It's Football Time in Tennessee

Mason and Franklin are playing football this year. They both love it. And, let me tell you, it is a HUGE time commitment and it is not a sport for "sissies!" No way!

I am very thankful that Mason and Franklin are pretty fast runners because they look very small compared to the other boys out on the field playing! The other boys are HUGE! In Mason's league, some of the guys are over 200 pounds! No joke! It is really challenging to sit in the bleachers and watch them get tackled, thrown down, pushed, etc... I just want to stand up and yell, "Can't we all play nicely together?!" But, the boys - and Reid - would be mortified! It's embarrassing enough for them to hear me cheer for their team.

In fact, before the season started, Mason's coach was telling the players how the parents never cheered. Mason quickly let him know that this year would be different because, "His Mom would be in the stands!"

Anyway, the boys have learned a lot about perseverance, respect, not giving up, teamwork, good sportsmanship, hard work, endurance, etc... It's been a great experience for both of them.

Mason - number 23 - has played linebacker, safety, and corner. He likes the offensive positions best! I understand why after seeing some of the tackles. Geez!

Seriously, Mason came home tonight with an injured finger. He thinks it is broken. I am hoping it isn't. However, it was turning a nice "bluish-gray" as he was getting ready for bed. Please pray it's not broken.

After three weeks of intensive practice, Franklin was ready to QUIT football. It wasn't getting tackled, he simply had a hard time remembering where to go and what to do. Reid talked to him about perseverance, and he called my Dad and asked him to talk to Franklin.

My Dad, or "Papaw" as Franklin calls him, came and took Franklin out for the afternoon. He talked to him about being afraid of failure and conquering your fears. Franklin came home ready to get back in the game! He listens to his coaches and he is learning to understand and predict the plays. His confidence grows with every practice. He's played linebacker and, most often, running-back.

In his second Football Jamboree - Franklin - Number 32 - scored a TOUCHDOWN! It was so exciting! He was so thrilled! I thought I was going to pass out from yelling so much - honestly!

Anyway, now Franklin would say that he loves football and he is very glad he didn't QUIT!

Mom and Dad have been a great cheering squad! And, Dad's been reliving the "good ole days" coaching from the sidelines and being a "life-coach" for Franklin for some hard life lessons! Thanks Dad!