Last High School Game

Sitting here wondering how to even start this post...what a season.  What a four years.  I have so many emotions going on right now...so proud of Tyler for being a leader all season long, for stepping it up when it came time, for having fun and loving the sport of football.  And I am so sad that the season has ended, that Tyler's high school football season has come to its final game.  I wasn't even nervous all day ... in fact, I had a peaceful feeling about the game, until I was almost to the stadium.  It hit me.  All at once, actually.  My aunt Julie said it perfectly...that moment in time felt like the world had ended, but eventually we would look back and be thankful for the memories.  It would eventually be something to share and brag about, but it wouldn't be our whole world, it was only a moment in time.  I knew that.  I really did, but it was hard to watch my son lay on the field sobbing because it was over.  The last play where Valpo just took a knee knowing they had the victory, watching my son, fall to his knees...that got to me...and it hurt.

The seniors leaning on each other, hugs with coaches, hugs with moms and dads and siblings.  The tears.  They came.  There was even a moment when the seniors stretched about a quarter of the field across and walked hand in hand from one end of the end zone to the other.  Walking.  Just taking in the moment.  In fact, for a second I had a flashback to my little fourth grade boy with a way too big jersey that looked almost like a dress at times, running across the field to make the tackle and look over at his fans with such a big smile - because he DID IT - he took that guy out, he made that big hit!  That little boy had grown into a young man with such a passion for football and it was over.  I could actually feel his emotion.

How awesome was it that Tyler has had such support all year.  I am so thankful for that.  My family and friends and the support they bring is overwhelming.  Tyler's game was great last night.  It was a devastating loss to the defense to lose the other senior linebacker and leader as well, Drew Childress, on the opening kickoff.  I knew it would be.  The defense gave the offense plenty of opportunities.  Tyler had an interception and many tackles this round. 

He even had some good kickoff return runs. 

He did very well, as usual.  Valpo came to play and make things happen when they could, and they did.  We lost to a sound team.  And so it ends, sadly.  I know Tyler was dreaming of playing at Lucas Oil...something that was within reach, it really was.  But wow...what a season.  His name will be etched in memories from Mishawaka High School forever.  He has made plenty of history there.  The only team to defeat Penn Football four times in a row!  And the team that won sectionals twice since the year I graduated (1991)!!!!  He will be remembered.  And he will have plenty to share with his children.  I am just thankful Tyler has allowed us to take this journey with him.  What a ride it has been!  So proud of him.  A HUGE thank you to all our friends and family who has come with us...supported us, cheered with us.  It means more than you know to our boys.  They love it.  Some of their team mates have no one that comes to watch.  No one.  They are in awe when they see the fans Tyler has.  Another HUGE thank you to the coaches...these men have made Tyler laugh, sweat, and cry.  They are wonderful mentors and coaches.  They have taught my son the importance of team bonding, family and friendships outside of the playbook.  And lastly, a HUGE thank you to the other football moms.  For allowing me to show nervousness and knowing what I was going through.  Congratulations to our Mishawaka Cavemen.  Suffering a devastating loss last night to Valpo (14-21) but having a season that will be remembered forever.  Memories.  Moments.  That's what it is all about.