A Game

Amidst a sunny day that had Shannon outside enjoying the day with her pal Dickman, and lots of running around for me,  we attended a soccer game in Auburn Hills.  The teams were comprised of women over thirty all of which had been playing this game since childhood with great skills.  There were single, married, some moms all out there playing the game they loved.  Only a few spectators for this event.  Katey has joined this team with her friend since they were toddlers, Christina.  Even though she is extremely fit running classes for women at T3 Fitness in Royal Oak,  she hadn't hit the pitch in 10 years.  She did fine with no injuries.  Her dad was glad of that. 

Now I have been watching this game as a parent and grand parent for the better part of 30 years.  It always starts out as fun watching kids chase the ball and each other up and down the field.  We had laughs and joys, then worried sighs when one of them got hurt.  Sat thru rain and freezing spring temperatures huddled over rapidly cooling cups of coffee and  sweltered in the blazing sun when the summer approached.  We cheered the great plays and goals, were pleased when each team learned to work together and talk to each other on the field.  

This was something different.  These full grown adult women played with such intensity and skill that even as an observer, one could not help get caught up in the game.  It was physical, with checking and elbows being thrown.  Headers were not uncommon and players being slapped in the abdomen from a ball just off the foot were so loud you could hear from the sidelines.   These women were not playing for a crowd or for their parents, only for the love of the game and the fierce desire to win at all costs.    It was one of the most exciting sporting events I have seen in a long time, really with few watching.  I came off completely enthused and looking forward to to the next contest.

I was starved after this 90 minute match, stopped for Marie to get some McDonalds, dropped off Judy, and drove her back to her dads.  Thank goodness he had prepared delicious Pot Roast and had saved me some.  I was revived.  

After watching the Michigan Panthers phone it in at their last game (hence the photo) that I attended,  this was thrilling.

thats it 

all for now

stay safe