As the mother of two sports mad sons, I have spent hours over the years driving them to football matches, cheering them from the touchline come rain or shine, nursing their injuries and ferrying them off to A & E for an X-ray, empathising when a ref’s decision went against them, washing their smelly, dirty kit and serving countless teas.
At the 11th hour on Thursday evening my youngest son James suddenly announced that he wanted me to attend his team’s annual football presentation evening the next day. I had already planned to meet up with a PR buddy for a curry, and the table had been booked, but James and his friend shamelessly piled on the emotional blackmail saying it would be my last chance to do so as he goes to university in September. I felt really torn as I never like letting friends down, but I finally caved in and agreed, feeling helpless and guilty about letting Bron down.
James already has a cabinet full of trophies (you can see some in the pic) and last night he won another when he scooped Manager’s Player of the year for his “commitment and passion”; a passing reference was also made about him being “a character in the changing room”! James had an inkling he was going to win something and wanted me there to see his final moment of glory with this club. James’ team mates are a great bunch and I hope some of them remain lifelong friends.
I felt a tad emotional as I walked out his football club last night, the disco music blaring away, leaving behind a roomful of memories on what was likely to be my last visit there. It was the end of a chapter in all our lives.
A knowledge of football and an ability to play it will stand him in just as good stead as a degree.
In fact I have seen unrelated careers stand and fall because a chap could or couldn’t talk about football.
It can be a very important attribute indeed.
With his football and golf skills, I think James is set up for life 🙂
It was a difficult choice but I think you made the right one, it was a one off opportunity. Your friend will understand and you will have the chance to reschedule the curry with your friend.
It reminds me very much of my brother and his last minute decisions that cause complications!
CherryPie, yes, we are hoping to reschedule, but she is a very busy woman. I think I made the right decision too.
Our last and final Senior Night for high school baseball is this Saturday (weather permitting). Youngest Son plans to play ball in college, as one of his brothers did. I’ve (mostly) gotten over my fantasies about one of my kids signing that multi-million dollar contract — I thought Middle Son had a chance to move on after college(because he’s a southpaw), but his back thought differently.
I realize Electro-kevin is being tongue-in-cheek, but I believe he’s righter than he knows: Participation in team sport at a high level not only provides a nearly inexhaustible fund of conversation, it teaches cooperation and responsibility and other virtues that will be attractive to future employers. As well as general benefits, there may be specific ones: Middle Son is working these days as an accountant — a position he secured through contacts made playing college baseball.