For the last year, he has put in the work. He was determined to play his senior year. When people asked, there was no hesitation. “Yes, I’m playing.” He was able to start contact sports again just in time for summer football camp. As nervous as I was, I loved seeing him back in the thick of it. During the summer, the team breaks up into platoons. He was a platoon leader, and he picked his little brother as his co-captain. They created a team logo, bonded over lots of food and pool time. All in preparation to be the most united team in high school football. They learned the importance of community.
Christopher’s grit and resilience never ceases to amaze me. This year he is playing Center, and he is one of the team captains. He had never played center position before, so this required hours and hours of snaps to get it right. It is a hugely important position. If the snaps aren’t right, the game crumbles. His little brother is playing right guard. They are side by side again for one more season. The final season they will be on a field together. They are a wall to contend with. And more importantly, they have each other’s backs.
I don’t know how this season will go for them, but I have no doubt they will both look back on this time fondly. The memories they are making, the connections that have been created and the life skills that they will draw upon for the rest of their lives have been planted on a football field, standing shoulder to shoulder.
I, for one, will be the proudest mom in the stands cheering on these young men, grateful to bear witness as it all unfolds…
Let’s Go, North Stars!!!
#67, Christopher Smith
#55, Declan Smith