Though it feels good to be back at work, I have a confession to make: already I was sort of looking to play hooky from next Wednesday night’s Church Council meeting. Now I’m not one to casually shirk my duties. Nor did I really want to make Jenny cover for me again after she has provided such capable leadership to the congregation in my absence. But you see, I was really hoping to be at the Maryland State High School 4A Field Hockey semifinal back in Reisterstown, our old stomping grounds. Alas, after a 1-0 overtime loss an hour ago, looks like I’m going to have to be a dutiful pastor and show up for our meeting night after all.
In terms of sheer volume, I have taken more pictures of Wootton High School field hockey games during my Sabbath Leave than anything else – conservatively over 3500. As the unofficial team photographer, I’ve had the privilege of an up-close sideline view of this tight-knit (they call themselves “the cult” and hang out together all the time), senior-led group of girls who have excelled tremendously and they have provided me more joy and excitement than any other subject matter I’ve put my camera to. They finished 9-3 in the regular season, won several games in dramatic fashion either in overtime or by scoring in the waning minutes, tied for first in their division, made it to the regional finals and were only minutes and inches away from moving on to the next level. Along the way, Sara (who is the starting goalie), with considerable help from her stellar defense, racked up 7 shutouts and tonight she played one of her best games ever, making save after spectacular save – all but one, the game-winning shot which was a really solid strike. She came off the field with tears in her eyes but her head held high because she knew she had given her all and kept her team in the game to the very end.
It has been so much fun as her dad to see her grow in confidence, emerge as a leader and become such an important part of her team – moreso than any other team she has played on in all her years of competitive sports. She worked hard to raise the level of her game, putting in extra hours with her coach after practice and I couldn’t be prouder of her grit, determination, and performance. I am really going to miss this team, but what a season they had. When they dress up for their banquet this coming Sunday, I hope the disappointment of tonight gives way to a sense of satisfaction about how much they were able to accomplish. I better get to work on that slide show – I have a ton of pictures to wade through, one last time – truly a bittersweet labor of love.
