Parenting from the sidelines

Soccer has wrapped up for another season in our household with some exciting final weekend action of the Bolton Wanderers Soccer Club.
Both of my kids' final matches were decided in shootouts - nail-biting, stressful shootouts. It's a tough way to end a competition but that's sports.
Groups of complete strangers spent the summer together, learning, growing and coming together as teammates. Parents were united in support.
During the final weekend, the sidelines erupted with cheers from moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, brothers and sisters. It was fantastic to see this support and the positive reinforcement supplied by most parents.
As we "coached" and cheered from the sidelines, offering pre- and post-game moral support, it dawned on me that this is a parent's role in a succinct nutshell - we are there to offer support, silently or vocally, no matter what, rain or shine, in sickness and in health, in victory and in loss, in joy and in sorrow.
In a typical sports season, you experience all of these things, and more.
The rain stops, the sun comes out, the bruises heal, the laces get tied up again, and spirits soar.
I witnessed some of the best soccer I have ever seen in recent years and I felt closer to my kids. I shared in their triumps and their tribulations, reassuring them that sportsmanship and comaraderie build character and the lessons on the field are just warmups for what's in store in the future.
A game is easy - there are rules and time limits. You hone your skills and make better passes and more accurate kicks. You work together for a common goal.
Life's like that in many ways. Unfortunately, the rules are constantly changing and the clock is always ticking.
I've been down in the dumps lately, but this past weekend rejuvenated even this tired soul. It gave me hope. I was filled with pride. I was happy, every minute of every game they played.
For the kids, their wins and losses will soon be forgotten as they concentrate on school work, meet new friends and prepare for the holidays.
For me, this soccer season was unforgettable.
I'd like to thank everyone at the BWSC for their undying commitment to soccer in our community. And to the coaches of Roma and Spain, thank you for making a difference!