Today is one I won’t forget. I’m pretty sure it’s a day Ben will tell his wife and kids about one day too. It was that good!
It starts about four years ago when Ben started kindergarten and met an amazing group of boys who would continue to be his buddies each year. We got to know and love the families and have been so grateful for their friendships. One family, in particular, has been paired up with us each year, in the same class. They also happen to be very involved in the local football team (the coach/president of the program). That family came to Ben’s 10th birthday party and came up with a plan. A plan to have Ben participate in the Winfield Cavaliers homecoming football game today.
Ben was an honorary member and was given his own jersey and gear to play.
He was a team captain and participated in the coin toss.
I think his favorite part was drinking out of the water bottles on the sidelines.
He ran a touchdown with the crowd cheering him the whole way.
He was loved and cheered and high-fived by his best friends and new friends too…and brothers and moms and dads and uncles there to support their favorite player.
…and he posed for pictures with cheerleaders (maybe that was his favorite part?)
He even was awarded the game ball.
He got all this because he’s Ben. He’s a team player and a star. He may not run as fast or catch as well, but man–he’s got the heart of a winner. And he’s got more fans than he knows what to do with.
One of my biggest fears for my kids is acceptance by their peers. I’m pretty sure we’ve solidified and grew some friendships today and filled our bucket with acceptance and love.
I have visions of future high school games, watching our favorite players that we’ve known since Mrs. Zumbrun’s kindergarten class. The Larrick family will be on the sidelines in the months and years to come to cheer on this great group of players, friends and families. Go Cavs!
Besides making my beloved’s day, I’m so grateful for all the love and support from our fabulous Winfield community. We are where we are meant to be and it’s an incredible feeling to be this kiddo’s mom.
#suckitmenkes
Well that is just amazing. AMAZING!
LikeLike
Thanks, friend!! XoXo
LikeLike
This is the #suckitmenkes post of all #suckitmenkes posts 🙂
LikeLike
Yes it is! 🙂
LikeLike
Oh what a great day. A perfect post!
LikeLike
Thank you!! :))
LikeLike
Way to go Ben #31 and way to go Cavaliers, great sportsmanship. Ben you are such a Amazing person, you are smart, funny, great scout and very caring of others. It is such a pleasure knowing you and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
LikeLike
Thank you!! So sweet!
LikeLike
Holy tears of joy!!!! That is so freaking awesome!!!!! So proud and happy for Ben! So proud of fellow classmates of Alayna and Ben’s! So proud of our Winfield community, family and friends for doing this!!! WOW SO COOL!!!! Ben you rock and are so loved!!! 💙
LikeLike
You’re so sweet! It’s a pretty great group we have!
LikeLike
This experience must’ve been like heaven on earth! I’m so sad we had to miss it. What a blessing Winfield Elementary and the community has been❤
LikeLike
It was so special!
LikeLike
As I read, I was thinking “this is too much, too cute…I’ll tell Kim that this one is my favorite pic”….but then I got to the next pic and the next. I can’t pick a favorite! Maybe, just maybe, the one where he sees his jersey 😍😍
LikeLike
:)) You’re so sweet!! They were all so good. The whole thing…all so good.
LikeLike
Heartwarming & inspirational don’t even begin to touch on it…way to go Ben & the entire Larrick crew!
LikeLiked by 1 person