It's that time of year when leaves change color, the air grows crisp, and homes echo with cheers or the hushed concentration of "I'm watching the game." In our home, football is king. Our loyalties may be divided, with college football rooting for Boise State and Ohio State, and NFL enthusiasts backing the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys, yet we all unite in our support for one team: the boys' team, the Vallivue Falcons.
Today, I embarked on a journey to attend Jamison's first game of the season, meticulously planning and gathering all my work essentials. As I passed a green light en route to the game, I realized I had forgotten my uniform's outer shirt and had to return home. Once there, I dashed inside, retrieved the shirt, and noticed my passenger seat was soaked. I had intended to bring Gatorade for Jamison in a thermos, which had leaked. After cleaning the seat with a wet towel, I resumed my journey, only to stop for gas, where I placed the thermos between my legs to prevent further spills. However, as I drove off, the Gatorade continued to leak, soaking my pants and seat, leaving me looking as if I'd had an accident. With only ten minutes to spare and reeking of Watermelon Gatorade, I hurried to the game, to catch kick off. Upon arrival, I wished Jamison good luck with a tap on his helmet and took my place in the stands. I cheered and waved at my son, who glanced back. Regrettably, I had to leave at halftime to reach work on time, promising to call Jamison later for a game recap. Despite the team's loss, Jamison understood what they needed to improve and looked forward to practicing and the next game.
Two days later, I picked up my mom and we hit the road, traveling just over two hours to catch Jayden's first game of the season. It wasn't scorchingly hot, but smoke from nearby fires lingered in the air. Decked out in black and gold to support the Falcons, we enjoyed a pleasant lunch and did some shopping before the team arrived. The boys, full of energy, got off the buses and geared up, eager to face the Bruins. With perfect game-time weather and a lively atmosphere in the stands, the team was charged up. They played solid defense in the first quarter, but emotions and attempts at a comeback led to mistakes and ejections in the second and third. As the third quarter wound down, a decision was made to end the game early, allowing the Falcons to return home for school the next day. Post-game, the boys shook hands with the opposing team, received a debrief from the coaches, and boarded the buses. I met my son, Jayden, who was quiet and visibly upset, aware that the coaches were disappointed and planning a film review session for the next day. I didn't press him further, waiting for him to open up. During our ride home, Jayden reflected on the need for the team to unite, push harder in the next game, and focus on the plays they had practiced.
At the conclusion of their games, both boys and their team aimed for a first-week victory but fell just short, leaving the field with downcast expressions. Their frustration was evident, and their disappointment palpable. After discussing the game with their coaches, I stood nearby, prepared to boost their morale. This experience serves as a valuable lesson for our children, teaching them that success in a game or excelling in a school assignment may not always be attainable. Both endeavors require dedication, whether it's in studying or honing skills, and persistence is key to progress. As their mother, it is my responsibility to support and encourage them, acknowledge their frustrations, provide them with the necessary resources to thrive, and assure them that I will always be their fan in the stands.
(Photo Credit: Grayhawk Photography- Media Sports Day of Boys)
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