The first of the lasts...

Just like that, it's over.

Last weekend, yes it's taken me over a week to work up the gumption to write this post, was the first of the many lasts to come to the Patterson family this year.  Our Doodlebug has played soccer since she was four years old.  We've traveled near and far.  We've watch in blazing heat with sweat pouring. We've cheered through chattering teeth while wrapped in sleeping bags.  We've cried and laughed.  We've visited several urgent care facilities and had x-rays taken. Medals have been won and lost. But really, it was so, so much more than soccer.

The lessons we've learned from club soccer....

Winning isn't everything but it sure feels doggone good when it happens.

Life gives really hard hip checks, but we get up and keep on playing.

Hugs from teammates make the good even better and the bad bearable.

We don't always agree with the authority figure, but they are the authority figure and sometimes we just need to accept that.

If you want to speak your mind, at times, you've got to be willing to accept life's little yellow and red cards.

Sometimes the best approach is a slow steady dribble and sometimes, we need a break-neck speed approach - knowing the difference is important.

Communication is critical.

Focusing on what's important is a must.

You're never too old for a cheering soccer tunnel!

I could go on and on...

I truly have no words to express what an incredible blessing I've experienced over the last 13 years watching this girlie on the field.  I would absolutely do it all over again.  I would drive the miles, endure the weather, listen to the after-game car talks, wipe the tears, cheer and occasionally chastise from the sidelines, soak the mud covered uniforms, sit through practices, encourage after defeats and celebrate the triumphs...

Last game girlies.

Most of these girls have spent the last 5+ years together.  So blessed to have such a wonderful team of girls and parents.

Her last goal in her last game of her club career!

I'm her biggest fan.  And that part will never be over.  I will go through this year of lasts alongside her - cheering. Because even through my tears, I see her exciting future and I know she's gonna do great things.  

And just like that, it begins!