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 .
19