The End of an Era

Our  third son has played soccer since he was four years old. Last night we watched his last high school soccer game. The team was first in the district until last night. The game was a nail biter! After two 5 minute overtimes and two 5 minute golden goal sessions, the game ended with a loss in penalty kicks. 

I will miss watching his games, but most of all I will miss the other soccer parents.  Some of us have been together for 10 or 11 years on various travel teams.  We have sat through games in the blazing sun, pouring rain (soccer only stops for lightning), and occasional hail.  We've gotten to know their kids, both the ones on the team, and the younger  ones who come to watch the games.  We've endured bad coaches, injuries, and  the politics of club soccer and still managed to  remain friendly.  We've carpooled together, sometimes to practice, sometimes to games out of state.    I've spent more time with some of them than with my family.  They have seen my son at his best.  Now it is time for the kids to move on, and I'm ready for that.  But I will miss my soccer friends.