Many years ago during this time of the holiday season I attended
a golf tournament that left everyone in attendance with a somber
thought.
Many years ago during this time of the holiday season I attended a golf tournament that left everyone in attendance with a somber thought.
We all had kids that could participate in youth sports, excelling at times, and feeling the thrill of victory while sometimes enduring the pain of defeat.
They were healthy, vibrant, full of life and exuberant at the thought of playing in another game, swimming in another meet or making a chip shot from off the green.
But the kids we saw and heard that day only hoped to live another day, let alone concern themselves with winning and losing.
Let me tell you, there wasn’t a dry eye at the Make A Wish Foundation awards dinner that evening. After listening to several kids talk about their glimmer of hope, I would have gladly given up my prize to see a young child persevere and survive another day.
During the holiday season, we, as parents and coaches take a lot for granted. We assume our kids will play another game, score another goal, win another race and shed another tear over joys of gladness or agonizing loses.
Most of the kids I came across that day are probably on a playing field in heaven these days. Others are counting the days here on earth, hoping to just smile and share family memories.
They cherish little victories like waking up, laughing with siblings, playing Nintendo and taking a walk. They wish they could play sports, like your son or daughter, but their energy level is drained to almost an empty level.
Some parents fret over their kid’s playing time, missed scoring opportunities or not winning a tournament or league championship. Believe me, if your child had just another month to live, that would be the least of your worries.
Yet a lot of things in youth sports still bother us to the point of distracting us from the real goal. And that goal is to appreciate the opportunity to compete and enjoying every moment.
Not every kid will be a champion. Some will be perennial losers on teams that aren’t successful. However, winning will take care of itself down the line, and when our children are fully grown they’ll look back on their experience with appreciation.
Take the time to reflect on your kids and be thankful for what they can do, instead of what you’d like them to do. Remember, there are a few parents this holiday season that won’t see their kids next Christmas.
If you get the chance this Christmas, think of all the kids less fortunate than yours. Take the time to donate a gift to any organization that helps kids. The warmth you’ll feel will be genuine.
As I watched ESPN this past summer while they granted kids their wishes, I thought whoever came up with that idea must have a lot of compassion and not be consumed with the glamorous or ugly side of professional sports.
Terminally ill kids got a chance to play basketball with Kobe Bryant, learn pitching with Roger Clemens and hang out with professional teams from every sport. For a brief moment I thought what would I do if that were my child. It almost was.
When my son was two years old I faced the prospects of him losing his sight in one eye as he lay very sick on a hospital bed. He just wanted to watch the Wiggles. I just wanted him to walk out of that place. And yes, I thought he would never play sports, ever!
Some of us have faced the same prognosis. Most of us have watched our kids survive and our prayers were answered. Parents of Make A Wish kids, ones with terminal diseases or handicapped children don’t have that choice.
Their prayers are for another day of happiness full of life. They don’t care if they can’t yell at an official or berate a coach. The last thing on their mind is where they can buy a cheap soccer ball or get that green pair of socks.
So, this holiday season, reach out and help someone less fortunate by giving, and as you watch your child unwrap gifts from the jolly old elf, be glad your son or daughter can participate in youth sports and are healthy.
As I fall asleep this Christmas Eve, I know I’ll be counting my blessings.
Rich Taylor has been coaching youth sports for over 25 years, is the Co-Director of the ACE Powerband national arm strengthening program and formerly scouted and coached in professional baseball. Reach him at rj********@***oo.com.
