Basketball Tournament

Basketball tournaments are grueling, for the players, coaches and fans. There are games going on multiple courts, whistles and buzzers constantly sounding out. There is a lot of walking outside to get a breath of fresh air and bites to eat, and even the most prepared families eat a lot of junk food. Sarah's team played six games in about twenty-four hours and they were all pushed to their limits. It's also a time when players and referees get really tired and make mistakes.

It was bound to happen, but we just didn't know when. During the forth game of the day Sarah was hit hard in the head and went down fast. She didn't move and, to me, it felt like the air was sucked out of the gym. Her coach was on the floor and by her side immediately. Being the parents of athletes, we knew it wouldn't be cool for us to run out on the court, so Ray and I just stood at the sideline. As the coached helped Sarah up and to the bench I trotted around the court, because I'm also the mom who doesn't really care about being cool. Sarah was stunned a bit and had a headache, but she was still able to focus and not dizzy at all. This morning she has a pretty bad headache and is covered in bruises, as I'm sure the rest of the players are too. 

I know I'll be a little nervous every time she plays, but I hope I won't panic so much the next time. Her head is in God's hands and He is the Great Protector. I can't make her live in a bubble to keep her, or any of my children for that matter, from ever getting hurt.

Sarah's team won second and she was named to the all tournament team, which means she and her teammates played great!