him this year. Last year his team was good. He always started the games. But this year his team is better. He doesn't start the games. There are kids that are better than him playing on the offensive line.
That didn't stop him, no siree bob.
He's played with all of his heart in practices and in their first 2 games so far. And he's played well. He's played on offense and defense. He helps his team when they need him. He substitutes in when his teammates need rest. And no matter how tired he is at the end of practice and how pummeled he gets during practices and games, he gives it his all.
And he doesn't get discouraged.
And wouldn't you know it - after last Saturday's game, his coaches awarded him 'lineman of the game' - for always having such a positive attitude, for doing whatever they ask of him and for playing his little big heart out. He had an awesome play during the game, tackled the other team's running back and prevented a significant play from playing out.
Like I said, couldn't be more proud of this guy. Proud for seeing him set his sights on something he wanted more than anything and doing everything in his power to make it happen. All at the weee age of 13...
It's tough when football season arrives. Both boys are knee deep in football. That means 6 days a week for us. Long days leaving the house at 7:30 for work and school. Long days of taking them to practice at 5 for 2 hours. Getting home at 8, all of us exhausted. Making dinner, fitting homework in and then starting the next day all over again. I'm the team mom on Jack's team and it's a lot of work. If your kids are in sports and they have a team mom, thank them. Seriously. It seems like a thankless job a lot of the time, but it's worth it. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I love how the boys are both so committed to this. And as a result, Nick and I are too. We're there right there with them, every step, every play. I wouldn't trade these days, this time of their lives, for anything. So thankful to be able to be so involved with them and something they truly love.
