I am hesitant to write this blog post, as I’m a bit of a believer in superstition and don’t want to jinx anything.  That being said, I’m not sure my post would be the same if I didn’t write it now.
For the last 6 months or so, Carlos has been working toward Surf Academy tryouts.  Surf Academy is a showcase team that brings elite players together with the goal of raising their skill level and preparing them for playing at the college level.
   Carlos has been training with his team, playing futsol and doing a couple added personal soccer training days per week in order to better prepare himself.  I have been floored by his level of commitment.  He’s been aware of the foods he eats and going to bed before our set bedtime so he’s sure he is getting enough sleep.  Not your typical teen but he’s so focused on this being what he wants and he’s willing to work hard to get it.
    For me, I do all I can as a mom to encourage him but also keep the reality of him not making it out there so he doesn’t get crushed.  It’s a hard balance.  I DO believe in him.  I think they would be dumb not to have him.  He’d be their hardest working player and truly thrive with that level of play.  I don’t say this because he’s my kid, he was born with a work ethic like no other.
   When we got to the tryouts, he was one of 64 kids to show up for 30 spots.  Technically 30 spots, but since its an already established team they have a large number of returning players and I would assume they will be re-chosen to be on it.  So without knowing just how many spots they need to fill, what player positions they are looking for and who they already know….that meant that he had to stand out to them and he had only 2 training sessions to do that.  One thing about Carlos, he’s determined and gets it done but he tends to be on the quiet side.  I will give him credit, he made a point to walk up and shake the hands of the coaches, introduce himself and thank them for the opportunity to try out (that was HUGE for him) and he was also very vocal out on the pitch.  I was impressed.  Of course, they wouldn’t know how big that was for him but as a mama I knew that he was doing all he could to stand out in his own conservative way.
   At the end they talked about the financial part, and he knows that things like this are a stretch for us but we make it work.  He leaned over and said, “Mom, I’ll work for this.  I’ll earn the money and pay for the travel and all myself, don’t worry.”
    As I stood there watching, I really couldn’t tell how he measured up to the others.  I have no idea if he will get a callback or a no thank you.  In my heart, I know just how badly he wants this.  As a mom, I know how hard he has worked and that he’s good.  I want them to at least call him back so he can be sure they really saw him.   The waiting is hard, but part of me is dreading giving him the news if it’s bad.  I know it’s my job, but he will be initially heartbroken then push himself harder so he can make it next year.  I am excited to get a callback email so I can give him the good news – he will be the happiest kid in the world, then work double time preparing for the callbacks.
   Whatever it is, it will be what is meant to be.  I have to have faith in that.  So send all your good vibes Carlos’ way.  He should hear by tomorrow….until then, breathing deep.