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!