Homecoming

Really, its just another soccer game, right? So why does Drew have to be there from 10 am until well after 6? OK, so he should support the other teams, and there is the tradition that the boys soccer team presents the girls' team with a flower after their game (the 10 am one) is over [they won]. But really, it shoots the whole day. Its not like I have time to do much of anything before and after his game. I find it hard not to resent the huge investment of my time just for one game.

But wait. This is my son, and my youngest at that. I do not have many more days of going to soccer games to watch my sons play. I missed already so many of DJ's, Kiel's, Drew's because I could not go. Today I can take my reading with me, sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, and still get work done. Stop seeing things through the eyes of an adult and see them again through the eyes of a young person just beginning to explore life! This is a BIG deal! Exciting! Connecting with people, showing your skills, bonding with alumni and friends. Yes, a moment I do want to share with Drew.

It didn't help that I had to pay to get in or that Drew injured his shoulder during warm ups and sat the bench the entire game or that I forgot to bring sunblock and burned the side of my face and arm badly or that I was constantly overhearing gossip about the players from sideline groupies. But the sun was warm and the day pleasant and the game well played even though we lost 2 to 1. The athletes' enthusiasm was solid and the fall decorations well displayed.

Even though soccer is not the premiere event (that would be football), the game was well attended. There were many alums reliving their days of glory, cheering our team on. It was nice to have a large crowd milling about, shouting with joy when a goal was made, groaning with sympathy when one was missed by a hair. The smell of grilling hotdogs and hamburgs filled the air, and younger brothers and sisters ran about yelling and laughing. The festive atmosphere brought back memories of high school and college games I had been part of. Those were good memories.

Afterwards, we stopped at Dunkin Donuts for a flatbread sandwich and a strawberry smoothie to celebrate Drew's homecoming game. Drew was a bit crestfallen both about not being able to play and about losing, but he handled it well. Next year I will plan better, make a bigger fuss about homecoming, be more connected. This year was OK, but I can do a lot more in spite of the fact that Drew tells me he would rather I didn't come to his games. What is he thinking! Its my God given right as MOM and I'm taking full advantage.