The gift

The memory, etched in my mind, is one I won’t forget. The text, too unbelievable to process, caused me sit down. “Cole was killed in a car accident tonight” it read. “No! No! NO!” I texted back. Sadly, though, it was true. A soccer player, friend, and a former student of mine left this life nine months ago.

As I watched the ball kicked on the field today, I reminded myself what a gift it is to watch your child play a sport because I don’t always view it that way. The mad dashes to the store for soccer equipment and drinks leave me irritated, I feel like gagging when the smell of stinky cleats fills the house, and I never feel quite prepared enough to sit in the stands. Today, I should have had my water bottle as we sat in the hot sunshine. But soon, the cleats will be donated, the socks thrown away, and I won’t need to purchase large quantities of sports drinks. The gift will end.

Cole, a highly skilled soccer player, will always be a part of our family’s memories. I marveled at his skills and wondered what kind of food he ate to produce his energy. He could really kick! In his younger days, I remember the times when he sometimes fell down and his dad, a coach and ref, would say, “Get up, Cole. You’re okay.” During the games, I sometimes sat by his mom , an avid encourager and soccer enthusiast. Tears pour down my cheeks when I think how his parents wish they could have one more season to embrace, one more season of smelly cleats, and one more season of high-fives. The gift ended too soon.

Even though I never played soccer in high school and don’t know all the rules perfectly, I will definitely be coaching Corey in the area of persistence, focus, and leadership. Phrases like ” Stay positive, Corey” or ” Think of this as a learning opportunity” are ones I used in the past. Now, however, I will be using a new one: CU19. Think of Cole, Corey, and play with all your might. Remember him as you encourage others to play their best, too.

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