Thoughts from a Soccer Mom

I thought that the last soccer game would be a time of great relief, because honey I NEVER wanted to be a “soccer mom,” but I have a confession to make: I will miss soccer.

I won’t miss the 8 a.m. Saturday games. My backside won’t miss the incredibly unforgiving bleachers. I won’t miss Michael’s pouting after a lost game.

Nope, but I will miss cheering on the boys. I will miss chatting with the other parents. I will miss Michael’s sheer exuberance at being able to play soccer at practice, on the game field – just to PLAY. He loves the game. His coach said he was Mr. Hustle.

I learned how to holler “Get a foot on it! Steal it! Good try!” etc.

I learned not to be an obnoxiously overprotective mama every time the ball hit Michael. The first time I saw it happen I had to resist the impulse to run out on the field and grab him and retreat. No WAY are you hitting my boy! My brain screamed. Around me, the daddies were saying “Shake it off!” and I learned to be stoic. Sometimes it’s necessary.

Every time Mike got hit or pushed to the ground he bounced up. Even when he got cleated and had a serious wound, he brushed it off. I don’t think he was being macho. I think he just wanted to keep playing the game.

Today’s game, the final one, was a phenomenon. The sun was shining, and there was a light breeze. It was perfect weather.

The Chiefs WON! They scored a goal. The other team scored a goal. The other team’s goal was ruled invalid on a technicality.

I had to chuckle when Luke make a brilliant kick, higher than a rockette, and his shoe flew off, into the air, in what seemed like super slo-mo. His mother, standing beside me, said drily, “Well, maybe that will teach him to tie his shoes better!”

I really laughed at Coach Paul, hollering from the sidelines as the boys got into place “OK Kostya, just STEAL the ball! Go on, you won’t go to jail, steal, yeah, just STEAL IT!”

One of the other moms looked at the goalie, right after he caught a good kick and prevented a goal, and said “That must be the hardest position! You have all that excitement [and she flapped her arms around, looking like a bird fixing to take off] and then nothing happens - it’s totally boring, most of the time!”

Steve, standing nearby, commented, “Yep, just like parenting!”

We took the boys to Dairy Queen after the game, to celebrate. Michael got ice cream, and got to spend time with the kids in a relaxed setting, like they were at my house a few weeks ago. Clearly, they had a good time.

Back at home, I took the team photo and framed it, and placed it just outside Michael’s room, which surprised Michael. “That’s your first ever soccer team. Be proud!” I told him. “I was SO proud of you, buddy!”

Right before dinner, Mike was standing in the kitchen and he held out his arms. “Hug, Mom?” I gave him a good hug – Michael is my little huggy bear, and has always been affectionate. No issue with bonding at all. Today he said “We’ve had a good day. I found my Captain Underpants book at the library. I won my soccer game. I got to play on your computer.”

Yes, it was a good day. I signed him up for soccer in the fall, at 9 this morning. I signed up Alesia, too. I just hope they get enough older girls to make a team. She loves the game, too.

Seeing Michael’s beaming face, and feeling his contented hug today, I can honestly say now - I am proud to be a soccer mom.

Comments

[Kathy]

Hi, I just found your blog while browsing and I have always said I never want to be a soccer mom, but deep down I'm kind of looking forward to it. ;)