When you hear that description of a group of mothers, you may cringe while picturing a group of women, along a soccer field sideline, probably yelling and screaming. Loudly. You may imagine them wearing team spirit-wear (sometimes bedazzled or custom made) and maybe even sporting their son's number or name. There's no doubt they are there for their son and to support his team. Admittedly, soccer moms can be a bit much. I understand the stereotype, I really do.
But, there's so much more to being a soccer mom...
I remember being excited to become a part of this 'group' when our son, Brody, started playing in high school. But long before he played at the IHSA level, all four of our kids played youth soccer. They all began at age 5 and we spent countless nights at practices and just as many weekends at games. It's a time I would gladly go through again. It was wonderful. So many memories and lifelong friendships began in those years not only for our kids but for us, as well.
All the kids 'traveled' with soccer teams as they grew up. Again, lots of weekends at tournaments. These weekends became our vacations because of the cost of traveling, hotels and food costs multiplied by four kids. But it was money well spent. It afforded them so many opportunities in not only the sport but in the development of their young psyches, as well. I am a firm believer in the power of sports for kids growth and maturity.
As our older two boys entered high school, they played football and left soccer behind. Brody was definitely a soccer player. And I have to say that his group of boys was a special one. While we enjoyed watching all of our kids, Brody's group was one that stays close to my heart.
Known as the "Spitfire" while they were young, this group of boys became so bonded and connected that they will always be friends...no matter what happens in the future. They were able to be silly little boys together who have grown into amazing young men. What a true gift.
Through our sons, our group of soccer moms became so much more than those faces on the sideline. We, too, were able to be silly together on our countless weekends away. Planning where we would eat, and drink, made the trips enjoyable for all the adults. Oh, the stories we have about those weekends!
When the boys got to high school, we became even closer because of the parent group, concession stand, and other parts of being a soccer mom. We saw each other as much as our family. We started to become family.
I remember feeling an incredible sense of loss when the boys lost their last game of the season in Chatham. It couldn't be over. But it was. As much as I hurt for Brody and the boys, I didn't realize at that time how much I would miss what I had gained through these years...I would miss these crazy, committed women.
Fast forward three years.
Last night, I went to dinner with this group. I've seen many of them over the years, but usually in smaller groups and not specifically our soccer moms, as a whole.
Wow.
I had no idea how much I needed to see them.
Time went right back to the comfortable feeling of spending time with those you have a history with...those who know your children...those who have children you know...those who share your memories, your laughter, your tears.
Our son's have all gone on to follow their own paths and are busy growing up. They will all be the young men we knew they would. They share a bond with the Spitfire that will never end. And while we also share the heartache of the loss of one of our 'sons' at the young age of 19, Leo Alfano will always be the heart and soul of our group. He's now the guardian angel of our boys and watches over us all, I have no doubt. Forever Spitfire.
After last night, I realized I will always share a bond with these women. We've shared the sidelines together...and now, I can see us sharing many years to come together, as well.
Thank God for them in my life.
Thank God for soccer moms.
I am soccer mom PROUD.
It is what it is.
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