A Father's Underestimation

I have never been an exceptionally gifted person but I always took pride in the accomplishments I managed. During the course of my thirty years I have had many successes and failures but never really gave it much thought until I had children of my own. As a father you are blessed with the knowledge that you will be proud of your children and I am no exception. I have however failed to realize my son's true potential not only as my son but as a person. I am ashamed to admit that, and I really cannot express how disappointed I am for underestimating him.

I have been witness to something truly amazing over the last few weeks and I wanted to share it with the world. After lengthy discussion with Andrew; Megan and I decided he could play tackle football. I was obviously apprehensive since he is a little guy (60lbs) but he absolutely proved me wrong. Admittedly, he is not a spectacular player but normal standards (He is not a skill player) but the boy absolutely can play. I think back to those first weeks of practice and the bruises he came home with and I was sure he would ask to quit. Those questions never came though much to my surprise. The questions that did come are what really made me realize I underestimated him. He started asking how he could improve his game.

The questions aren't what got my attention though, what got my attention was his strength! Not his physical strength but how mentally tough the kid is. He takes a beating every single practice but I watch him helping other kids up, he is the first and last kid off the field, and he is constantly pulling on coaches shirt asking him questions. I've had a conversations with his coaches and they constantly rave about his attitude and the improvements that he has made. As I reflected on what I had witnessed it literally brought me to tears. The one person I should have expected this from was the last person I had. It really upset me to think that I hadn't expected this of him.

I am proud of my son and realize now that there is no obstacle big or small that he can't overcome. I regret that I underestimated him but I can honestly say I admire the young man he is becoming and I am proud to call him son.