Determination

One of the things I am most proud of about Harper is his determination.  While some may call it stubbornness.....we choose (try) to call it determination.  Just because, well, it sounds better.

As I've mentioned (several times), Harper does not like sports.  That's putting it lightly.  He doesn't like activity.  He doesn't like to be physical...in any sense.  Doesn't like hugs, doesn't like to cuddle, doesn't like to run....doesn't like to jump or ride his bike....barely likes to swim.  So, as you can imagine, this pretty much eliminates most sports.  It does not, however, eliminate the fact that Harper needs to be active.

And, it's because of that that we encourage (some may call it "force") him to try different sports.  And I have to give Harper credit.  Last year, we "encouraged" Harper to try t-ball.  After the first practice, he did not want to go back.  We talked with him about the responsibility of being on a team.  We talked with him about how his team depended on him and needed him.  He was the only Harper on that team...and they needed a Harper!  We talked with him about not quitting...when you start something, you have to finish it...even if it isn't easy and isn't fun.  And guess what?  Harper's determination paid off.  He finished the season!  But what I'm even more proud of is that he didn't "just" finish...he played hard each game.  He gave it his best each time he was up to bat or out on the field.  He was determined...if he was going to have to play, he might as well do his best!

So, maybe this doesn't quite illustrate my point.

Try t-ball...check!  Next up, soccer.  Harper doesn't like to get hot.  (In his defense, he has terrible allergies and horrible eczema, so getting hot makes him pretty much miserable.)  So, why not try indoor soccer?  Sounds perfect!  Harper seemed excited to try it.  He was glad to be away from a sport where he seemed to be in Warren's shadow.  He was glad to get a new cool shirt and socks.  He was super glad to be inside.  He was not glad to play soccer.  Keep in mind...he only plays one hour each week.  But, most of those hours begin in tears, with him not wanting to go.  Again, we talk with him about finishing something you start, and being a part of a team, and giving it your best.  (All the while praying that the season would just end abruptly.  Being indoors, there aren't many excuses to cancel games.  Maybe the building could have termites?  Would that be too much to ask?)  And yes, there are times when he runs off the court in tears, at half time, ready to go home.  But, while he is out there, he is giving it his all.  He's not just standing on the court, pouting that we made him play.  He is running and kicking the ball.  He's guarding the goalie box.  He's keeping up with his team.  Yes, he may learn a few soccer techniques, but it's the life lessons he's learning that have me more excited.

Try soccer...check!  So, after two attempts at sports and lots and lots of observations, we've come to the conclusion that we know Warren is athletic.  He's good at most sports he tries.  He likes most sports he tries.  Harper is good at most sports he tries.  Harper does not like most any sports he tries.  And that's ok!  It's easy to get out there and give your best to a sport you love.  The hard part is getting out there and giving your best to something you hate.  And for that, I couldn't be more proud of Harper.  

Now to figure out a way to capture these life lessons while creating masterpieces?