We have been pretty good about memorizing a new saying or scripture each week as part of our whiz-bang money system (back here). We haven’t really included Lucy in the memorization. I know, she is seven now, for crying out loud, we need to get her going. But the things we memorize are over her head and she is my baby. One week, however, she needed some help getting all her “points” so I had her memorize one of my favorite short quotes: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t…you’re right!” She got it speedy quick. But over the last few weeks I have realized that I was the one who needed to “get it.” Lucy somehow got it in her mind that she was going to play soccer this year. I guess some of her friends have done it, and talked about it, and had trophies from it. And oh yeah, her four older siblings have done it too. When she first started asking I brushed it off and changed the subject. Why? Well, because quite honestly I don’t think I could fit in another carpool if the Queen of Sheba asked me to. And because Lucy doesn’t really run much. And because I was worried about finding a team. And I was worried kids would be bugged with her. And if other kids were bugged, certainly a coach would be bugged too. And then, to be honest, I was worried I would probably end up in a puddle of tears because my “mamma bear” instincts would come out and I’d feel lonely and sad for her. But the more she asked the more I realized that if she thought she could do it, well then, she could do it. Her mom just needed to get on the bandwagon. As luck would have it, our neighbor was coaching a team. And the practices were going to be right in our neighborhood. I talked it through with him (he’s aware of Lu’s special needs) and he assured me Lucy would do great. So I signed that girl right up. Boy oh boy was she ever excited. During the first game she took her position as defender very seriously. Like, she didn’t move from the one square foot she was apparently defending.
She was loving the breaks.
And she needed a few helps to know where to go from her good coach (I love that coaches can go on the field at this age…I think…).
But after a little side-line talk she started running by the end.
Maybe it was due to Claire’s cheering on the side-lines.
She was all smiles by the end.
It always helps to have Nana and Papa there to cheer you on I tell you.
…and some sister love.
…plus a good friend.
Each night she thanks Heavenly Father that she can play soccer and she is now quite vigilant about keeping her gear all in a safe place (after she carried it around and lost it for the first two practices). She has also told everyone and their dog about her new skills. It’s going to be a good season. Whether she makes any goals or really learns the ins and outs of the game, she’s doing something that takes her out of her comfort zone. And that always makes me happy. Bottom line: “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t…you’re right.” Goes for everyone. Especially me.
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I love your blog Shawni!! This is especially one of my favorite post! My son is diabetic and I am guilty of "holding him back/protecting him" a bit as well because I don't want to face my own fears….that something horrible could happen to him while he's playing sports. Good for you for going out of your comfort zone and encouraging Lucy to explore new things! 🙂
aw what a cute post, she looks so cute out there on the field and with her family cheering her on. What good older sisters she has.
Brought tears to my eyes! She CAN!!!!
Oh I love this, brings tears to my eyes!
I am so lucky. We live in an area that have a special recreation association for children and adults with special needs. There are a few special ed leagues too. He is in mainstream classes now, just left special ed classroom. He has to hold it together all day, it's nice he can still be part of a group with quirks through this organization, with grown ups running it understanding quirks.
Add me to the list of those tearing up. What a beautiful post.
Love this. Go LUCY!
Oh how I love this post!! What a great quote to remember in all that we do. It also helps that she has such a great guy for her coach!! Ry and Ashby are dear college friends!! Love them and I love your blog. I read it for daily inspiration! Thank you for all you do Shawni. You will never know how much you have impacted this strangers life!
I just stumbled across your blog- hello!
What a cute family you have. Beautiful pictures.
http://www.seashellsandeggshells.blogspot.com
Not only CAN she do it she IS doing it! Awesome!
look at her go! how proud you must be! go lucy!
I love your blog and I always look forward to reading your posts. I am a mother of 4 boys and I strive everyday to do what is right, to teach them, to love them and to expose them to all that is lovely and praiseworthy. That being said, I have noticed that your brother Josh is single. You probably get this type of comment a lot but I have a single sister who is AMAZING! She teaches 3rd grade and unfortunately hasn't met the right one yet. I would have rather sent this privately but I couldn't figure out what your email was. Anyways, my email is itsmetp@hotmail.com and I would love to set the two up;)
Love, love, love! I said it before and I'll say it again. I love that you love your life! It's all in the appreciation. You rock the appreciation department sista! Rock on!!!!!
Awesome! I tend to do this with my kids too. Worrying about how they will be received by others when they want to put themselves out there and try something new–but this is my problem, not there's! Thanks for reinforcing something I am also working on. If they believe they can, then I want to be their biggest cheerleader!
Again! Tears! And laughter. So sweet. I'm so happy for Lucy and for you. Good for her!
Adorable!
Hi, I'm new to the blog :). This is such a cute post! She looks so excited! So precious.
Hi, I'm new to the blog :). This is such a cute post. She looks so excited!
I love this post!!! Made my day.
This makes me cry!! She's going to be fabulous…no matter what! What a mom!
Love it.
aww, how wonderful that you found the right team for her and her coach sounds awesome!
I love that quote!
(sorry about the deleted comments-just trying to figure this out…I'm a little new to this!)
Shawni- I wanted to tell you I am so thankful for finding your blog. I have a special needs daughter who has a very rare genetic disorder and during one of the hardest times with her I discovered your blog… it wasn't an accident only an answer to my prayers. You have helped me so much! I just want to say thank you with all my heart! Our sweet Leah's blog is: http://www.sweetbabyleah.blogspot.com
What a heartwarming post! My sister has a rare genetic disease that is making her go blind. I've seen my mother struggling through the years, afraid that my little sister would not be able to do everything in this life. But you know what? Even though she only has 30% of her sight now, she's doing great. She's accomplished so much in her life, finished college, got married, is now about to become a mommy, that I think she's got much more inside of her than I ever thought. Lucy will do great, believe me! She's a tough little girl.