The end is upon us. As the crisp autumn air settles in, we find ourselves on the sidelines for one last season, watching our seniors take to the fields with their high school soccer teams. We inhale deeply, recalling memories from the days when their tiny legs seemed to barely fill their soccer shorts and socks. We remember that unforgettable home run in third grade and the game-winning touchdown in high school, both reminiscent of scenes from a heartwarming film. We’ve experienced exhilarating buzzer-beaters and devastating defeats. Some seasons were spent mostly on the bench, while others were filled with starring roles. Every moment floods back.
As we transition from the sidelines of our children’s games to the sidelines of their lives, still cheering and watching but from a distance, those memories come rushing in. We remember the nerve-wracking ER visits for x-rays and stitches, holding our little ones tight and contemplating, if only for a fleeting moment, whether competitive sports were really worth the risks. There were tears to wipe—tears of disappointment, frustration, anger, and confusion. Yet, these tears served as reminders of the valuable life lessons learned on the playing field. And amidst it all, there was joy—the kind that bursts forth from a child who has practiced hard and, with a bit of luck, achieved the success they sought.
We’ve cheered, consoled, offered first aid, and handed out Gatorade. But we were never alone. By our sides were some of the most incredible parents we could ever hope to meet. Some became our closest friends, while others were acquaintances with whom we were fortunate to share bleachers.
In the Spirit of Gratitude
We are eternally thankful to…
- Parents who arrive with a large thermos of coffee, complete with extra cups, milk, and sugar. On a chilly November day, these parents are nothing short of heroes.
- Moms who distract younger siblings with snacks, stepping in when we forgot to bring refreshments. There is surely a special place in heaven for those who show up with homemade treats.
- Younger siblings, who deserve a lifetime achievement award for good sportsmanship, willingly attending every game, often bribed with sugary snacks.
- Parents with medical expertise—nurses, doctors, and others—who examined bumps and bruises, providing reassurance and guidance.
- Dedicated volunteer coaches who sacrifice their weekends and evenings to share their passion for the game. This commitment is commendable as they navigate the challenges of disgruntled parents, apathetic players, and questionable refereeing.
- Sideline friends with extra blankets and umbrellas to share. Parents often fall into two groups: the prepared and the unprepared, and we are forever grateful for those who come equipped.
- The moms of varsity players who welcomed us into the fold and raised their children to embrace our kids warmly. We will always appreciate your children for making our kids feel at home on the team.
- The amateur photographers with their impressive lenses who generously share their shots. Our kids remain blissfully unaware that we didn’t take all those stunning photos.
- The tireless team managers who kept us organized, sending out emails at all hours about weather changes and missing uniforms. How did anyone manage without email?
- The stand-in parents who stepped up when we were unreachable, transporting our kids home after games while we were stuck at another event. Without them, our children might still be waiting on that field.
- Every parent who understood the essence of “team” by cheering for all players, supporting coaches, and maintaining composure regarding referees. Their actions set an example of good sportsmanship and community spirit that we hope our children carry forward.
We have been fortunate to share a decade and a half with these remarkable individuals. We have stood under rain, snow, and blazing sun, sharing companionship and coffee. As we approach the season’s conclusion, relishing the remaining weeks, we glance at the parents beside us, acutely aware of the significant void they will leave behind.
This article was originally published on June 28, 2014.
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Summary
As we prepare to say goodbye to our kids’ high school sports careers, we reflect on the journey filled with unforgettable moments—triumphs, challenges, and the camaraderie of fellow parents. From the supportive friends who brought coffee and snacks to the dedicated coaches and tireless team managers, our experiences on the sidelines shaped not only our children but ourselves as well. While we may be moving away from the field, the memories and friendships forged over the years will remain with us.