A Freshman Defender
Monday was the first day interscholastic soccer competition was allowed so of course The Girl’s team had a game. After so many years of walking the sidelines as a coach or sitting very close to the action in club soccer, it was weird being just another spectator and sitting in the stands. I’ve been to many high school soccer games before but it’s different when it’s your child being introduced. They played in the high school stadium complete with concessions and all the other trappings of sports at the high school level (including three rather expensive game tickets for The Boy, California Girl and I). At the simplest level, it was still just a soccer game like many that she has played in before but the surroundings were much more impressive.
Even though it was only a few months ago, The Girl seems much older than she was in her last club game this spring. Then she seemed like a kid. Now she seems like a high schooler. The biggest difference was after the game when instead of getting in our car and going home, she was socializing with all the other kids who had come out to watch. I know that high school games are part sports competitions and part social events but I didn’t realize the extent. As I sat in the stands and watched the varsity play, I felt a bit like a chaperone at a dance. It’s not that all of the kids weren’t well behaved after the game; there was just a great deal more interaction than a few short months ago.
I felt old; much older than I did a few days ago. The Girl is growing up. And even though I know it intellectually; watching it happen is something I haven’t quite adjusted too yet.
I totally understand what you are feeling! My girls had their first day of school, K is starting 10th, and M is now is 2nd. After I walked M to her class and got her in her seat, I went to give her a kiss, and she said, “Not in front of everyone.” So I turned around and lingered in the doorway and kinda blew one to her. I turned and began to bawl like a baby….it’s hard when it’s your last and they’re growing fast right before your eyes.
This morning, I walked her to class again, this time, she stopped before we got to the classroom door and she turned to me and said, “Ok Momma, let me give you a kiss before we go in.” I did much better today.
Bathtime Gal: Even though he’s older, The Boy stays a little closer than The Girl. So it’s more of an adjustment than when he first reached high school. Plus he plays sports (cross country and wrestling) where parents are closer to the action so we don’t feel as distant. In cross country, spectators are allowed on the course so long as they don’t interfere with the runners. And in wresting, I volunteer at the home meets so I’m on the floor with the athletes.