My boys are attending a sports camp this week. Non-stop sports from 9 AM – 3 PM for the next three weeks. The teams earn points for wins, as well as sportsmanship and teamwork.
On Day One, Son #1 was hit in the face with a soccer ball. He said that the boy who kicked the ball helped him up and walked with him to find an icepack. Son #2 responded, “He just wanted to earn sportsmanship points.” While I will admit that it was probably true, I was startled by his cynicism. I could tell that Son #1 wanted to believe that the boy genuinely was interested in his well-being, but then again, he is a kindhearted boy. Son #2 is a realist and naturally more self-centered than his brother.
As they grow older, they will need to find a middle ground. Husband and I are going to have to help prepare Son #1 for the real world…not everyone is as sweet as he is. Likewise, I hope we can temper Son #2’s developing cynicism…he needs to look for the good in the world and in others.
P.S. Son #1 was so disappointed when he woke up the next AM without a black eye. He was really hoping that he had a shiner to wear to camp that day...a badge of honor. Son #2 offered to give him one, but I cheered him up by saying that there would be other opportunities to get hit in the face...baseball, volleyball, football, basketball... One can only hope!
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