Saturday morning between church 's general conference sessions there was a community soccer shootout. Reese really wanted to go, and Cameron decided if he had to go, he wanted to do it too. We weren't sure what to expect. About forty kids were there, and boys and girls were divided. They started out kicking a ball between two markers, which were pushed closer several times. I loved how Cameron would excitedly come up for his turn, jumping and skipping around, he was so cute. Several of his friends from soccer were in their group, and it was fun to see him interact with them. I loved seeing Cameron walk over after his turn to where Reese was sitting, sit down, then get up and move to the other side so he was sitting between Reese and his friends. He is such a kind thoughtful brother.
Reese was pretty serious and calm; at first he was kicking like he would at a real goal, and the ball would get so much air it'd be hard to know if it went through the markers, but then he figured out kicking softer worked better. Neither of them had ever practiced kicking with accuracy like that, so we weren't expecting them to do too great. They seemed to have fun with it, but were most excited about getting the hot dog after they were done. There was a last kick-out between two boys, which we assumed was for first place. The awards were taking awhile, so we thought about leaving early, but thought the boys might appreciate the participation award everyone was getting. As they announced the winners, Reese saw they received a medal and a ball, and became really disappointed he didn't win. After the first wave of disappointment though, he pulled himself together and leaned against me.... I gave him a hug, and we talked about how he had never practiced this skill, and he agreed and knew if he practiced he'd do better next time; I was so proud and glad he was dealing so well with it. The girls went first, third, second and first, then the third and second place boys, and then they announced the winner was Reese Boardman! We were all surprised, especially Reese, who quickly wiped his eyes so no one would see he had been sad, and hurried up to receive his medal and ball.
He looked so happy up there! He came back just grinning, and checked out his medal. Cameron got a ball too, and thought it was awesome.
The rest of the day Reese wore his medal, and kept talking about how surprised he was that he won, it was really cool to see him be so excited. And Cameron is so good about being happy for Reese. It is so awesome to be there for moments that they may remember forever, and perhaps shape their self-concept.
Reese was pretty serious and calm; at first he was kicking like he would at a real goal, and the ball would get so much air it'd be hard to know if it went through the markers, but then he figured out kicking softer worked better. Neither of them had ever practiced kicking with accuracy like that, so we weren't expecting them to do too great. They seemed to have fun with it, but were most excited about getting the hot dog after they were done. There was a last kick-out between two boys, which we assumed was for first place. The awards were taking awhile, so we thought about leaving early, but thought the boys might appreciate the participation award everyone was getting. As they announced the winners, Reese saw they received a medal and a ball, and became really disappointed he didn't win. After the first wave of disappointment though, he pulled himself together and leaned against me.... I gave him a hug, and we talked about how he had never practiced this skill, and he agreed and knew if he practiced he'd do better next time; I was so proud and glad he was dealing so well with it. The girls went first, third, second and first, then the third and second place boys, and then they announced the winner was Reese Boardman! We were all surprised, especially Reese, who quickly wiped his eyes so no one would see he had been sad, and hurried up to receive his medal and ball. 
He looked so happy up there! He came back just grinning, and checked out his medal. Cameron got a ball too, and thought it was awesome. 
The rest of the day Reese wore his medal, and kept talking about how surprised he was that he won, it was really cool to see him be so excited. And Cameron is so good about being happy for Reese. It is so awesome to be there for moments that they may remember forever, and perhaps shape their self-concept.
1 comment:
Yeah, go Reese! I'm glad he was pleasantly surprised.
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