First some football pictures. Youngest son lost their first game, middle son had 4 points to his name and won their first game, oldest son lost their game.
Yougest Son
Middle Son
Now how did that get in here?
Oldest Son: (aren’t you glad I don’t have more kids, hehe)
Awwww my manly man:
Look at that four point stance. (yes I am proud that I KNOW that is a 4pt stance)
What kicking form. Good job baby…
Everything was going good until oldest son’s game. Right at the beginning, a kids from the opposing team broke his elbow and had to go the hospital, then later towards the end of the game one our players either sprained or popped his knee and had to go to the hospital. But what shook me up was the accident before half time. The type of accident that leaves this mother in the stands, with tears streaming down her face wondering why I let my kids play football.
From the stands all the crowd could see is one of our players was down, and not moving. They called the ambulance, still he was not moving. And the word was it was his neck. I was shaking and it took everything I had to not go get my son and head home… game over. But I could not, especially with manly man coaching, I knew he would protect our son to the best of his ability.
We came home and I walked into the bedroom with manly man and just sobbed into his shirt saying, “that could have been my son.” At the time we did not know if this kid broke his neck or if he will ever walk again. It was to much reality for this mother and I knew some other mom was sitting at the hospital wondering if her child was ok.
We had planned to go out to dinner for manly man’s birthday, so as a family we continued with our plans and tried to be upbeat. But it is like having an elephant in the room and trying to ignore it, we were all wondering about this young boy. One the way home things began hitting my 14 year old and he began crying and could not stop.
Manly man called the other coaches to see if there was any updates on either of our players injuries. Finally we got a call around 11pm telling us this sweet boy got what is called a stinger (which made it so he could not move his limbs) but later on at the hospital everything came back. And all he has is a badly sprained neck. Praise Jesus!!!
So I still ask the question. Why do I let my boys play football. I guess I am going to ask why do I let my child drive? Why am I going to let my child go off to college? I think as a Mother I can only protect them so much, but this weekend shook me to the core. It truly is like having your heart walk on the outside of your body when you have kids.
I remember when I first start driving. I was in the US. My family was back home in Singapore. My parents were terrified for me, always cautioning me to drive carefully, esp when it was winter.
I remember a friend asked my mom how she could have handled it. My mom said, “I couldn’t. I just had to trust that the Lord will take care of her.”
If i do have kids, I wonder if I’ll be strong like her…
WOW! Thank goodness that he ended up being okay….very, very scary!
Wow, glad he is okay. I have a very hard time watching football at all, even professional because I sit there and say “Ow!” every time someone gets hit, and freak out when someone gets injured.
I am so glad that the boy is okay – PTL!
Being a mom is a tough job – no matter how old our kids get. I pray for our son, but I have to let go and let God. I know he is in good hands…If I wouldn’t let go, I totally go batty…
So glad he is okay! I’ve only been a mom for about 7 1/2 months, but I know worry comes with it. Now I’m really thanking God for a girl. Not as many girls play football!
Laurel,
I finally found your blog again. My computer dumped all memory (forgot to take it’s ginko) and I lost all my bookmarks.
This kind of post stirs my nerves as my young ‘un is playing football. I posted some pics on my blog as he too had his first game last Saturday. We fared well with no injuries. Thank God!! But it does make me nervous that he is wide receiver and safety. I watched the video (we finagled a copy) and I must have blinked at the field, but I saw this big huge guy tackle my little guy when he caught the ball. Oh my! Lord, protect our boys!
Engrafted by His Grace-
Shonda
I KNOW that had to be a difficult time for parents and players alike. I am so thankful that the LORD kept His awesome healing–protecting hand on the young man.
We are all in HIS hands. “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
I love you girl!
My Hubby used to play football and has had a couple of stingers. Not fun, but thankfully not permanent. Parenting is such a walk of faith. I don’t know how non-Christian parents aren’t constantly nervous.
BTW, great photos!
I would have freaked. I’m so glad that boy is okay…Praise the LORD!
Glad to hear he’s OK. I’m sure it must be hard and yet you probably have to release him to the Lord’s loving care and trust Him.