Soccer

Jameson started soccer this fall, and he loved it.

I read a line in a book recently, where a mother was describing her young son. She said, "he is happiness itself."

I can easily modify that for Jameson and soccer.

When playing soccer, Jameson is happiness itself.

He loved his uniform shirt and his cleats. He adored his shin guards, and even wore them all season to Alex's practices as well as his own.

He loved his team-mates and the time on the side line, where they were all supposed to be sitting on a blanket. (they all ended up in one big heap, mauling each other with over-the-top-energy and unbridled enthusiasm for each other)

He had a special place in his heart for his three coaches. He drew them pictures and packed them special snacks when it was our day to bring them. The coaches recieved this items with grace and understanding---having five-year-old-boys themselves---but I'm sure might have had a moment of confusion when opening up the pictures. Jameson poured all sorts of effort into those pictures, but to the untrained eye it may have been hard to see the love. The pictures tended to be messy sheets of paper with remnants of lunch mixed in with Jameson's copying of the words from a hot sauce bottle and some random scribbles. (oh, but the love he put into those pictures!)

And, he truly loved the games. All day long on every "game day" he peppered us with questions. How long until the game? How many minutes now? On the day when his game was at 3:30 I questioned my sanity more than once.

At the game, he was pure enthusiasm. He thrived on the attention of the coaches (stopping more than once mid-play to smile or wave at them when he heard their praise). He was also the kid that needed an outlet for his energy when he was on the defense and had a lull in action. He indulged in cartwheels or just jumping and waving his arms. The smile never left his face when he was out on the field.

He was in his element, and loving every minute. From the sidelines, I took no end of delight in watching him be so happy and spirited and thrilled with soccer.

Totally worth being asked every twenty minutes if it was time to go the game.