You should be proud, I am!

You already know, you have an awesome Dad. I am so proud to be married to such a great man - and I'm so proud that such a great man is raising the two of you. I'm not sure I could ask for anything more in my life. Really.

Yesterday, I received an email from Daddy that he sent out to all of your basketball team parents. Early in the season, he wasn't including me in the team emails because he didn't figure I needed the details. But as requested, he started copying me on them. And it was then that I got to witness the awesomeness that he shows as a COACH. 

Here's the email that went out yesterday. It left me with my mouth hanging open. Not because I was surprised, but because it's not often that I witness this side of Dad, in writing, to others. It's the end of the season...

Parents,

We received the tournament schedule for the next 2 weekends this morning and it is attached here.  A few things to point out:
·         Our game this Saturday 2/15/14 is at 2pm
·         This is an elimination tournament.  Only winners advance to second round.
·         Second round will be next Saturday 2/22/14, should we advance this weekend.  If not this Saturday will be our last game.

I want to take the opportunity to thank you for your support this season.  I have had this conversation with most of you already, but I am really proud of the way the boys hung in there all year.  As most of you know, as a result of varying circumstances, we had the youngest and least experienced team in our league this year. But they showed up eager to learn and get better every week, and we have certainly seen great improvement over the past 3 weeks in particular.

I know for some of the boys, this was their first time on an organized team .  For others, hopefully it allowed them to further their skill set and learn more about the game.  Either way, we hope you and your son found it a productive season in your own way.    

Coach Casey and I could not have asked for a more coachable group of boys this year.  Our only requirements were to have fun and respect the game, their coaches. their teammates, as well as opponents…….easier said than done as we hit some rough patches early on  Saturdays.  But we are very proud of the fact that there was not a single occasion we needed to reiterate those values to any of the boys. This is certainly a credit to the support you have provided throughout the season, and Casey and I are most appreciative for that.

Many Thanks,

Coach Chuck

Keep in mind, that this was his first season coaching you in basketball and you did not win one single game. You lost every one. After the first few losses, Daddy was extremely frustrated and came home feeling defeated. Every Saturday. As the season went, the losing got easier. But every single game he said to me "I hate to lose!". And we talked quietly hoping you never heard him say it. You could have cared less whether you won or lost - which was just the way it should be, for 7 year old sports. He stayed positive and continued focusing on some of your team mates who had never even played before.  Part of the frustration was that some of the kids were new to team sports and basketball. They had no clue how to even shoot a basketball.  Low and behold, a few games from the end of the season last week, the improvement became so evident. Everyone on your team got a little better - and you all had fun.  Kids who had never played before scored their first baskets. Their smiles were amazing.

Before the season started, when the draft was done for teams, your Dad and Coach Casey took kids that nobody else would take.  The other teams coaches were stacking their teams with the big, experienced kids.  When there were 2 kids left at the end that nobody would take, it infuriated Daddy and Casey - and they willingly took those kids. 

That's one of the things that makes your Daddy so amazing.  His gentle, kind manner with kids makes me smile just thinking about it. Every kid deserves a chance, and needs to be coached. He learned from his own Dad. Compassion, love, patience and understanding of people who are a little less fortunate or experienced in life is so important. He gives so much to others, selflessly, and in many ways. He's humble, sometimes to a fault.  These traits are things you would never notice as a kid - but later in life, you will realize why these traits are so meaningful.   Someday, you will truly understand - and it will make you smile just as big as it makes me smile. We're so lucky to have him in our family.  Not only is he a cool Dad, he's always got your back.  And he's one amazing coach!

Lots of love,
Mommy