Reality Bites

Remember that movie with Winona Rider?  (I just looked it up…it’s just not possible that it came out almost 20 years ago)  No I haven’t been using my dad’s gas card to make money, but it’s been an interesting few months with several changes.

Four of our closest friends decided to take their kids to other clubs.  Of course that’s disappointing, but what really hurt is that two of them kept it secret for months so when it happened I had no clue.  Looking back now, I know they had their reasons, and I’m pretty sure that they thought I knew something, but the truth is, I had no idea.

I’ve had plenty of time to think about everything and I’m not at all mad, just trying to be introspective (and hopefully a bit rational!).  Obviously I know that people’s soccer decisions have nothing to do with me personally, but what is hard to understand is why close friends felt that they needed to keep it a secret.  The realization that maybe they didn’t trust me is what hurts the most.  (Well…or maybe that I felt like a total idiot when it was announced to everyone)

Some of the biggest joys of club soccer for me are the relationships that are made between the girls and the families as the lines between soccer and friendships blur.  I know as the girls get older and more serious that may change, but at the younger ages I feel like the teams become like families. It’s always hard to see a family member move away, but I wish all the girls and families the very best and I know that most of us will remain close friends.

For the time being, I’m leaning on the very rational, engineer So Cal Soccer Dad…opposites attract you know!  I’ve taken a step back and resigned as manager for little soccer girl’s team.  I need to put my priorities in order and re-evaluate my expectations of people and coaches.  I’ll still be the eternal optimist…but hopefully with an added side of reality.