Soccer Time

Over the summer my husband and Cash started kicking the soccer ball around. Cash showed some interest and asked if he could play soccer. We got excited because it was the first time, he had asked to sign up for anything. I reached out via email to our local soccer club. I wanted to see if they had special teams for kids like Cash. I was able to connect with a board member there and he informed me they didn't have that; however, he made a great suggestion in what age group and experience level would best suite Cash. It's so amazing how God is always working things out behind the scenes. A couple weeks after sign ups, I got an email about the team Cash was being assigned to. It was a family that we know, and my son Cole has been best buds with their son for the past five years. I felt so relieved to not only know who would be coaching Cash, but who also knows our family and Cash's needs. 

So, the way the first year of soccer is set up for the little guys is pretty cool. The first 30 minutes they run practice drills and the last 30 they do four on four in a little game. It's pretty cute. No one really knows what they're doing. Kicking the balls into the wrong goals and so on. This was the first time Cash was participating in an organized sport as I mentioned before so we were all pretty pumped. The first game just my husband, my dad and myself came out. The first thirty minutes looked promising he was excited kicking the ball and then it became game time. This did not go as well. He was getting frustrated and not understanding that he didn't get to have the ball the entire time, at this point he started to break down a little. His shine guards started to bother him. He said "Mommy, this is hard, I don't want to play". There was only a little time left so we had finish out the game.

The following week he was sick so we couldn't attend. The next week he was okay and able to play. It was a beautiful sunny day and the entire family showed up. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. So thankful for our family and support system. Again, the first thirty minutes were awesome during the practice time. The game started and the entire family began to cheer on Cash. This moment was so special because if I'm being honest in the early years of the diagnosis you don't know if these moments are possible. And here we were watching Cashy play soccer. On this particular day he still wasn't 100% himself.  So as the game continued, I think between that, all of us yelling, (lol), those dang shine guards, and him not getting the ball it all came to a head. He cried and sat on my lap and said "Mommy, this is hard, I'm done". As a parent you just know when your child has had enough. If he's out there smiling and having fun, awesome. But I will not watch child struggle and be sad at something that's supposed to be enjoyable. So, we called it. However, we definitely stayed and cheered on our team.  

The following week was a rain out and he was still sick. However, this past Saturday Cash was back to feeling like himself and ready to play. Sunny skies and a brisk morning. He was ready. I have to give it to him for the times that he's not enjoyed it he keeps wanting to go back and try. And that's the point when any child is trying something new. We made some head way on this particular day not only did he enjoy practice time, but he thoroughly enjoyed game time. I attribute that to coach Brian. He is wonderful with these kids and has a way to make them all feel included. Coaching the littles can't be easy, so I give all the coaches so much credit who are out there week after week making a difference in our children's life. So, the theme here is don't give up, keep trying new and hard things. Thats what Cash and my other sons teach me on a daily.