The Mixing Bowl of Emotions

When Evan picked up the soccer cone and threw it at his head, at first there was apprehension, then the sucking in of air for fear that the kid was going to retaliate then a sense of pride when Evan happily ran on with practice. Even though the child sat on the ground screaming his head off, I felt nothing for him, he deserved it. The bully had met his match had gotten what he deserved. Evan was targeted, he's the new kid on the team, one of the smallest. This kid never thought Evan would strike back. But he did and every parent on the sideline silently cheered for him.

Except one, yep, the one who made this kid the bully and just so happens to be the coach; had an outburst and threatened to throw any kid off the team if they threw any more punches. Then came the anger, What the hell is this man thinking? It's your child who is causing all the problems you go and take him with you.

Later, after leaving the park, I look back at Evan and he's crying and said that he didn't want to be kicked off the team and he didn't want everyone mad at him. I assured him that they were not mad and the rest of the team was pretty darn proud of him as was I.

But then I thought of what courage that took to hit him back, I mean you know you don't want to be picked on and you can end it, but what a commitment it is to actually strike back and be willing to take the next consequence. Wow.

My sweet little boy is turning into a young man. What a mixing bowl that is!!