I don't think it's ever been a secret that Jake's true love has always been football. Ever since the days from long ago, when he was a tiny tot of a boy, unsteadily running around the house bumping into things ... he usually had a football tucked snugly in his arms.
In the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade, area boys are given the opportunity to play flag football. Jake was ALL OVER THAT and enjoyed every second he spent out on the field. In the fourth grade, tackle football is introduced and if you weigh 60 pounds or more, you can play.
But Jake didn't weigh that much. So, he anxiously waited for the following year.
Despite late night snacks and weight gain shakes, he just didn't weigh enough then either.
Surely a growing spurt would be in his future and he'd just do it in the 6th grade.
You guessed it. The pounds weren't there.
A neighbor and former coach sensed Jake's huge disappointment and cheered him up by informing him that when he entered the 7th grade, there was no limit on weight and he'd be able to play football regardless. And while that is indeed true, this year when Jake entered the 7th grade, Big Daddy and I just didn't feel comfortable sending his mere 59 pound self out among boys that were much bigger. I mean, if only he could have weighed just 75 pounds, still being tiny amidst the others, I'd consider it ... but I just think it would have been a recipe for disaster to allow him to play.
So, rather than whine and complain and hate us forever ... he took it upon himself to find something else.
And he signed up for tennis.
Yes, tennis. Who would have ever thunk it? He had never played before this year and it was going to take a lot of hard work to catch the skill and ability of the others, but he's working on it.
Let me explain. They have what they call a ladder. The kids who rank 1 through 6 play on "Team 1". The kids who rank 7 through 12 on "Team 2". All of the others play only doubles.
Jake started out in 14th. The following week up to 10th. Last week he made it to 7th, and was beyond excited when the coach approached him to ask if he'd like to fill in for a student on Team 1, who couldn't make the meet scheduled for today.
A chance to play on TEAM ONE, hello? He was so happy, knowing it would probably be the only time he'd have the opportunity this year. And to make it even better, after he played his individual match, he'd be playing doubles with his best friend.
All weekend he practiced, trying to prepare himself for today.
And then ....
He just called to tell me the meet was cancelled this afternoon.
Maybe I'm just being a major Mama Bear, but dang it ... the poor kid just can't seem to catch a break. Maybe he can somehow manage to climb up one more spot on his own ... and play on Team 1 before the season ends.
A new dream of sorts.
Right?
