was the next best thing, according to the coach. I didn’ t tell my Mom that I was playing that position that day because I knew that she would get more excited than she needed to and probably tell me to see if I could play that position all the time if I did well. Unfortunately, I did not do well.
I had never gotten an injury in a soccer game before that night, other than normal ones that come with the game- twisted ankles, a soccer ball to the groin, and bruises( lots and lots of bruises). After that game, I’ m sure I got more injuries than anyone ever had in two weeks. For the record, I am sure no one had ever gotten a black eye from running smack into the side of goal, but I did.
When I got home that night, Abby, who was five at the time, was sitting at the table in her pajamas eating a bowl of Cheerios. They were her favorite, after all.
“ What happened to you?” She asked, noticing the ice pack in my hand and the purple circle of disappointment surrounding my swollen, purple eye.
“ I just hit something. It’ s no big deal.” I said, trying to smile.“ It doesn’ t even hurt.”
She laughed at me.“ I thought you played soccer, not baseball.”
“ At least you followed my rule.” Mom said, as she entered the kitchen.
“ Yeah, yeah. Always be a team player.” I said, as I walked to the refrigerator to make another ice pack for my eye.
She lived a life that was full. She loved her job as a nurse. She was perfect for that job. She got to see Abby through college. She was a genuinely happy person, most of the time. I remember the last time I called her. She was making a cake for one of the ladies at the church. She had put me on speaker phone, so that we could continue our conversation. We talked about what was going on that week, all the little details and some of the bigger ones. Then, I had to do some more studying and she was going to get ready to see her friend. I told her I loved her and would talk to her later. And now, Mom has walked into the garden. I’ m sure she’ s still just as happy. I ended, with a nod and exited the stage.
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