Soccer Finale

I'm a proud momma. Soccer season is over. H scored her second goal and this time her daddy saw it. I actually didn't see it, well sort of. I saw the ball go in but honestly I thought the superstar player that was playing offense with her had kicked it. To add to my dismay, I had just quit recording with the video camera. All the same, H's beaming smile and her, " I made a goal for my daddy" was felicitous. I felt so relieved when H scored her first goal. I know H will feel inferior at various times as she grows up. But I always hope I can help her avoid it. I could see her dragging on that soccer field and so wanted her to know she could do it (but I wasn't sure she could). It was such a relief to have her score a goal this year, so she knew she could do it. Her skill from last season to this season has increased tremendously and now we both know she can be successful in soccer. The pressures of wondering if we are encouraging her to play a sport she can't succeed at are over...for now.

I am proud of H, but I am proud of T too. He coached a group of nine six-year -olds. He uttered more words of encouragement during the season than I think he has in some entire years. The parents loved him because he was organized, communicated well and actually taught the girls. The girls liked him because he played silly games at practice. H said one day, "Daddy's so good at soccer he could be a one person team" ( Before the game T would play goalie while all the girls tried to score-- they would squeal with delight when they occasionally made it past him.) T's enjoyment of coaching those little girls surprised even him, and next year he is going to try coaching both girls' team. Even after watching him this season, it's hard not to laugh at the thought of T and ten little four-year-olds who might cry when they get hit with the ball!