The Golden Trophy

We had a nice day yesterday. We went to our last 3 basketball games of the season. It was fun. Our little Reed was the star of the day. Somewhere inside himself, he decided that he would play. And that he did. He made 4 baskets, got some rebounds, and get this... he even fought for the ball a few times. I can't tell you how excited I was. I may have been a little bit giddy if you were an onlooker. It just does a Mom's heart good to know that he can turn it on when he needs to. He was proud of himself too. Hopefully that will be how he remembers the season, so he will be excited to try it again. Camille and Cray had good games too. The highlight for all of them, was getting their trophy after their games. That excitement I saw in the kids took me back about 25 years. I remember my first season playing basketball in the 5th grade. Erin and I were on the same team- the Trojans. Our coach was Stan Snooks. After our season, we got trophies. This was at a time that I remember being old enough to know that our family did not have much money. Dad hadn't been out of law school very long, and I know it was a struggle making ends meet. We had a party after the season was over, where we were presented with trophies. They were on a wooden base that had a little plaque on it that said Trojans 1982, I think. Then, sitting on top of the base, was a GOLDEN basktball player. I truly thought that the trophy was made of gold. And in the thinking of a fifth grader, I remember thinking that our parents must love Erin and I so much, because they somehow found a way to buy us golden trophies. It was a big deal to me. I couldn't believe that they would do that for us. We were so loved. Seeing the kids with their trophies yesterday, made me smile. They were in awe, just as I was some 25 years ago. Of course, I now know that my trophy from years ago was not golden, and I am sure could not have cost too much. But I still have the memories of how I felt. My parents loved us. I am sure even though it wasn't golden, it probably still cost more money than they had. But they made it happen. I am so grateful for my parents. They have made many sacrifices for all of us. And most importantly, I KNEW they loved me, and recognized their sacrifices. And 25 years later, I still know this. It didnt end with that little trophy from so many years ago. They still love all of us just as much, and make sacrifices for us still. Thanks Mom and Dad.