It’s the smallest of things, that make me happy.
There really should be a category on this blog feature for "kids" - because it seems like I write a lot of blogs about my boys!
So, I got to see Douglas play football for the first time this week. He has been the starting receiver for his schools JV team, but I missed the first 2 games. He's always played basketball as a little kid - so seeing him play football was a real trip. He was on the team at his old school for two years, and only got about 2 minutes of play time (btw - coach Marrujo is dumb). But now he plays for a different school, and is the starting receiver and cornerback. This poor kid played practically the WHOLE game! But he was pretty good - even with my limited knowledge of football, I think he did really well. Although they lost by 1 point in the 4th, it was a good game (they won their first two, so they are 2-1 now).
Alright, so the best part of seeing the game (aside from hearing other strangers on the sidelines talk about how good my son was) - was when Doug was coming off the field after a play and saw me and his Dad standing on the sidelines. I thought for sure he would ignore me, and just go stand with his team. But he actually came over to where I was standing! I was amazed. This kid always acts like he is mortified to acknowledge me in public, and is always telling me not to "embaress" him (who me?) - and yet, that wasn't the case this time. When he saw me standing there, and made eye contact with me - he walked right up to me and had the same look he used to have when he was a little boy - that "did I do good?" look. I wanted to run up and hug him I was so proud of him! But I didn't (it nearly killed me not to). Seeing that look on his face, that look that seaks validation and acknowledgment - made me realize that no matter how big and how "grown" he may act, he will always be my little boy. He asked me if I saw his play, and saw him run the ball - which of course I did. I could tell he was excited that I got to see him play finally, but of course he was trying to act cool. But that look...that look on his face gave him away. <3
I swear, that moment is frozen in my mind now - and I will never forget it. I'll try to remember it whenever he decides to act like a grumpy teenager. I'll remember and know that deep down - no matter what, he's still my baby. It's amazing how the smallest of gestures, a look, or a few words, can convey so much. My son.....for all his attitude and bravado...still loves me and wants my approval.
And that one sheepish look on his face is all it took to make me happy. 