Be Ready.

Throughout the many seasons we watched her play, we've heard it all.

Sav you've got this!

Watch the left!

Watch the top!

Back line be ready!

Cover the post!

Uhh.  Corner.

Darn, we must go to Shoot Out.  As we walk over with the most nervous tummies ever. 

And through those most important moments, she had these bonds that held her up during the most difficult times.

The girls that stood close by, even if a game didn't go in her favor.  Or when it did, a big dog pile because of a shut out.

I stood on the field and watched her make the most amazing kick-ass save.  As a Varsity Senior, it's sad to say..."the last of those saves"; we all cheered.  I had tears in my eyes.  Yelling was no more of an option.  And soon we made eye contact.  I shouted "Good work Savannah!"  As she strolled away from the field I thought, these moments of watching her grow and emerge into a fine young lady have come sooner than later.

And watch them grow, I have.

Looking back through pictures early this morning while sipping my coffee was a bit surreal.  I mean you really can't imagine where the time went.  The calendar days flipped.  The girls grew much more.  The seasons changed.  Teams changed.  Most of these girls still stay in touch one way or the other.  Hello social media.

We formed a common bond.  A bond that has small little cracks now as some mama's have moved onto other sports.  Other commitments.  We still think of eachother and send notes. Van on the far right was the mama that welcomed us into her home on cold nights while the girls practiced.  Wine was had. Appetizers were shared.  Small chats about life, kids, partners, work and home went around as we laughed. Yet held on to eachother.  Mary, the blonde was my walking partner in crime.  We'd walk, and walk, and walk while the girls practiced.  Sometimes we'd end up at Straw Hat sharing a small pitcher of a cold brew.  Hot summer evenings are perfect for that.   And we all know Kyoko, she's the friend that will shape me into place when I start to crumble.  Or vice versa.  Sometimes I reach out to her when I'm pms'n and feel like knocking the knees off people.  She'll reach out with "Aww, YOU CAN DO IT!"- Or we can laugh about the same related things. 

 Back to this girl.  The goalie.  Different teams, different coaches.  Different girls.  We remained together. 

 I've always rooted for Team Sickler.  Just as her Daddy has. 

The time came and went way too fast. 
I am proud to watch them grow, and blossom.

This dude will keep us on our toes, while keeping our spirits alive. He will keep us young, yet age us a little too.  He's Mr. Sickler.  Mr. Spirit.  He makes us proud.  

These fine ladies will still sip good wine.  Laugh at the funnies.  Smile with the freaks.  Party like there's no tomorrow, yet remind one another that good days will come and wipe out the bad. 
That traveling and playing will be the common bond once these kids grow and move on.

"Family....where life begins and love never ends"

Have a super Tuesday fellers. 

Be good, and slow down the clock, will ya?  

Peace to you all and BE READY for all the changes- They come sooner than later. 

Lisa