There's something exciting about watching boys play football. In a day and age where the lines between femininity and masculinity are becoming increasingly blurry, it's nice to take a moment to let boys be boys.
Little League Football just started up their 2008 season here. The first year that we were involved with football, I must admit that I was a little more than hesitant about letting my boys play. Something about watching them be crushed under a sea of humanity just seemed too brutal for my little guys. But they both begged to be a part of the action. You see, both of my boys are "all boy"! So with as much padding as I could possibly buy (and a little extra that I tried to tuck into the unprotected spaces), I sent the oldest one, Matthew, on to the field, worried sick that we would be racing momentarily to the emergency room with a broken bone.
What I didn't plan on was the excitement that I felt at watching my boy run, tackle, sack and score on the field. Admittedly, it's not always exciting. We are talking about little boys, who often run around more in a pack rather than as a well-oiled machine. But after years of yelling "Don't hit your brother!" or "Don't trip your sister!" or "Boys, no wrestling in the family room!", it's just a liberating moment to let your boys be boys . . . to let them do what comes naturally, flinging their bodies around in the hopes of knocking someone off their feet!!
This year, I have both boys in football. Fortunately, Mason gets his introduction into football in the seemingly safer manner of flag football. He has a one-year reprieve before getting his clock cleaned in the tackle league in 2009. So anytime you're here in the area over the next couple of months, come join me in the stands as I holler, scream and jump on the sidelines, cheering on my boys as only a good football mom can do!
3 comments:
How fun and exciting! He already looks like a pro, based on the picture. I can totally picture them loving the game (and you too).
Ok--you know I can relate! Initially I was the compassionate mom and now, with one in high school, I have become the loud (shocking!), and yet still fun, football mom who now yells, "Get up--you're not hurt, it's only a flesh wound!" You think it's exciting now....just wait, you'll be just like me very soon!!! And by the way, Matt looks awesome!
Love the action shot! Something tells me that when Mason gets there...he'll be cleaning a few clocks himself! Looks like tons of fun! Get your pom poms out!
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