{Life and Pictures} Dedicated Support

Something shocking happened this week. At least my family was shocked.

I'm still getting over it :)

My dad missed the kickoff of my brother's football game. Really.

This might not seem like such a big deal, but my dad has never missed a sports event (or part of one) for any other reason than going to another event. He calls himself the "athletic supporter" and "head water boy" but he has never missed a game, and spends a great deal of time making sure everything is worked out. Say Tyler has a game in Hutchinson and I have a game in Salina. Mom goes with me, dad goes with Tyler. But I still had one parent with me. I can't remember ever going to a sporting event without having at least one parent with me. And I probably take that for granted too often!

My dad has always said he never lets "work get in the way of sports" :) But now, after ten plus years of involvement (coaching), cheering, and supporting us, he messed it all up! I'm left speechless.

2003 (Tyler is in the sandy colored hat at the end of the bench)

Flag football 2007

 My parents talk about watching me play volleyball in fourth grade and wondering if they should let me keep trying something that didn't seem to be something I would ever be able to do :) But at the time, they were always encouraging. After every game, they kindly asked me what my "good thing/bad thing" from that game was. (What was a personal high/low for me) My good thing was always my serving. I was so proud of my serving :) It must have seemed ridiculous how excited I would get over serving successfully (from the ten foot line!) To this day I cannot figure out how they watched something SO slow! It must have been painful! Nonetheless, they let me keep trying and never discouraged me. I'm so glad they did. I've enjoyed volleyball more each year I have played.

4th grade volleyball coached by Jesse and Erin. :)

5th grade volleyball coached by my parents and my aunty :)

 Because of my parents, sports is something I can look forward to. I know they will work as hard as they can to help whatever team I'm on (playing whatever sport!). Even sacrificing much of their time and sanity :) Like watching nine-year-olds try to play volleyball. Or spending all day driving to Hastings Nebraska to watch me play two games. No matter what level I'm at, my parents always make me feel like it's the most exciting volleyball they've seen :)

2012 Last game on JH

 That support and dedication is something I should never take for granted. :)