I had an amazing experience today

[ckissick]

Last Wednesday, just three days ago, a friend died unexpectedly. He was also the coach of my daughter's all-star soccer team for girls under 12 years old. On Thursday morning I heard about my friend and went through a sad, rough day. That evening, I took over his coaching duties.

Although our team is an all-star team, so are the other teams we play from other towns. We're from a very small town compared to the others, and we've never been much of a match against them. We decided to practice on Thursday, knowing that's what my friend would have wanted. But his daughter stayed home with her mom. We practiced again on Friday, then had our game this morning.

I and the other coach just told the kids that our friend would be happy to see them play their best. It wasn't about winning. We were afraid to ask for a win. After all, the closest game we'd had all season was a 4-0 loss, and we hadn't even scored a goal all season.

The game started with my friend's daughter playing forward. It was nice to see her out there on the field, with her mom in the stands. It was a minor miracle, however, when she scored the team's first goal of the season late in the first quarter. She scored again in the second, and we went on to win 4-0. The girl's played their hearts out and brought out a lot of tears of joy in the stands. I felt better than when my beloved Giants won the World Series.

Just when things are looking their worst, wonderful things can happen. Thanks for the big win, Tidal Waves. And thanks for the extra help from above, Gary.

[lisa_spyder]

That's just beautiful Charlie...I'll bet there were lots and lots of tears from everyone.

Go Tidal Waves! ...

Had a similar situation a few years ago when my Mum died somewhat unexpectedly. She had been living with us for the few years since my Dad had passed away and was very close to our kids (as was my Dad). She was everything to the kids and they were everything to her...

She died on a Friday...(our youngest's 8th birthday )...on the Saturday all the kids wanted to play their chosen sports and play their hearts out for their grandmother.

I took our eldest Tom to play Aussie Rules Football with his team The Gulls. To say I was a mess is an understatement - but it was more about the kids and their grief so I pulled the coach aside and explained the situation. He pulled Tom to him, gave him a hug and asked if he really wanted to play...of course he did. So Coach and I took him into the rooms and Coach explained to the team. The team and Coach rallied around Tom and I and we got the biggest, longest team hug ever!

To say they won that day isn't enough...Tom played all 4 quarters and played like a demon. So did all the boys...they won convincely and after the game they all came up to me and said they did it for Tom's grandmother and for Tom.

They went on to win the Grand Final that season...

so here's to a few more wins for your Tidal Waves!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

They had something to play for... Your friend is smiling from on high and I'm sure is proud of all of them - win or not - for honoring him by playing at their best.

[widgeon13]

Gerat story. They will all remember that experience all their lives and it will serve them well.

A+ for effort and attitude.

[Aerkuld]

Poetic justice.
Great story, Thanks.

[A930Rocket]

Thanks for sharing. Great story.

[Oh Haha]

Wow. Awesome story and one that will become part of the team's memories for a lifetime.

[Crowbob]

Purely poetic. I find no justice anywhere herein. A priceless win for all involved! Pure poetry.