Time to go through the door God keeps opening........

About halfway through the soccer season Kaitlynn had the game of her life. The team lost in the end but she played the best I had ever seen her. As her parents, I am sure we can come off a little biased. However, we had several people from the opposing team approach us after the game. They could not believe how good she is. Phil and I just kind of looked at each other, smiled and said "Thank you".

A few weeks ago there were tryouts for a challenge travel team. Phil and I wanted to know what other people thought of her ability so we let her try out. We weren't sure she would make it and definitely could not afford it but we wanted to see what others would say about her. The night of the tryouts before the evaluators left the field, they found me volunteering in the concession stand.

I explained our reasons for letting her try out. I also explained that she is only 11 and would be playing on a U13 team; being one of the youngest made me nervous. Finally I explained it was very expensive to play and not in our budget this year. We would have to consider it next year. They really wanted her to play and offered to help with the cost.

Finally I thanked them and told them I needed to talk it over with Kaitlynn and Phil. Needless to say we were very surprised. After a few days of conversation, Kaitlynn told us she did not want to leave her existing team. When I asked her why she could not tell me. Up until this point Phil and I had kept our opinions to ourselves.

I could not keep my opinion to myself any longer. I asked Kaitlynn if she was saying "No" because of her fear of the unknown. She did not answer. So I laid my opinion out there.

We do not, NOT do something out of fear. If she really wants to try it but is afraid we do it together; as a family. She will never be with out us. She will not lose her existing friends and teammates she will just make new ones. If she tries it and hates it we will take her back to her old team. I also explained to her that every time I run across this team and we shut the door; God blows the door back open. We needed to listen to the opportunity and try it. A few hours later she decided that YES she would try it.

Today was the last day and game with her existing team. It was very hard after the game. Kaitlynn made her coach cry because she was crying. He announced that she was leaving the team and moving up. We received lots of hugs and congratulations. It was a very bittersweet day. We have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Lady Hurricanes.

The Soccer Moms (and families) are the Bomb!! The players have amazing personalities and never cease to amaze me. I know that even if we tried (which we never would) we are stuck with our Lady Hurricane families and I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you for allowing us to join the family and welcoming us with open arms. Thank you for all the laughs in the hopes there are many more. Thank you to Coach Danny, John, Scott and Wayne for making a space for her on the team when there wasn't one, for letting her train as a goalie, for teaching her to be a better player and allowing her to move up with her head held high. She would have never reached this opportunity with out you.

We will share more when the adventure gets started. Go Hurricanes!!

TTFN~

Learning along the Journey......

I am a daughter, sister, wife and mother. I have been a friend, student, 3rd shift grocery stocker, cashier, floral clerk, accounting clerk, office accountant and heart mom. I still am a friend, office accountant and a heart mom.

Throughout this journey I have learned to

Smile and Laugh EVERYDAY
Tell the truth even if it is the hardest thing you have ever done
Love with your WHOLE heart
Be a best friend to EVERYONE
Say I'm Sorry and Mean It
Do your best at everything
Pray, pray every day and for every thing

These are not easy things. Life is hard. I can think of some of my worst days and I still found something to smile or laugh about. It is not easy to look your friend in the face and tell them the truth even though it will make they cry. You shouldn't love any thing half way. It must be all or nothing.

Because you never know what struggle your friend is carrying it is imperative to always be a best friend. You might be the thing that changes their day or helps them find their smile during the ugly days. I am far from perfect and make mistakes everyday. Acknowledging that and saying I'm sorry must be done.

At the end of the day I stew about whether I gave it my best. If I didn't I figure out why or what I need to do. I don't get it right every day but I can look myself in the mirror and know I gave it my all. I pray everyday for everything. If my friend calls because something happened I pray about it. When my kids get on the bus I pray for their safe return to me and for open minds to become the best people they can. I pray for my husband's safety at work. I also pray in thanksgiving we made it through the day.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, I know life is hard. But the reward of being a Mom and celebrating everything that comes with it is worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears. Don't forget to share what you learned along the way.

Special Love to Mom as I get to see her today.

TTFN~