Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: April 27, 2015
I often ponder the enigmatic nature of memory, realizing that it’s frequently the tiniest moments that stick with me the longest. Yet, every now and then, an experience resonates so powerfully that its impact is undeniable as it unfolds.
One such experience was during my son Liam’s hockey championship finals. His team had unexpectedly made it to the finals—a journey I never imagined back in September. The playoffs took place in mid-March, coinciding with many kids’ spring breaks. Liam missed the semifinal games since we were away in the Galapagos, but he returned just in time for the championship match, despite being exhausted from a 24-hour journey home on a red-eye flight.
Our team, typically composed of 12 players, had only eight available that day, including one goalie. This left us with just seven skaters, while the opposing team had an abundance of substitutes. They were the favorites, having defeated us in our last encounter. Watching our boys—who appeared both young and resilient on the ice—filled me with apprehension. I feared the worst.
But I was completely mistaken. Those boys—despite being fatigued and outnumbered—skated with unparalleled determination and heart. They never trailed in the game, and with five minutes remaining, we led 5-3. However, as the third period concluded, the score stood at 5-5, leading to a tense five-minute sudden death overtime where neither team could score. The atmosphere was electric, and hope surged in me—we might actually pull off a win!
Next came the shoot-out, something I had never witnessed before. In this format, players take turns skating towards the opposing goalie to score. By the time it was Liam’s turn, we were down by one goal. The weight of the game rested on his shoulders, and my heart ached for him as I watched, tears welling in my eyes.
Unfortunately, he didn’t score. After 36 minutes of regular play, five minutes of overtime, and four rounds of shoot-outs, the other team celebrated their victory as they rushed onto the ice. From my vantage point in the stands, I could see Liam’s disappointment through his mask; tears were streaming down his face. By the end of the game, many of his teammates shared similar feelings.
During our drive home, Liam expressed his frustration and anger, and we allowed him to vent. But by bedtime, he was filled with sorrow. “I let my team down, Mom,” he whispered. I sat beside him and reassured him of my pride in both him and the entire team. I emphasized how I had rarely seen him exhibit such tenacity and bravery against overwhelming odds. I reminded him that sometimes, despite our best efforts, things just don’t go our way—and that this was not solely his fault. I was genuinely impressed by how they competed against a much stronger team. They had been the underdogs, and while they didn’t emerge victorious, they garnered respect from everyone present.
My partner, Tom, came to tuck Liam in and suggested that reaching the finals and experiencing the disappointment was far better than never making it at all. Liam took a moment to reflect before reluctantly agreeing. I contemplated this too: not reaching the championship would have hurt less, but what an incredible achievement it was to have played that game. Just before bed, we received an email from Liam’s coach, featuring a photo of him sprawled on the ice after a hard check, tirelessly working to protect our goal. The coach had written, “What more could a coach ask for?” Reading that brought tears to my eyes. Each of those eight boys had given their all.
With Tom having left, I lingered with Liam a little longer. “It was a fantastic season, Liam, and an unforgettable game today,” I told him softly in the dim light. He sighed, acknowledging my words as he nestled his beloved stuffed monkey closer. “I am incredibly proud of you. I believe you will carry the memory of this day with you forever.” And I know I will too.
Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Jessica Harper shares the emotional journey of witnessing her son Liam’s hockey team reach the finals, despite facing overwhelming odds. The story highlights the lessons learned from both victory and defeat, emphasizing the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the lasting impact of memorable experiences.