Choosing teams...

I've never been what you would call "athletic"...sure I participated in P.E.--only because it was required. I did the "t-ball" thing when I was young, church sports when I was 12, and marching band in high school...okay, so that doesn't count--but it is harder than it looks, especially when you are wearing a plastic cowboy hat and polyester bell bottoms.
That is why it has surprised me that I volunteered for a sport that is perhaps the most challenging in the wonderful world of athletics. It is all strategy, full body contact, and there is no "official" rule book or protective gear. As much as a practice would help, there aren't any--you jump in--head first.
The other day I was watching Tessa--and the thought crossed my mind, "She's become one of them!" For a while there, I felt like she was on my side--she loved to cuddle, lay in bed with me, and want only me to "make it all better". Now I watch her choosing teams...
She goes to Carter to feel better--she wants to watch "Dora" rather than snuggle in bed with me--they send her to me to ask for treats--and she's full swing into the "no" phase of life. I knew it was coming--that doesn't make it any less bitter/sweet.
I was always picked last in elementary school when it came to sports--so it should come as no surprise to me that in this great game of "Family Life", I should be picked last, too. That's okay--I'm not bitter..it is all part of the plan...it's me and Dad vs. THEM. We are sorely outnumbered--and may not be able to run as fast as we used to, but we are in it to win.
Not win in the sort of way you might be thinking...it isn't so much a competition--it's just that in this game, we can't afford to lose--not a single game. There is too much at stake...
I have to be ready--playbook in hand, planning ahead for that next tackle or touchdown--ready to switch gears at the drop of hat--to perform at my best--because I never know which play could be the one that makes the difference--the difference that will hold my team together.
Game on...