Do you remember their very first practice? The first time they won? The first time they lost? The first time he cried because it was all over and he just wanted to keep wrestling? The first time you thought he was injured? The first time he was... His first medal. His first trophy. His first time at State. His first placing at State. The list is endless... There are so many moments and memories.
The lessons learned growing up are many, but the lessons learned in this sport are priceless. I know my son has learned humility and pride both for himself and the team. He has learned to keep going and never quit. He has learned hard work, dedication, commitment. He has learned that the real success is all the time you put into the "getting there" not just the win itself. He has learned that we all suffer failures, have bad days, and the winners don't settle there and accept it. He has learned that the real winners in this sport are those that fight the hardest, over come the obstacles, and put all their Glory in God. The lessons learned from this sport are those things that have made him a better man, son, friend, brother, and a better leader.
I want to just cry every time I think "last practice"... Tomorrow is the "last" State Tournament. Eventually, in the next three days, we will face his "last" match in high school. I have a feeling this may be the hardest three days that I have had in a long time. To those who don't have kids in sports or wrestling you may not get it, but believe me - this is way worse than watching them drive for the first time, go on their first date, etc... this is watching the "end" of a great season of their life. Watching the end of something that has been infused in their person for so many years... He will leave his mark on this sport. He has broke records, set records, and will wrestle more in his future, but this sport has also left it's mark on him, on all of us.
I only pray that he will leave it all on the mat these last three days, as the saying goes, "Go big or go home." All that matters is that he uses his talents and abilities to honor God, and to do the best in all that he does. I pray that he leaves this wrestling season knowing that he did his best, that he got up when he didn't think he could, that he went farther then some thought possible, that he didn't quit, and that he didn't give up on what his dreams were. I pray that he sees the value of both the wins and the losses. The he realizes the true successes or often not seen by others, it's those horrendous practices, the grueling diet, and the ability to overcome it all and keep working towards the goal. Other than that, it's just another wrestling match, right? Bring me the kleenex...
