You QUIT

The words are on a page hanging on my son's wall "YOU QUIT"...it is the largest font that would fit on a page.  Grant had quit his football team two years ago.  The football gloves are tacked up on the wall under the sign.  Of all the positive things in his life...this one screams with regret.

He stopped playing football and lost his desire to do the work to make it all happen.

This past year he went to the coach and spoke to him and asked for the chance to work out and play.  Proper communication is a good lesson for kids growing up to learn.  It shows maturity and understanding of a world larger than just themselves.

He set himself as a flint...sharpening skills, working out. It all starts with the work, doesn't it?!  He stayed after school all winter and spring...working out, doing drills...finishing strong.  Finishing strong is something we have talked about together--not just coasting to the finish, but giving the coaches something to think about...letting your actions speak loudly.  He got up at crazy hours all summer lifting weights, working out, doing the drills.  He listened and observed...jumped in on drills against players much larger to try to get noticed..to take on a challenge.

In a few weeks we will see if this all paid off on the field.

I already know it paid off in many ways.  Grant is so much more than that old sign.  I have wanted to tear it down and shred it...but it's not my place this time.  It's up to him to realize.....yes that was what you did, but that is not you.  That could never sum up what you are....

I have so much respect for the diligence, hard work, sweat, teamwork, courage and so much more that I see demonstrated to get to this point.

It should read "NO QUIT".....because there is no quit in him in relation to striving for his goal