This time of year always makes me a bit overly emotional and sappy. I’m pretty open about my adoration for first responders and any one working in a medical capacity. Our family has been blessed by their skills, so I will be forever grateful. But as I was baking and pondering life this week- I realized that there is another “profession” that deserves major respect….Coaches. Well, specifically coaches of youth teams.
Bensten won an athletic award this week, and as Lance and I sat in his high school gym, listening to various coaches talk about their players, we were both really moved. These coaches KNOW their kids. They know how to inspire different types of kids. Bensten’s cross country coach only met him 97 days ago. But man, does he get him. He knows what makes Bensten tick. (He also knows what ticks Bensten off!) To hear Coach Ben talk about Bensten made my heart literally explode. I know not all coaches connect with all kids- but when they do- and it’s YOUR kid, there is so much gratitude!
If anyone knows the Bensten Family, you know we were raised at McLean Little League. My dad was a coach. My brothers all played. I tried softball for a hot second (and my dad will say I spent the games flirting with the young umpires- I deny the allegations) but my softball career was short lived!) My brothers are now MLL coaches. I honestly believe there is something magical about McLean Little League. But sweet Boeden was not born a natural athlete. So when we introduced him to baseball, he was incredibly anxious and simply not a fan. Every season was brutal on Lance and me, but we have always insisted our kids be a part of a team so we kept signing him up.(MLL is awesome and allows Boeden to play on teams with kids a few years younger to compensate for his challenges. So Boe does stick out like a very tall sore thumb, but the kids never treat him any differently!) By total luck, about 3 years ago, we landed on Coach Karl and Coach Mandy’s team. They clearly have the MLL magic running through their veins. They are calm, patient and truly two of the kindest people we have ever met. They have helped Boeden so much- but never made him (or us) feel like a charity case. Boeden no longer gets anxious going to baseball- and I can say without a doubt- it’s because of Coach Karl and Coach Mandy!
So if you are lucky enough to have a great coach in your life, make sure to reach out and let them know they are appreciated. And if you are a coach- thanks for helping us raise our little people. I know my kids’ coaches over the years have taught them more than I could have ever taught them on my own.
And because I am a proud mom, and also proud that Bensten’s school hires such great coaches, I will attach the video of Coach Ben’s speech! And we will hopefully have our Christmas offering ready to share by the beginning of next week!
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