11.14.23 State football

We set off in the dark with the sun slowly rising behind us headed across the state to see our guy play in the semi-final football game. One thing about following our kids all over the state of Oregon is we are seeing places we have never been. The skies were huge and clear. The ground was covered by various tree species, and there were few if any cars for the first 300 miles of our drive. 

Our battery light came on as we wound through a mountain pass with zero inhabitation and or cars. We were worried and I started praying. A mechanic is so great to travel with but tools and parts are necessary for success. We made it through the pass and I began googling auto parts the nearest were 58 miles away. Thu we got to see the infamous Klamath Lake. A major point of contention and concern in our state for years. It was lovely and huge. And most important we kept driving right by it. 

Thankfully we made it to Napa auto parts tested the alternator and found it fine. Thus the battery was replaced in under ten minutes and we were back on the road through another mountain pass. We arrived in time to visit with our athletic director and give Mark a hug. He came charging off the field I opened my arms to hug him, unknowing I was actually just in front of the porta potties. Oh well. He was back on the field for the calling of the starting line. The other team was nowhere to be seen until the national anthem was played. The team had a huge battle ahead of them. The starting quarterback and team captain was out with a shoulder injury. After much prayer and fasting for him, the coach was inspired to try a new offsen where they packed the already strong line with two more called Heavy Diesel and they must push the other team across the field so the 4 linebackers could run the ball. It was a hope this would be enough. 

The other team knew our size and ability and played dirty holding the linemen in the down and ready position for more than 20 seconds a play. This should be a delay of the game but mostly it was just wearing on these guys. Our guys had conditioned hard right along with the running players and thankfully were able to endure the 3 plus hours of grueling play. There were no replacements in this game the top 12 or so players played the whole game pushing and pushing hitting and working the whole time. 

There were errors and bad calls there were calls in our favor and an extraordinary effort by #4 Kase schaffled carrying the ball over 280 yards on 43 plays. Vale takes about 8 seconds to get the ball moving. No one gave up no one played less as the game wore on. I was impressed that the fasting and praying they had done for their friend to be healed also came in added strength for them. It's challenging to play away from home with different sleep, food, and hydration preparations. Mark came out with cramps drank his mustard and pickle juice and went back in. In the end, they lost by one point in overtime.

The heartbreak was real and full force. I was so pleased to receive these pictures later of my young men comforting their teammates as their coach instructed them "to love each other up" and help carry each other through this loss. 

 As the team kneeled in a circle John went around giving a good game good job knuckle fist bump to each player. Many were sobbing. Greg was having a hard time with the emotional outbursts, I think it's important to deal with the hurt in real time to get it out and over with. 

Football is about way more than just the games played. It's about preparation, working together, optimism and pessimism, and the effects of each. It's stretching your abilities and endurance. It's respecting others and learning from other men. And that day it was about losing together after a long fight. 

I tell my guys I like that they are tough competitors but my biggest hope is they are good sports. Today they showed again they are both. 

After the game we set off on yet another wooded mountain pass. A beautiful sunset on an eventful day. 

When we got home the next day we found Addie's organization at work and were thankful for the responsibility of the kids left here to take care of each other, the animals, and house. Small steps for years lead to independence, confidence, and reliability. 

On our way home Aliza sent me this short essay from the ASB president written at home. I was impressed with his ability to capture the multitude of emotions from the weekend. The biggest lesson I learned in the week of playoffs was how many good families are in our community. Families that care for their kids and others, who pray and who serve others. We are surrounded by kindness. I'm thankful for that environment to raise my family in and seek to also contribute to the overall strength of the whole. 

It was great to get away with Greg two weekends in a row we got about 5 hours of book listening, the Great Bridge by David McCullough, in and a lot of time talking and relaxing. It's amazing how very real and heavy stress is. We feel it go and we feel it settle back on as we drive up our road to our home. I love seeing our kids support and encourage their teammates and experience success in their chosen athletics. I love visiting with other parents and hearing their stories. We are thankful for this season of life and the many blessings we enjoy. God is so good and aware of our needs and hurts. I know this for sure.