tommyb

After the loss, Jack walked off the field, but away from the dugout. He exited the field through a side gate at the end of the dugout. His mother Lillie watched from the stands as her only child walked head-down toward their car.
“Jack, wait up!” she called out as she ran to catch up with him.
“I’m sorry your team lost the game.” she said as she put her arm over his shoulder and drew him in for a tight hug.
“C’mon mom.” he shrugged away from her and sniffled.
“You’re not too big for a hug from your mom.” she told him.
“It’s OK to cry, Jack. Disappointments will happen in your life and it’s OK to be upset by that disappointment. Tears are a part of it.”
“I’m not crying.” his denial wasn’t convincing.
“I’m not saying you are crying. Only that it’s OK to cry when we lose. So long as you move on for the next big thing. You can’t let it keep you down.”
“But I dropped the ball. It’s my fault we lost.” he cried. Jack’s tears flowed.
“Sweetheart, I know. But you’ll do better next time.”
“No, I won’t. I’m not going back.” Jack pushed away from his mother and ran to the car, jerked the door open and slammed it closed.
Lillie sat next to Jack and started the engine, turned on the air conditioner and turn off the radio.
“You can’t let one bad moment spoil it for you, Jack.” Lillie said.
“You don’t get it.” Jack tearfully replied.
“What don’t I get, Jack?”
“I looked stupid out there. When I go to practice Tuesday and when I go back to school. You just don’t understand, man.” Jack smashed his palm on the dashboard.
“Jack!. Get a hold of yourself.” Lillie grabbed his left forearm and held it tightly.
“There’s no reason for hitting and reacting this way. Okay?” Lillie’s voice stressed as she tried to reign in her own emotions. Don’t let Jack get the better of you again. Be strong. Be confident. Be firm and fair. Don’t get into the weeds with him.
“Why don’t we go get a shake and a burger and then…” she trailed off. I can’t do this again. I’ve got to stop rewarding him when he fails.
“I don’t want a shake I want go home.” Jack yelled.
“Well, that’s not going to happen.” Lillie countered. I don’t care if you yell at me or not, we’re going to Dairy Queen with the rest of your team and you’re going to hang out with your teammates and friends and see what happens.”
“No.” Jack whined.
“Yes, you are.” Lillie said firmly. She threw the gearshift into reverse and backed out of the parking spot. She looked at Jack. “You’re going to have to decide today if you’re going to live your life with courage or as a coward.”
With that Lillie shifted into drive, spun the tires and drove off to Dairy Queen.