Tuesday, December 8, 2009

All Good Things Come to an End

Moe's team lost last Friday night. There was only 1 second left to the game and the field goal would have sealed the win. As the ball sailed through the sky, I'm sure every person in the stadium were holding their breath in anticipation - the ball hit the crossbar and didn't make it over the field goal.

There was close to 11,000 people attending the game, so it was a surreal experience to have almost half of the crowd be stunned to silence at the loss; The other fans & opponent team ran into the field celebrating their win.

My only thought, 'How is Moe handling this?'

While the crowd excited out of the stadium, RM and I headed straight to the locker rooms and waited for Moe outside. We met with other parents of the team who were also waiting for their sons; Everyone was still reeling from the shock of losing and anticipating their son's reaction.

Several players came out of the locker room and immediately sought the comfort of their families. As Moe came out of the locker room, I saw the tears streaming down his face and a look of pure defeat.

It's hard to stay strong when you see your son hurt and crying, so the best thing to do, is to put your arms around him.... and cry with him.

The loss was especially devastating for the seniors. For many of them, it will be the last time they will suit up as a football player. Some of the seniors and their families took a last walk around the field as a Folsom Bulldog football player.

Moe just wanted to go home.

It's been a few days since the loss and Moe is feeling better including RM.

As RM and Moe were taking out the pads of Moe's uniform and cleaning it, RM looked at Moe and said, "Son, this will be the last time I'll be helping you out with your uniform."


Moe teared up and replied, "I know Dad, I know."


We're going to miss the coaches who helped our son become a better football player.

We'll miss the parents of the football players, the team, waiting outside of the locker room after every game, Friday night burgers at In & Out (hence the ten pounds we gained from eating after 10pm every Friday night!), washing Moe's uniform every week and storing all his football equipment in our dining room.

Moe plans to continue playing football when he's in college, but it won't be the same - We'll miss watching him play under the "Friday Night Lights."

(Moe is on the left Jersey #66)

12 comments:

The Crazy Coxes said...

Oh gee...I wasn't planning on crying! It's hard to be a senior/parents of a senior - so many tears!

Where does Moe want to go to college?

septembermom said...

Moe should be so proud of all that he has accomplished in high school. It sounds like you and RM have raised a wonderful young man. A handsome one in his uniform too!

Wendy said...

so sorry to hear that the team lost their last game. Like septembermom said moe should be proud of all that he has accomplished. keep your head up moe!! This will make you stronger!

Jenners said...

That is a very bittersweet but he has a good foundation and will go far and this will be just a moment in time where he remembered the love of his parents.

Anonymous said...

Aw, that's sad. :(

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

Oh bummer. College is great, but if you there is just something about high school and sports... the passion runs so deep!

You raised him well! :)

Michele said...

Oh my gosh...I'm sittin here crying. How sad. You have the best son tho...they grow up so quickly!

Big hugz,
Michele

Anonymous said...

they grow up so fast!!!!

hey lady, shoot me off an email at got_org@att.net and I'll send you the info for pacman's book

Unknown said...

I cried as I read it. I am sorry they lost. Poor guys!

wendy said...

That post brought back alot of memories for me. I remember when my 2nd son (All-State Player) lost their game in the semi-finals in just the last few moments of the game. QB broke his leg, and my son had to go in and fill that position. It was devastating for him.
I understand the loss and pain those boys feel after putting their whole heart and soul and bodies into that sport.
But, you hope they walk away with only the GOOD things they learned about working as a team. the friendships. These are things I KNOW you alreay KNOW

It is hard sometimes to put behind all those precious memories.

I always feel bad too for the kid who may feel the blame of the lose, like the boy whose kick hit the crossbar and didn't go through.My heart has always hurt for those kids.

anyway, like everything in life, new experiences, new challenges and new memories lie ahead.

I hope you have a Great Christmas. I am off to Utah on Friday to see my kids and I can hardly wait.

Heatherlyn said...

Wow. What a way to end a high school football career! Memorable, at best. Where does he want to play in college. We get very excited about our local team here. College ball can be a very positive experience. It sounds like he's given his all to his highschool team. I'm sure he'll be like that with all the endeavors of his life!

Cranberryfries said...

Oh, it's so hard to see something so fun and emotional come to an end. I was thinking about it the other day talking to my girl friend about the school spirit in highschool. It's a thing of greatness.