Thankfulness Thursday

Well Thursday has rolled around again. This week I am thankful for my oldest son and the proud tradition he has been a part of for the last 6 years. He's been a Centralia Panther Football Player. He's grown up with such a great group of young men and been mentored by an even greater group of men (the coaching staff).

Tonight was the last 'official' game of the season. This one was important. They played in a Bowl Game. There are many traditions in Panther Football, one of the most special is the 'Goodbye Bowl' The boys met on the field tonight for some fun, a little scrimmaging and just to spend time together, one more time, as a team. 
There already have been many 'momma moments' in this Cody's Senior Year, and I know there are several more to come. They are coming faster than I like. But isn't this what we are supposed to do as parents, raise them up into adults? I guess that's what we are doing. I sure wish I could hit the pause button and savor this moment and all of the others a little longer.
I can't even phathom what these young men will accomplish. They are all extraordinary young men. We had the pleasure of feeding the team this year after the away games. Do you know that I don't believe one boy picked up his burger as we served them without saying thank you? Our team consists of about 80 boys. That's 80 sets of parents who are doing it right. That's 80 boys who are respectful and polite. Don't tell me todays youth are 'no good' because I am here to tell you, no shout from the mountain tops, that Centralia Panther Football Players are some of the greatest young men I know.
Boys, you closed the door on an exciting chapter of your lives and I know it's hard to say goodbye. But, this is only the first chapter, there are many more to follow, each holding their own excitement. Just remember who you are, where you come from and what that means.
Wondering if my hands will ever thaw out but glad I attended the 'Goodbye Bowl',
From Tulip~
KH
:)