We have hockey every Wednesday and Sunday. Today was a hockey night for us...pick up dinner on the way, watch J skate, wait a half hour, and then watch T skate. It's a busy night but one that we enjoy.
I sat back tonight and really watched my son. We are coming to the end of the season and it's my time to really reflect on how much he's grown. My son jumps on to the ice...he doesn't step any more. It's a fluid motion, like diving into a pool. With a push of his leg, he quickly zooms down the ice. Gliding and swaying from side to side. He no longer comes to a gradual stop, but gives a hop and digs his blades into the ice...stopping on a dime.
He will occasionally grab a puck and skate with it around the ice towards the goal....casually taking the scenic route. Most of the time, you'll see him making tight circles on the ice...moving his blade from side to side. He'll hop over dividers like skate boarders doing tricks off ramps. But speed is his forte.
Today they raced across the ice, trying not to be tagged. My son is terribly competitive when it comes to being first. He could really care less about scoring more points then his teammates but he wants to be the first one on the ice and off. I watched my son strategically place himself next to another player. At the last minute, he leaned on his blade and veered past the player...leaving the poor other kid to get tagged. Like a bullet, my son shot past the other players...zig zagging a new path. I was in awe. Time and again, he maneuvered past the taggers with grace, precision, and determination
I can't help but be incredibly proud. I have a talented skater...but more then that, an incredible son who is compassionate, wise, and loving. Yet another day to give thanks.
I think you should give yourself a pat on the back for taking a few moments to just really notice your son in the special way you've done here. What a gift that is to yourself and to him.
ReplyDeleteOften these are the moments we take for granted, or notice, appreciate and then let it slip away. Writing about it will make the moment last forever.
ReplyDeleteIt's a terrific picture-telling! I love that you're proud & bragging. You are his mom & should be proud of every little thing, & big too! How wonderful that he has this talent & passion. It's just so-o good for him! Thanks for sharing; I love seeing kids do things like that.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to see all they can accomplish! You describe his action on the ice so beautifully I can really picture it. You should be proud!
ReplyDeleteI'm so Proud of J and T both! I'm sorry I missed this exciting lesson last night. But I'm very very happy that you were able to express how amazing he is in those magic words of yours.
ReplyDeleteYou have captured your son's passion for this sport - and your appreciation for his skill.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great portrait of your son! There is nothing, and I mean nothing, I like better than watching my boys pursuing their sports' passions! Not that they are driving I don't get to nearly as many practices. I miss them!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI felt like I was sitting right beside you during hockey practice watching your son skate. Your words eloquently created a picture of the way your son has taken to the ice. Your word choices helped us to feel like we were right there: jumps not steps, fluid motion, like diving, push, zooms, gliding, swaying. I have gone to a few hockey events for my first grade students. I'm amazed at how well they get around on the ice. I'm lucky to stay standing on my skates. Go, proud hockey mom!
Cathy
What a great slice. It is amazing the things we can see when we take the time to really watch. I could see his every move while reading your post. Great descriptive writing!
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