Greetings everyone, I am the husband to momma2boys and father to 2boys. While momma2boys was home with a feverish number 2 son, I took number one son to his soccer game. His performance compelled me to write.

He participates in ‘munchkin’ soccer (ages 4-6) and has had a good year. We have been happy that he goes after the ball instead of cowering or ambling about in a confused manner. He has having a generally good time and is getting better about managing himself when gets overstimulated in practice. We keep him in soccer because he asks and seems to like it.

Well, this past Saturday was a defining moment for him. His team, the orange team, was playing the blue team. Both teams play with heart and spirit. Both teams have mix of competitive children and ones who are just getting how the game works. There is a young lady on the blue team, who I swear is the flash incarnate. When she breaks away from the swarm of feet and the chasing of the ball…look out! I repeat, this is not just wild hyper energy, this kid is really really fast. I have a feeling she will be breaking hearts and track records in about ten years.

Number one son had a great first half of defense. He actually kicked the ball TO his teammates, and stayed involved in the game. I was pleased as it was. I remembered the days when the missus and I would be happy that he would kick the ball once. Then, coach put him in as goalie. Ordinarily in the past, he has been placed as goalie and the stronger kids as forwards. Action would be at the other goal and he would be content to sit back and watch. Well, today would be different.

Indeed, action was centered at the opposite goal for a good while. Then, out of the swarm, “the flash” broke free. Hurtling down the field at breakneck speed, ball firmly in control, she had her sights set on our goal…and my boy… It was one on one, flash vs the boy. Faster and faster, and yet in slow motion the ball was destined for an easy goal. She let loose on a firey kick to the goal, and then, suddenly, quick as a cat, he pounced and captured the ball with deft precision. Cheers erupted from the orange faithful parents. He did it!

He managed to stop a few more goals before he became over exuberant and got out of the goal box and was scored upon twice. While he may not be destined for a sports career, or even the next level up from munchkin, he has come along way from the days where he would be engulfed in a hoodie, picking grass, and would not play without one of us on the field with him.

And, because of rain outs, the season is still young! One step at a time, one foot in front of the other. Celebrate the small victories, and who knows what’s ahead.

Be Sociable, Share!

•