Tenderhearted Boys

Last night we attended another CHS freshman football game. Several of the YM from our wards are playing this year. It is a great outing for the kids and I, and who can beat free and supporting our ward kiddos!

Last night during 3rd quarter there was a major pile-up, and a player from the opposing team was injured. After 10 plus minutes laying on the field with coaches and the boy's family, 2 medical teams finally arrived and took the young man (and his family) to receive medical care.

During this time (10 min can seem like forever) my boys were all in a dither. It was the first time they had witnessed a sports injury of this magnitude. I talked to them throughout the entire time, trying to explain to them what was happening. I thought all was being understood, and ok until the med teams arrived. Colton was very upset and wanted to do something to help. I asked him what he could do? He decided that he could say a prayer, right there in the bleachers, for the young man who was hurt. It was so tender and thoughtful. Ky was so upset that he was in tears. He climbed into my lap (which he NEVER does anymore) and cried for the young man who was injured. It touched my heart so deeply. I continued to talk with him and reassure him that the medical teams and doctors would do everything they could for the young man who was hurt. He didnt leave my lap until the end of the game.

Another explaination came when the crowd stood and applauded as the med team left with the player and his family. It was hard to try to explain to the boys that we werent clapping and cheering because we were happy that the player was hurt, but that it was in support for him, to let him know that others were proud of him for trying his best, and that we were sending our hope for him that all will be well. It was hard to help them understand. It is interesting that this experience went hand-in-hand with the multiple conversations going on in our home about the English/American language - how we can say or do one thing, but have it mean completely the opposite. This experience seems to apply to our odd way of doing things. I think it was as clear as mud to my boys even after multiple explainations.

When we arrived home about the same time as the girls (they had been at YW), the little boys immediately began to tell the girls everything that had happened. It was Caiden's turn for family prayer, and he was very sweet in remembering that young man and his family.

It has been very encouraging and has touched my heart in the last couple of weeks to see the kids' reactions to some difficult lessons and experiences. They have shown deep concern and compassion, no matter their ages. It continues to instill in my heart that we are doing something right, and raising our children, being immersed in the gospel is one of my greatest joys. They are learning great things, and it is shining brightly inside of them.