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NOT SO PERFECT PARENT Blog |
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March 2009
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The Thursday Boy picnic was last night. “Thursday Boys” is an afterschool program run by a local volunteer, Jim Redwine, who teaches good sportsmanship, fellowship and leadership using Christian principals. All children are welcome and the group has grown to over 500 members. Throughout the year, these kids are eager to grow in the ranks and earn different colored caps for their efforts – first Blue, than Red, than Black. However, the highlight of the year comes in the form of an Awards Ceremony. In the world of seven-year-olds, it ranks about as high as a trip to Disney World. It is something that the kids look forward to every year and it serves as a perfect send-off to summer. Each kid gets recognized and goes home with some sort of award. All of the parents endure the heat and bugs until the last child is acknowledged. Last year, when my son earned his “Friendship” award, he slept with it for months until a Christmas bear took its place. This year, my son (a Red Cap) earned three awards. The first was the “All Around Thursday Boy” given to seven outstanding boys who exemplified what it means to be a Thursday Boy. The second award was the “Light of the Cross” award which meant that he along with six other boys were recognized for their ability to mentor other players and make them feel included. However, the last award, the one that made his daddy cheer and his mommy cry, was called the “Six Pack Award”. Mr. Redwine described the award as follows: “You need strong abs to support a weak back. Although I sort-of serve as the backbone for this group, this is a kid-run organization. Some kids show up and put the needs of the group before their own. They are here, working hard to make sure this organization runs smoothly. Without these six kids, the commitment of time and energy would have broken my back.” Mr. Redwine started calling the names of the winners of this coveted award. Five boys who had previously earned Black Caps stood next to him holding their trophies. Mr. Redwine continued, “Look at all of these Black Caps. These boys represent our leadership. But there is one spot missing – we have space for one more. But wait, he is a Red Cap, and we have never had a Red Cap win this award. However, when I call his name, you will understand. Colt Smith, please join these Black Caps and receive your award.” After cheers and applause, Mr. Redwine goes onto say, “The Red Cap on the end is as much deserving of this award as any Black Cap. He already knows what it means to be a good leader”. Needless to say, we were happy for our son. However, the real point of pride occurred on the way home. He climbed in the car with his three-year-old brother and quickly handed him one of his trophies. “This one’s for you Luke. For being the best little brother in the world.” Last night, both boys slept with thier trophies. 2 CommentsLeave a comment |
Congrats Colt! Mom, tell us how you raised such a good leader!
Congrats Colt! Mom, tell us how you raised such a good leader!