At 6 years old, he stands tall at 47" & weighs in at 52 pounds. He's the runt on the team. Yet, he puffs out his chest real big (with the help of his shoulder pads), and marches onto that field as if those boys a head taller than him don't phase him at all.
When did my shy boy become so brave? I'm so proud of his courage, but inside I'm weeping. This sport magnifies a fact I've been trying to ignore for the last year: I can't protect my little boy from everything anymore.
I am Mom. Although I may be unable to stop that 2nd grade linebacker from crushing him, or his peer from hurting his feelings at school, I am his safe harbor to rest in when it's over. While it may exhaust me to be THE privileged parent who always gets picked over Dad to help with homework, baths, teeth brushing, etc., I'm also blessed to be THE one who can concur owies with a single kiss, scare away nightmares, and combat tears. I wouldn't trade being Mom, for anything.
Tackle football is my tough lesson in parenting for the month. I'm convinced, if I can make it through this, surely Im prepared for the rest of his life. A Mom can hope, right?
So, are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!
- Mrs. Akers
WOW! Mrs. Akers, you captured it beautiful. Each and every day I feel like I have these feelings in one way or another. I wouldn't change it for the world though. I truly feel the calling of a mother is one of the most fine tuning feelings our Heavenly Father has placed upon our shoulders to help us back. It's not for them. It's for me to become a better person...and I LOVE it in the meantime. The highs definitely outweigh the lows. :)
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you! :)
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