Taking the Hit

My son has been enjoying many 10 year old's dream of being a waterboy for a local high school team. It's been a good experience and we've been able to discuss the servant mentality and desire that someone in his position needs to have. It's a great opportunity for him to build memories and learn a little something along the way.

One of the hazards of being a waterboy is that he doesn't wear pads. I've wondered if he would ever get caught in a situation where he might get hit. I wonder no more. Friday night, he was ready with his water carrier. A play quickly came to the sidelines and he got caught in a position where he couldn't get away from the two players coming his way. He took a hard hit and depending on who's version of the story you hear went flying and did a flip.

I was on the far side of the field from the collision and didn't see him get hit. In fact, until I saw a friend of ours run across the track did I realize it was my son. By the time I got down to the field, the team trainer was checking him out and he was recovering. An Advil and some kind words from players helped him along and he was back on the job after a brief rest.

I was worried about him but also proud to see him back up and working. He's learning a lot of lessons about taking life's hits and getting back up, about serving even when it isn't easy and about taking responsibility for one's duties. He probably doesn't realize the lessons he got that night but one day he will. In the meantime, I think he'll wear the bruises as a badge of honor and use the aches to get a little sympathy. Smart kid.