Disappointment (by HJC)

So we went out late last night as a family to pick up shin guards for Harrison's first soccer game scheduled for today. I was so surprised with the vast selection of tiny shin guards for kids his size-- or even smaller! The cutest things I've seen.

I also noticed that equipment like shin guards, soccer socks, cleats and soccer balls have come a long way in the past 23 years. I don't remember even having a shin guard that fit until I was about 16, and by that time, I was too cool for shin guards, and would cut up my old ones to create the most minimal shin pads I could get away with. Not only that they would never fit, but they were just an added thick pad of clothe that wouldn't prevent from bruises if and when I ever was kicked in the shin. Now the shin guards fit perfectly onto a boy who is only 40" tall, with the following features "1. K-resin shell provides high impact, resistance and durability; 2. Honeycomb holes provide more ventilation and air breathability; 3. Lining material for comfortable wear and durability; 4. Fixed ankle sock; 5. EPE foam insert for ankle protection." I think he could be kicked by all 140 pee wees and never get a bruise.

So Harrison was up late with all the excitement, and I was worried he wouldn't be awake early enough to get to the field by 8am. He fell asleep around 10:15 pm with visions of soccer balls bouncing in his head. I went downstairs to see if there was anything posted on the web site about a rain cancellation. Sure enough, I first noticed the 2 new emails-- one from the PASC and another from the head of Pee Wee. "September 6 Games Cancelled Due to Hanna" the subject lines read.

I was shocked that they called all the games for the day, as I knew that the storms weren't due until the afternoon, and that only rain showers were expected in the morning hours. I was also disappointed. We were looking forward to this day for so long, and it hasn't rained for so long, and a hurricane decides to arrive on the day of one of my son's biggest milestones ever-- his first soccer game!

I stayed up late since I didn't have to get Harrison to the field early. This morning, Harrison comes into our room at 6:30 carrying my cell phone with its alarm sounding. Not only was Harrison wide awake and ready for soccer, he already took off his pajamas, put on "soccer clothes," and begging for me to wake up. I described to him that there was no game today because it was raining and he seemed to understand. However, when we looked out the window and saw no rain, it was very frustrating to me, and Harrison couldn't really understand it completely.

We are going to play some indoor soccer today, and hope that another week will help us to touch up Harrison's skills before getting to game day. He's going to be amazing. Watch out Freddy Adu.