Oh My Wrestling Stars!

It's hard to believe that we've had 22 seasons' worth of wrestling in our family, and that this week marks the end of it all. Little did I know what we were in for when I suggested to Ethan, way back when he was in seventh grade, that maybe he should ask his deacons quorum adviser (who was the coach) if it was too late to join the Royal Middle School wrestling team. Every boy, from oldest to youngest, gave wrestling a go, and all are stars, notwithstanding the number of medals they accumulated. This weekend, February 27th and 28th, our last son has his last chance to win the last wrestling medal at the Idaho State tournament in Pocatello. We'll be there, with bells on. Ok, maybe we'll leave the bells at home, but we will be there, supporting Shane, and honoring the collective efforts of all our sons, of whom we feel immensely blessed to have in our lives.

Wrestling is a sport that requires real mettle to be competitive. Mettle: heart, spirit, courage, strength of character. A few weeks ago, one of Shane's opponents defeated him by throwing him forcefully to the mat. Shane sustained a slight concussion and was unable to hear, or see, or think clearly for most of the rest of the match( for which the coach apologized for not calling an injury timeout). True to his resolute nature, and to the nature of each of his brothers, Shane kept on going, trying to make a comeback despite the adverse circumstances at hand. He was able to put that tough loss behind him, and move on to subsequent matches, most of which he's won. He's now the third seed in the 130lb 5A weight class in the state. Go Shane! Go Shane's brothers! If you get taken down, reversed, or even thrown, get up and go, go for the good and the gold and the glory!..the celestial glory.