On Saturday, the Mr. and I made our way back down south.
It had been two weeks since I had last seen Chicky.
Although she knew we were coming, she was still surprised when she saw me at her door. I gave her the small gift I had picked up from Sam’s Club…a long, fuzzy, purple tube pillow. I had no idea if she would like it, but she threw it on her bed and refused my offer to return it. I didn’t take a picture of it first, though. Oh well. You’ll just have to use your imagination!
I handed her the goodies that Coupon Queen had sent for her: cookies, crackers, chips, and an envelope with a surprise.
We said a quick goodbye so she could prepare for her game.
Then, we made our way to the Cafe, where we met Guy Friend. Coupon Queen had sent a bag of goodies for him as well. He was quite pleased.
Then, it was time to go to the field, where I watched as Chicky’s team warmed up…
It was a hot afternoon. The crowd grew larger. In fact, I’ve rarely seen that many people at a girls’ soccer game!
One of Chicky’s high school friends drove over from St. Pete, where she’s attending college. I was so happy to see her that I enveloped her in a hug when she got close enough. It was a good feeling to have her sitting beside me.
Before I knew it, the game was about to begin. I never tire of watching the teams line up before the game…
Southeastern played against St. Thomas, and it was a tough game! SEU scored first, but St. Thomas came back and tied it up in the second half.
The game was tied at the end of regulation time, so we had to go to overtime.
I was nervous.
As the game went on, I couldn’t help but notice the sunset…
It was a tough battle, but Chicky’s team scored the golden goal. The crowd erupted in cheers!
After the game, the players gathered for a prayer. I love this!!!!
Then, Chicky walked off the field. Her entire face lit up when she saw her friend, and she ran to hug her. They began talking non-stop. What a reunion!
While Chicky and her BFF went to her dorm room, I waited for her on the field where, lo and behold, I saw someone walking toward me.
It was Chicky’s first travel soccer coach…from way back when she played U9, U10, and U11 soccer down in south Florida.
Say what?
He was St. Thomas’ coach!
I could not believe it!
The years melted away as he updated us on Chicky’s former teammates. In fact, we learned that one girl was playing on St. Thomas’ team! I recognized her when I was going back through the pictures I took.
Interesting stuff!
We joked that we might just get to see all of Chicky’s former coaches!
THAT is why soccer makes this world such a small place!!
Finally, Chicky emerged, and we took her, Guy Friend, and BFF out to dinner. We selected a wing place nearby so we could watch TV. Auburn was playing against Clemson, and they were actually down!!
We ate, laughed, cheered for Auburn, and stayed through the overtime (during which Auburn won).
Chicky’s teammates had also gone to this restaurant, and I smiled as I watched her make the rounds, chatting it up with various players.
This is a close-knit group. The smiles are genuine, as is the affection they have for one another.
Before I knew it, we had to leave.
We took the kids back to the college and bid farewell to BFF.
And then it was time to say goodbye to Chicky.
Sigh.
I just don’t think it gets much easier.
I had lots of hugs to give her, though. A lot of people were counting on me to give her their love, and you KNOW that I wasn’t about to let them down.
To my surprise, Chicky took the hugs in stride. She is not an overly affectionate child, you see, so this really was a big deal.
Sigh.
Another weekend.
Another trip down south.
I’m counting the days until I go back to see her again.
Filed under: soccer | Tagged: soccer, Southeastern University | 5 Comments »
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