“Bug” is the nickname of my youngest (and hopefully last biological) son. He scored a beautiful goal last week and I, sadly, and unfortunately, missed it. But from Austen’s and Friend Carlos’s description of the event – I have been able to construct a vision of my Right Footer’s left-footed boot.
I decided to write about The Bug because he doesn’t often feature in my concerns – probably because he seemingly has his life somewhat organized at Age 14, AND, because he has rarely had the opportunity to play in the forward position during his last 6 years of soccer participation: and he’s been wanting to demonstrate what he could do as a forward for quite some time now, as Brother Tyler was once a fearsome forward.
I have to admit – I’m rather proud of The Bug – proud of pretty much everything about him – except his English grade: which he reports as a “D.” From a father who was an English major and has taught the subject for over 30 years – this is a bit of a stunner – and I don’t think it’s a reaction to my love for the subject; rather, I view this rotten grade as a reaction to his personality conflict with the teacher. When the The Bug asked me what I wanted for Christmas – I suggested that a “C” in English would be a wonderful gift. Oh well…
Austen has always played the game of soccer hard, and, has also studied many-a-game on the soccer channel. As a Freshman, he made the JV Soccer Team at his high school (one-of-only-3 freshman to have done so). So this is a rather impressive accomplishment.
I also told The Bug that he had made me incredibly happy and proud earning his spot ahead of other kids who had made teams that Austen should have been on – but because of politics – he’d been shut out from. It’s nice to know that public schools can still keep out league and club politics from their sports programs (I’m not saying that they always do – I’m just suggesting that they can).
The Bug is a bit worried that he’s sitting on the bench a good deal these days – as a defender, he was never substituted – but I told him that he is dealing with the families of Junior teammates whose parents have been contributing to, and following, the high school soccer teams for their third season now – so chances are, he won’t be starting, and, he won’t see the minutes that he was accustomed to on AYSO or club soccer. He suggests that he understands – but who knows…?
Like any parent whose child showx an athletic gift – I dream of a Beckham-sized contract, and, perhaps my youngest may purchase his Dear Old Dad an English manor some day, and Winnebago — should he play for a British or European club (the Winnebago would be to follow him around wherever he plays).
I should be so lucky, however…cuz even if The Bug made it big – it’s tough to get him to remember important things…important things like staying in touch with Pops!
I tell ya – the youth of today is like any generation’s youth – U wonder what (if anything) they will remember.
I wonder if Tiger would be in his present predicament had his father not died…