Score!

Barry is playing basketball again this year. We went to Barry's first basketball game a week ago.  It was a tournament format, and after winning two games, went on to a championship game, lost, and the team received 2nd place medals.  I enjoy watching those boys run up and down the court on their skinny little legs.  Barry, as a player gives his most help with assists, but he made one basket today and since that's what they really all long for, had a big grin on his face.  They do very well, for they are usually out classed in height, being a short bunch of kids.  They were out classed in skill in the last game, but gave their best. The games were an hour away, and started at 8:00.  We drove through a clear blue morning, just after the fog had dressed the trees in a beautiful hoar frost, hoping the 3 degree temperature would warm up to the expected nearly 32.

This week his games were nearer, in a bigger gym with two games going on at a time.  They lost pretty badly to a team that was bigger and better.  (That team went on to smush another team in their second game.) In the second game the teams were more evenly matched and the Pleasanton team put on their best game.  We sat in the stands "under the basket", and aside from fielding a stray ball periodically we had the best seats to watch Barry's team score and score again during the second half. I tend to let my mind wander during these games, especially when Barry isn't playing, but I was paying attention when he made a basket.  I mentioned it to him after the game and got another big grin.  

Zane is officially taller than I am now.  He turned 12 at the end of the year and has changed from a little boy to a big one.  There's a difference in him that I can feel, but can't put into words. It shows in the way he holds himself.  He's more in command of himself, his behaviors, his attitude.  He talks to me of real things.  I like being around him. I looked at him today, and, yes, he's good looking, but he also has an aura of budding maturity, and it shook me.  I'm not ready for a teenage grandson. Life is going fast enough. I'm proud of the way he is now.  He's making a good start on life.