I've got your back!!

I recently played goalie in my very first soccer game EVER.  I have watched my children's soccer games for 8 years but as far as getting out on the field and really getting in there not so much, so I am not ashamed to tell you that I was quite a bit intimidated.  We had quite the cross section of players and I am pretty sure I had the least experience.  I think the only reason they put me in the goal was that A. I don't look like I could run very far without dying and B. I'm a pretty big girl that blocks most of the goal naturally.

I was excited about this new opportunity and my team mates were not judgmental at all but rather quite supportive.  One girl in particular who is probably half my age would be the reason that I am even writing this post.  Most of the game the action was at the other end of the field and I was quite happy to be bored.  However, at one point the ball was coming straight for me and sheer panic set in.  All of my school day fears of letting my peers down were flashing before me as the ball got closer and closer, and then she appeared.  Out of nowhere she gets in front of me and says I will be your sweeper.

I had heard that term before in my 8 years of sideline experience.  Pretty much what I can assess that a sweeper is is someone who doesn't allow the ball to get anywhere near the goal and this girl was good at it!!  She yelled back don't worry, I have your back.  There it is.  The phrase that made me want to write this entry.

Before that point my blood pressure was through the roof of being worried that I would let others down by being inadequate.  After knowing that someone was there to help me my mind was at ease.  I am proud to tell you that I even stopped two balls from going in.

What is it about knowing that someone is on your side that is so comforting?  Some one is watching out for you, they want to help you achieve your goal.  You are not alone.

I want to be a better friend.  I want my friends to know that I have their back.  I want to be a comfort to my friends that they know that whatever they need I am there.

( Does it make this post any less poignant to tell you that the soccer game was a parents vs. kids game and that we were playing 10 year old girls?  Or that the parents won and were a bit obnoxious in their celebrating?)