Those moments of pride

Tonight was one of those moments of pride, when your heart wells up for one of your own flesh and blood.

Setting: Evening, high school auditorium, stomach growling, stressed from the tough day, rushed from trying to avoid being late and hearing about this at the last minute. 18 degrees and the wind is blowing.

Occasion: Season end for Heath Bulldogs high school football, having made it to round 2 of the playoffs, with a final historical win at home.

Here comes the moment of pride...

The teams were introduced by their respective coaches, one by one. Each focused on the positivie contributions of each team member. Then there were the funny and awesome awards, mostly for the seniors. Ian won the "Ironman", which meant he missed no lifting practices all summer long!

Of this, I am very proud. He was dedicated and he and I worked as a team to get him there and back, having friends and babysitters helping us out (thank you!). If he couldn't get a ride, he found a way. His dedication and passion deserved recognition!

But in addition to that, in addition to that moment of parental pride, I was looking ahead to the next few years. Years that will pass by so quickly, that he will soon be up there as a senior, with life staring at him in the face. I am excited for his future, for the possibilities that remain, for how his purpose will be fulfilled on this earth! So much between now and then, but in the wisdom I have gained as a mother, I know this time will pass oh so quickly.

Not to mention, there would be someone else in the room with a heart full of pride. I am quite sure that somewhere, Coach Cox caught a glimpse of his grandson being part of a football team, and a darn good one at that. That would have made him proud, proud to know he had passed his legacy forward in spite of having all girls as his own children. We are proud of you, Ian! Keep it up and with each year, each season, each game, may you learn the important stuff and get better each time!