Crazy Saturday

It began with a bang as the thunder jolted me awake in the early morning hours. Then it continued at the speed of lightning.

Kade played his final soccer game. He was assigned to goalie for the first half. A position that he does not particularly enjoy, as it is stressful. However, today he was spectacular. One of his opponents was a big kid with an strong kick, but Kade didn't let it faze him, as he would do whatever it took to try to block the ball...and most of them were hard and fast. One of my favorite he had his hands out to catch the ball, and it hit so hard it bounced off and then he caught it again before it hit the ground! Then he kicked it all the way back down the field.

He celebrated with his teammates afterwards by providing everyone's favorite...Gatorade and chips! The coach presented him with a soccer ball in the team colors proudly signed by each teammate. Very thoughtful. Kade was so proud of his new ball. Then as we drove away he grew quiet, very quiet. As I turned to look at him, I saw his face so serious and his gaze locked onto that new ball. Slowly he studied each name of his teammates...most of whom he has played with for two years. Then the first tear rolled down his check. My throat squeezed shut and my eyes filled up with tears too.

Shortly thereafter the rain started again and continued most of the day into the evening...and now the night. The sky was crying with us. He spent the afternoon at the neighbor's house with their three boys, went to the movie theatre with friends...all alone, and finally grabbed his pillow and headed over for a sleepover a little bit ago. Smiling.