OK…you may think that title is a bit much but….This could be a mother’s worst nightmare – her 12 year old son, putting on armor to play a sport. I’ve decided I’m really not fond of football. (I used to be – even was a cheerleader – don’t tell my kids.) But, Kory is VERY fond of football, and Robert assures me that men need dangerous and risky things in their lives sometimes to help them become the men they need to be. (I can think of several other ways to accomplish this.)
This is Sunday’s game against Palmer. The Hurrricanes (that’s us) scored 26 points right away, and then tried to score no more as there is a “mercy rule” that ends the game when the point spread is more than 28. Kory is #28 and is in this picture – the right of the two guys in the middle.
And one more play – Kory is the one surrounded by all the blue guys.
So, I still don’t think I really like my son playing football. But I do love seeing him work hard for something. He’s learning discipline, commitment, teamwork, and how to be a younger, smaller kid. He’s never had that experience!
I had a very hard time when practices started, worrying about him being injured or even killed. (Why do our minds go to the worst possible outcome?)
The Lord spoke to me, though during the death of another sportsman. Mike Coolbaugh, a pro baseball player and later a coach was killed this summer while coaching first base for the Tulsa Drillers baseball team. He was hit by a foul ball. The ball smashed an artery in his neck, and he died almost instantly. He was a friend of mine from high school – a friend of my sister’s as well. Mike was married, had two little boys and one due next month who will never meet his father. His death left me sober about the fragility of this life. This verse came to mind, and I realized once again that I am not in control, but the One who is is sovereign and holy, and I can rest in that…
My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.
Psalm 139:15-16
Mike Coolbaugh 1972-2007
Our prayers are with Mandy, the boys, and the coming little one…
ok..so now i’m crying! that was sweet and Kory is so cute…(ahem), I mean manly, in his uniform! Maisie has started soccer and her team is “Lightning”. So the cousins are in sports with severe weather themes!
~Melissa
Lightning and Hurricanes – sounds like a Texas summer! Still have not sent the box of crocs and t-shirts for Jonah – maybe tomorrow! How does Maisie like soccer? – Mel
Oh I just told Lucas he couldn’t do football next year as planned …I just couldn’t! He’s taking it well be we’ll see….I think you took the better path – gosh parenting is so hard…where are those operating instructions again?
In response to you – we use a CSA in Conway now but its too far so next year who knows???