Pausing To Remember

I have always wanted to visit Washington, D.C. There are so many historical landmarks that I have read about, seen in pictures...and as a citizen, I just want to stand next to them, see in them in person, and just share the same space.

I know I will go someday. And I know I will bring my kids.

This I know. Someday.

Until then...the Traveling Wall came to Naples. What an amazing organization this is. The Wall is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall that travels all over the country, to share the memories with people who can't see it in person. It is a huge undertaking, requiring hundreds of hours of preparation, preservation, set up, and break down. Volunteers guard this beautiful memorial around the clock, 24 hours a day.

Sunday was the last day The Wall would be in our town. Jamie and I wanted to bring the kids there... to give them a taste of history, sacrifice, devotion to country, patriotism...all that stuff.

Sunday was very rainy. Ruh-roh.

This was the last place Jordan, Katie, and Blane (cousin who just slept over) wanted to go on a rainy Sunday afternoon. They wanted to go to the mall. To the movies. Or just stay home, make popcorn, and play video games.

There was a bit of complaining in the car. Sample comments included:

"It's so rainy."

"We don't even have an umbrella."

"Oh wait, we have one umbrella, but we can't all use it."

"I call the umbrella."

"NO...I called it first."

"Do they have rides there?"

"Stop kicking me!"

"What...it's just...like, a WALL?"

"I don't get it."

"Can we just go HOME?"


But we pressed on. Forced them get out of the car.

They didn't like it...........and they didn't GET it.

Until they SAW it.

Once standing in front of this immense structure...as we gazed at name...after name...after name...after name.......the only words that followed from the mouths of our babes were loaded with big questions, conversations about the past, and pockets of deep silence...as it all sank in.

For all of us.





































Thank you.

Game Day

The Crew:



The Quarterback (I love him):




The hand off to Cousin Blane:




The Cousin with his helmet off: (cutie!)




The way I find my son in the crowd:
(just look for the skinniest butt)




The tough guy stare down:




The Quarterback Sneak:




The Stiff Arm:
(at least I think that's what they call it)





The Action:




The Run:



The Bench




The Captivated Sister:




The Coach who is also Daddy:



The Relief:



The Encouragement:



The Brotherly Post-Game Strategy Discussion:
(actually just checking out Jamie's new phone)



The players:




The son who swells my heart with love and pride:

A Whole New World

They practice 3 times a week right now. They leave around 5 pm, practice, and after stopping somewhere for dinner, don't get home until after 9. It's a crazy schedule. Sometimes I struggle with this decision we made, to let him play football....not only because of the time demands, but also how rough it is on his body. He came home the first week with new cuts, bruises, and a sore shoulder.
I do NOT like that. Mommies prevent injuries, not allow their children to do things that cause them.

But, Moms don't really have a say in football, apparently. Dads reign in this arena.

Sigh. Oh well. And so begins the process of "letting go". Just a little bit.

I tagged along the other day to watch. Document. And, of course, blog it. :)

It's really a whole new world, this football thing.

Lots of testosterone. The smell of freshly cut grass. Whistles blowing. Coaches yelling. Players grunting. Helmets crashing. Lots of drills. Players yelling in unison. Water bottles squirted into helmets. No sitting allowed...only "taking a knee".

My favorite moments were everything in between...

-motivating speeches from coaches
-finding #4 in the crowd
-the control the coaches have over their every move
-players moving "on the whistle"
-the fact that they play for the church, and their motto is "For His Glory"
-Jamie and John having great "brother time"
-Knowing Jordan has his Dad and uncle looking out for him
-kids learning the value of a good work ethic
-Jamie so happy to be coaching football again
-Jordan shooting me a shy smile through his face mask (click)
-Funny conversations with Katie, my budding gymnast
-The most beautiful sunset I have seen in a really long time