Are You Tough Enough?

This morning, as I was combing Seth's too-long hair, he started to cry because I was hurting his scalp. I should mention that I was combing his hair so that he could go pick up his gear for football camp starting today.

I wondered.

This is my boy who believes in a hearty cry when he feels any pain. It's why, when he broke his arm last summer, it took me a few minutes to realize how serious his injury was because he always cries as loud as he did that day whenever he hurts. Then, when his stubbed toe/scratched leg, bonked head feels better, he re-emerges from his room and gets back into whatever game.

He also happens to love football. He's never played, but he knows the game as well as any 9 year-old fanatic. He understands plays, positions, and strategies. This is the sport - more than soccer, more than basketball, more than anything - that he wants to play.

But I wondered.

Is he tough enough?

The hair combing thing didn't reassure me and I warned him that he was going to get tackled. And the ball would probably hit him. He had to prepare himself mentally so that he could handle it physically.

There was some drama when it came to trying on helmets. Jay said each time he put one on or off, Seth would whimper. His hair follicles in his scalp must be awfully sensitive things. Eventually, Seth found a helmet he liked and they came home for a few hours before heading back to the field for his afternoon camp.

He shone. He loves it. He can't wait for tomorrow.

I guess he's tough enough!




Heisman pose
Dad tightens his shoulder pads.

Dad giving him his first tackle instruction.

Uh-oh.
Let's try this again....this time, go low.

Better.

Henry joins in the fun.

Hut, hut.

Go long, Dad!

Seth has good hands. He's hoping to be a receiver.

He's got the spiral but not the distance yet.

Just like brother.

I could watch this all day.

How do you feel about football? Would you let your skinny fourth grader play?