But, there are no pads

Football is done, does that mean we have a break?  Nope.  The kiddo is managing/analyzing basketball and the tall one?  He decide on rugby.  RUGBY.  For those of you who aren't familiar with rugby, let me simplify it for you down the the simplest level (which is about as much as I know) - it is football, BUT THERE ARE NO PADS.  I support my boys and their desire to go out and try new things, sometimes it opens doors that you never dreamed of, but this one?  Yup, the mom in me is freaking out a little bit.

For the past three days I have watched them leave for school at dawn wishing them a good day, reminding them that I love them (even though they might not love me right at that moment) and I ask the tall one to not get hurt.  I used to do that for football, I used to actually ask him to smush someone as my thought was, if he is the smusher maybe he wouldn't be smushed as much.  Leave me to my fantasy please.  Now?  Now I just ask him not to get smushed.  Yesterday was his first real pushy practice (my words) and his buddy got a cut below his eye.  On the first day.  Because the helmet?  Well, let's just say you are safer in a bike helmet.  I can't wait to see him on the field, but, at the same time, I am dreading the first time I see him on the field.

This all got me thinking.  Here I am worried about a sport with no pads yet, each day I send my boys out to the world and there are no pads for that.  Let me rephrase, there are no literal pads for that.  We prepare them with education, manners, love, discipline...all pads in their own way.  So while they will get banged up in life, bruised, cut, and maybe broken every once in a while, the pads we have equip them with will, hopefully, help them to get back up and go back at it.  Join the scrum again so to speak.  Here's to confronting life with no pads...and succeeding at life with the pads we have.  And to the tall one coming home intact from practice.

#25 all padded up)...
somehow, this no longer seems as dangerous

Without a Doubt

I am a superstitious person, there is no question about that. I remember when my son was little, his teacher told him it was a sin to be superstitious so he told me that I needed to go to confession.  I laughed and assured him that I was good to go.  It was one of those funny adorable memories that I need to share with my superstitious kiddo!

Regardless, that is not the point. The point is I am having some stuff (totally mature word, take it from me - the writer) that has me doubting myself right now and my skills. We all have that one thing we know we are good at, well, I am doubting my one thing. You know you have been there too, we all have even if we won't admit it.

As I sat in a conference room waiting for the attendees of the latest meeting I picked up a Magic 8 Ball (we have toys in all rooms - it helps with our creative thinking and problem solving).  I asked the wise (and always 100% accurate) Magic 8 Ball my question and you know what he said?  Without a Doubt.  

Yes, Magic 8 Balls are 'hes' - without a doubt.

Moral?  Stopping doubting yourselves people, it gives you wrinkles which means botox, and I have heard that hurts.  Charge on - Without A Doubt.

For hearts

It is an odd feeling, to be so joyous and thankful at this moment when I know it means someone else is having the worst day of their lives as they are losing a loved one.

They found a heart.  

This heart will bring years of life to a wonderful person, to their family, their kids, their friends, the world.  And while we are celebrating and praying that all goes well today as this heart finds a new home, I offer a prayer to the family who is losing the heart and hope they can someday find solace in the fact that the person is giving life to another through this heart.  I offer another to the family who has a new lease on life with this wonderful heart.  I offer so many more about everything this wonderful heart means.

I have not been posting on FB what I am thankful for each day as I decided this year, I am thankful all the time - even on those worst days.  I have a family who loves me, friends who are there when I need them, a roof, food, clothing, a job - I have love and a great life.  But today?  Today I am thankful for this heart and for the generosity of the person who decided if they could not longer use it, they would donate it to someone who could.  That is what heart is all about, not just the organ, but having heart.

They found a heart.

Later that day we found out that heart was not viable.  God has other plans for my wonderful friend, and I know they will find another heart.  That thought did not make it an easier day, or weekend, for the family but we know there is a plan...they found a heart.

The football player

Last night was the football banquet for the freshmen teams.  The head coach (who doesn't necessarily know the names and faces of other 83 players but knows him) talked about a member of the team as having the most heart and dedication.   A kid who knew every play be it offense or defense, ran with all he had down the field and showed what is meant to have the Ranger Spirit. He was at every practice and game; he knew every player by name and face and wanted them all to succeed.  

Last night, the kiddo (younger one) was awarded a football signed by all the players and coaches of the freshman football program as the spirit and dedication of the team.  Last night, the non-player of the football team got a standing ovation from some of the coaches and players.  Last night, the kiddo showed what it meant to be a men for others and tonight he starts all over with the basketball team.

Yeah, I am proud and I hope he is too.

The Boys of Fall

Both boys are starting Jesuit tomorrow morning, one as a sophomore and one as a freshman (Kiddo).  As I was driving in this morning, The Boys of Fall by Kenny Chesney came on and the emotions it brought on were surprising.

The sophomore is going into his second year of wearing the gold helmet on the field.  I have talked about Friday Night Lights before, until this year, he was who we were there to cheer for, there to pray for.  He is kicking butt and taking names, and comes home every night with new bruises that make me cringe.  But the next day, he is ready to go at it again.  This year, Kiddo started his newest chapter as the manager for Jesuit Football.  He is on the side lines, not in a gold helmet, but just as much a part of the team.  He is learning the plays, analyzing the films, watching his fellow players to ensure they don't lose too much weight during the practices, working out with them in the weight room.  He would love to be on that field but it's not his strength, his is in the knowledge rather then execution. Both my boys are Boys of Fall literally through the song and I couldn't be more proud of them.

However, that is not what moved me this morning.  Yesterday was Vos Parates where Kiddo picks up his name tag as is the tradition for freshman and both boys got their school pictures taken.  Imagine 700+ boys in white button downs and ties from the waist up and athletic shorts and flips flops or sneakers from the waist down.  That was the scene yesterday.  I got to see my boys interact in the halls with their buddies, new and old.  Laughing with each other, chilling out on the hall benches (there are benches everywhere for the boys to hang out on and even in the 10 minutes I was in the school saving their nice shirts & ties from the locker room they managed to 'chill'), running through the halls rowdy, and the new ones learning the ropes.  Each of the boys are the boys of fall to me right now.  They are starting a new year, a new challenge.  Some are just in the beginning of their high school dream while others are seeing the 4 years come to fruition.  

My brother spent 2 years in those halls, and now my boys are spending their four years there.  They are dreaming big and ready to take on the world.  They want the ball - whether it be the football, or just the challenge of new friends, new classes, new clubs, everything the year will bring.  Yes, they all have butterflies about what the year is going to bring, even if they won't admit it.  They all have each other's back - you mess with one man, you've got them all.  They are the Boys of Fall.

Good luck Jesuit Men - you are now and always will be Men for Others.

Insert Happy Sigh Here

Just watched a daddy dance with his chocolate lab puppy much to the laughter and joy of his adorable daughter.  I remember those Joe Cool days...they always bring a smile to my face, not matter how bad the day is.

Today I challenge all of you to find one happy sigh moment - and for you overachievers?  Find more than one.  They are out there, sometimes you just have to take a moment and open your eyes.

Thanks Daddy.

Pause

This morning - as I sit outside my window office (I went for a run and well, I sweat and probably smell so was trying to be nice to the others inside) - I am watching the high schoolers on the football field and runners on the practice field and paused to think of just how lucky I am.  The weather is beautiful today (a breezy 79 degrees in Texas IN AUGUST!!!!), I have my water and green tea and am just at peace.  Yes, I am working, yes, there there is a lot of work to do and the moment that the younger one is done with football the craziness of the day will start but for this next hour?  I get to work and listen to the surrounding music of the area.  With my green tea.  And my water.