So I took my long ass Saturday am “meditative” walk.
I usually just walk and end up in habitual places, but often attempt to interrupt some of the patterns so as to see new things.
But I knew I wanted to go to the football stadium.
We were just there last night.
Perhaps I would see some youth game of some sort.
I got there and it was mostly empty.
A couple guys kicking soccer balls into the net that they moved into the endzone.
I ran into the track coach who was setting up his workout with his guys. Saw a neighbor kid who runs for him.
I wanted to experience the contrast of 12 hours difference.
Last night was pure energy. A nailbiter of a game. And the last game. And the end of highs chool football for many. Many that I helped introduce to the game.
And that transition has always fascinated me as young men whom have given so much to a sport and fellow team are essentially rejected by the sport.
Football she is a loyal mate, but eventually will trade you in for a younger man.
Tears happen often as life forces itself upon these young men to what’s next.
And somehow must realize that actually that they are being asked to move on from the sport. Using what they hopefully have learned and aim it at building an extraordinary life.
That this was but mere training wheels for the big game.
The game was noisy. The score changing hands too much for my nerves. The sound of feet banging on the aluminum stadium on both sides.
And today the booms of,
silence…..
a vacuous container with but a few athletes of another game laying claim to the vessel of their gamified exercise.
That just half a day prior was owned by another group of guys and senior classman. But no more.
Monday a new team is born. And 365 days to rinse and repeat.
The contrast. I needed to feel it.
If you have ever felt it. Then you know my motivation and reverence.
Its holy.
My walk took me back through Wilson park where little tykes were playing flag ball. And I watched a youngster shirk his way on the way to a touchdown.
And I wondered if someday I would see him in the place that I just had left last night.
