Bangsund Family Blog: Mostly Upward

It's amazing how one child sick with the stomach flu can completely halt all normal operations in a family. A week and a half ago, Luke contracted a nasty bug that laid him low for the better part of seven days. No joke, people. It was bad. Blessedly, the rest of us stayed healthy.

Luke missed his first Upward game because of his sickness. Paul didn't miss his, but it was pretty much a non-event because I was so busy keeping Luke comfortable. Yes, he was there, just not up for anything other than sitting in a camping chair and looking miserable.

SO, as far as we are concerned, today was the first Upward game of the season! Paul practices from 8am to 8:45am. We hosted another player from Luke's team overnight last night so that she could make it to practice and the game. They easily entertained each other during Paul's practice. Then their practice started about fifteen minutes before Paul's game. Awesome.

Paul was able to go the entire practice without ejecting himself to come look for food. MIRACLES happen, people. The game went pretty well. At one point, he needed to be on the sidelines because his team has seven peeps, and only six can play at one time. This was a time of sorrow and mourning. If sackcloth had been handy, it would have been donned. But he survived. And went back into the game. This is a HUGE improvement from last year! We are all pleased and proud of our Paul. :-)

Here are a few pics of Paul's morning at Upward.

Playing follow the leader to learn where the sidelines and midfield are located. These coaches are awesome.

I love the sunshine in this shot.

Paul playing center. They don't hike it through their legs at this age. There's just not enough space down there. ;-)

Paul's favorite moment of every Upward Saturday. The Tunnel. They have the littles run through after their game. Good thing, too. Paul's Upward experience is all about the tunnel and I'm pretty sure he would be happy to run through and go home.

Paul watches Luke's game with his buddy. So cute.

We are also seeing improvements from Luke this year. He was able to play the entire game even though at one point his heart was broken by a broken play. Let me explain.

Luke played quarterback today for about ninety percent of the offensive plays. And like all things in his life, he took it pretty seriously. At one point, after a very successful downfield drive, Luke snapped the ball on about the five yard line. The touchdown was in sight and my boy could taste it. And I can tell you now, folks, he wanted that touchdown more than he wanted his next Lego Ninjago set. And that is saying something. He took the snap and handed the ball off to one of his younger running backs, who proceeded to run the wrong direction. :-( My guy nearly melted.

I was so proud of him for not yelling at his teammate. But he went straight to Coach Tammy and said, "I can't do this anymore. I want to be done." She knows my boy. She got down on his level and said, "Luke, I need you. You are my leader. I need you to play. Your team needs you to play." And Luke stayed in the game.

He didn't get his touchdown today. There are still lots of things that need to click, but his head was totally in that game. I wish you all could have seen him. His ability to stay focused on the play and help his teammates get set up before it all starts is awesome. My favorite play of the game was a particularly well executed hand off to our dear friends' daughter, who ran for the first down. So much fun! If you think of it next Saturday, pray for encouragement for my boy. He knows the goodness of God in so many areas of his life. I would love for him to see the sweetness of being on a team. And maybe leading his team to a touchdown. I don't think Jesus cares about touchdowns, but I KNOW he cares about my boy's heart.

And now Luke's pics!