This past weekend wrapped up summer lacrosse season in the Patterson house. Our Jac has grown so much as player in the past six months, and as a young man. It makes me reflective... and when I'm reflective, I write.
More than once, in fact many times, as I have relayed my sideline experiences with colleagues, friends, acquaintances... they have shared with me that they are really kinda glad that their kiddos chose not to play sports. Yes, my sideline experiences include being covered in sweat, getting sunburned because I forgot the sunscreen, watching in a sleeping bag because the wind chill was below 15 degrees, slopping through mud, being soaked due to watching in the rain, holding back tears when they were disappointed, cheering their success, hearing opposing parents bash my player and his/her teammates, maybe yelling at the ref a time or two, and possibly even napping in between tournament games. Even so, I have never regretted that my three play sports and that I get to cheer from sidelines. In fact, I love it!
Why do I love it? In amongst all of these experiences, I've been able to see my kiddos develop leadership skills and perseverance, work as a team, learn to win gracefully and to lose without being a jerk, overcome obstacles and work through pain, experience success without becoming arrogant, understand that their actions impact others beside themselves, know that they will be held accountable when rules are broken and be sent to the penalty box, and see that sometimes, life isn't fair...
Games have always been a family affair in the Patterson house. My guy and I make every game possible and if the other two kiddos are not playing one of their own games, they go support their sibling. We never gave them an option. And now, one of the things I love most is hearing them cheer each other on... seeing them get excited for their brother or sister.
Sports has helped them become part of who they are. It's helped develop their character; helped them become more physically fit; kept them out of trouble; helped them learn to manage their time; and has given them a sense of accomplishment. Now, don't get me wrong - I think other activities can provide many of these same benefits. But honestly, in what other setting, can I, as a parent, stand up and cheer for my child with unbridled enthusiasm and it be socially acceptable! But you know, it sure would be great if we adopted that practice in other areas because kids need cheerleaders in all areas of their lives.
Yes, we run here and there. Yes, we head out early some days for games or get home late. Yes, we log the miles on our cars. Yes, sometimes they play terribly and we don't sugar coat. But we do always cheer and we love it because they love it. And yes, one day... I will miss it.
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