Your cart is currently empty!
Navigating My Son’s Journey Through Heartbreak
I often find myself pondering the enigmatic nature of memory, particularly how the tiniest, most mundane moments can stick with us the longest. Yet, every so often, an experience stands out in vivid clarity as it unfolds.
One such experience was during my son Jake’s championship hockey finals. His team had made it to the league finals, and I was honestly shocked by how well they had come together since September. The playoffs took place in mid-March, right in the middle of spring break, which meant many kids were away. Jake missed the semifinal games because we were on a trip to the Galapagos, but he returned just in time for the championship, fresh off a grueling 24-hour journey.
Our team typically has 12 players, but on the day of the finals, we had just eight—one of whom was our goalie. That left only seven players on the ice, with a mere two substitutes. In contrast, the opposing team had three times the number of substitutes. They were the favorites, having beaten us in our last match. As I watched the boys—who seemed both small and mighty on the rink—I felt a sense of anxiety creeping in. This could get messy, I thought.
Oh, how mistaken I was! These boys—minus our lone girl player—skated with an incredible amount of heart and determination. They were visibly exhausted, and the lack of substitutes was taking its toll. Yet, the other team never took the lead, and with just five minutes left, we were ahead 5-3. By the end of the third period, we were tied 5-5, leading to a sudden-death overtime that saw both teams holding their ground. The tension was palpable, and I could feel a flicker of hope ignite in my chest—could we actually pull off this win?
Then came the shoot-out. I’d never witnessed one before, but it involves each team taking turns shooting at the opposing goalie from the center of the rink. By the time it was Jake’s turn, we were down by one goal. The pressure was immense. I could hardly bear to watch as he skated forward, knowing he had to score to keep our hopes alive. My eyes filled with tears as I thought about the weight on his small shoulders.
Unfortunately, he didn’t score. After 36 minutes of regular play, five minutes of overtime, and four rounds of shoot-outs, the other team erupted in celebration as they flooded the ice. From my vantage point, I could see Jake’s eyes welling up behind his mask. By the time he stepped off the rink, most of his teammates were in tears too.
Jake was furious and upset on the ride home, and we let him vent. But as he prepared for bed, a different emotion surfaced. “I let my team down, Mom,” he whispered. I lay beside him and expressed how incredibly proud I was of him and the entire team. I told him that I had rarely seen him push himself so hard and that he had shown true bravery and resilience against all odds. I reassured him that sometimes things don’t go as we hope, and that wasn’t his fault. Everyone in that rink recognized the effort they put forth, even if they didn’t win.
My husband came in to tuck Jake in and reminded him that making it to the finals—and facing disappointment—was better than not getting there at all. After some contemplation, Jake begrudgingly agreed. I thought about it too; not making it to the championship would have hurt less, but what an achievement that game was. Just before bed, we received an email from Jake’s coach, sharing a photo of him sprawled on the ice after a tough check, determined to keep the puck from our goal. “What more could a coach ask for?” he wrote, and I found myself moved to tears. All eight boys gave their all.
After Matt left, I spent a few more minutes with Jake. “That was an amazing season, and today’s game was remarkable,” I told him softly in the dim light. He sighed and nodded, pulling his beloved plush monkey closer. “I’m really proud of you, and I think you’ll remember this day forever.” And so will I.
This was originally published on April 27, 2015.
For more insights on parenting and handling tough moments, check out this post. If you’re interested in at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers great resources too. You can also find valuable information on Kindbody about pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Navigating the emotional rollercoaster of my son Jake’s championship hockey finals was a remarkable experience. Despite the team’s loss, their determination and resilience shone through, leaving lasting memories for both Jake and me. We talked through his feelings of disappointment, emphasizing the pride I felt in his effort and the significance of their journey.