Preston had his very first football scrimmage. It was a beautiful day with the smell of popcorn in the air. Whistles blew and parents gathered in the stands.
There was an equal mix of excitement and nerves swirling around my stomach as I watched him warm up with his team. More than anything, I wanted him to have fun. He's six years old and it's only flag football, but it was his first game ever.
When the coach called his name and he took the field, my heart pounded.
There was an equal mix of excitement and nerves swirling around my stomach as I watched him warm up with his team. More than anything, I wanted him to have fun. He's six years old and it's only flag football, but it was his first game ever.
When the coach called his name and he took the field, my heart pounded.
Every parent knows that feeling of wanting to protect their child. Even though I knew there would be no hitting or contact in the game, it's hard not to let your mind wander with any number of possibilities.
But something happened. When the team clicked into their places, a different look came over Preston's face. I've heard about this look from his teacher last year but next to never get to see it. His teacher told us that when Preston works on a project or has to focus on something, an intensity comes over him.
The Preston we know is nothing short of a goof ball. He's the baby brother to his two older brothers and he's usually hot dogging around with them to make them laugh...or to simply get away from them to save his life.
You see, for almost six years now, little Pret has been less of a kid brother, and more of a target for Christian and Ethan. Preston's learned the art of being either really funny to distract them, or when that doesn't work, he's learned to be ridiculously fast. Those have been about his only two options for survival.
"Funny" Preston was not on this field...
But something happened. When the team clicked into their places, a different look came over Preston's face. I've heard about this look from his teacher last year but next to never get to see it. His teacher told us that when Preston works on a project or has to focus on something, an intensity comes over him.
The Preston we know is nothing short of a goof ball. He's the baby brother to his two older brothers and he's usually hot dogging around with them to make them laugh...or to simply get away from them to save his life.
You see, for almost six years now, little Pret has been less of a kid brother, and more of a target for Christian and Ethan. Preston's learned the art of being either really funny to distract them, or when that doesn't work, he's learned to be ridiculously fast. Those have been about his only two options for survival.
"Funny" Preston was not on this field...
During each play, he focused on the game and made each move with intention. My eyes widened as I watched his face...his eyes. He was not my "baby" by any means.
As soon as the whistle blew and he came off the field, it surprised me even more how he switched from his "game face", to having the best time with his buddies.
They were kids...having a ball.
As soon as the whistle blew and he came off the field, it surprised me even more how he switched from his "game face", to having the best time with his buddies.
They were kids...having a ball.
When the game was over, one of the coaches approached me and laughed. "You know, your son is such a little guy, but he's so full of intensity. That kid has an instinct to move in a way that surprises me."
I had to shake my head and laugh too. Preston does have an instinct about him. It's been a fine art skill that's been honed for years now.
...And who would have thought that it would come in so handy on a perfectly beautiful day of football.
I had to shake my head and laugh too. Preston does have an instinct about him. It's been a fine art skill that's been honed for years now.
...And who would have thought that it would come in so handy on a perfectly beautiful day of football.
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