A game called soccer

Editor’s Note: Saipan Tribune usually does not publish anonymous letters to the editor but we are making a rare exception in this case because of its universal message for all mothers as we celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school, I have to drive my two girls to soccer practices. Every Saturdays, I have to drive them to their games. What is so rewarding about this is not about winning each game. It’s not about seeing their team go up in the roster of champions. It’s not even when I watch them playing out in the field, under the heat of the sun. For me, the most rewarding moment is driving them to their practices and games. Just the 15-minute drive, four times a week…enough for us to talk about almost anything.

“Hurry up, girls, we’re gonna be late for your practice!” And my daughters would be dragging their cleats to get in the car. I expect them to pack their water bottles, put on their sunscreen, tie up their hairs (on a specific style, mind you!), bring a book, just in case. Soon as they’re inside the car, we won’t start the engine until they put on their seatbelts, fix up their mat and properly place their bags. Little ceremonies like these allow my girls to learn the value of discipline. That is, if they fail to accomplish any of these tasks before starting the car engine, it would mean further delays toward our destination.

While driving, I would hear them argue about anything…from the model of cars that pass by to the odd signs down the road. Of course, I serve as the judge as to who wins the argument. Added perk is hearing new words to add to our vocabulary. Like today, we have a new word, “lightning mcfee,” referring to an over-speeding black car. We’ve had a great laugh on that one because my little girl meant “Lightning McQueen” and it just slipped out of her, she blurted it out without thinking. Her older sister was laughing her heart out on this one and my little girl laughed along.

The drive would end by stopping by a store. After a grueling day, we have to quench our thirst with water. And together the girls would say, “Water is cool,” just like one of those commercials they’ve watched.

It ain’t easy. Just like the game soccer, it would take a lot of effort just to win this game of motherhood. Just like the game of soccer, you have to give your daughter the trust they need that every single argument they come up with would be resolved by a sweet laugh. Just like soccer, the bond between a mother and her children can be established, even for 15 minutes, four times a week. So, for all the mothers out there who sacrificed so much more than I do for their children, I salute you. Life may treat us like a bouncing soccer ball, still we make everything possible for our children’s happiness. Happy Mother’s Day!

A Mother