My Happy Sonic!!!

Today was our first soccer game without tears (from Connor or Mommy!).

I least expected anything from this week.  Connor has been telling me the past few days how he doesn't like soccer anymore and doesn't want to go to soccer on Saturdays.  He said he'd rather stay home with Mommy & Matt instead.  I explained to C that since he was part of the Sonics' Team, we needed to go each Saturday to support our team.  If he didn't want to play, it was ok.  If he decided to play, it was ok.  Most importantly, we just needed to go.

Connor warmed up to the idea of going without a fight.  He told me he had plans to sit with his Nana and watch the game.  I told him that was fine.  I was not about to push him out there.  If my strong willed boy is pushed, he pushes back even harder.  We went to the game with the idea that Connor was going to sit & watch the game with us.

C sat out for practice.  His two coaches came to him & said "Hey Connor! Ready to play?!" ...which was directly answered with a head nod- "No."  It was about 5 minutes into the game when one coach suggested Matt come out with Connor & Connor agreed to it.  Matt & C headed onto the field!

They did a lot of chatting and a lot of watching, but he wasn't quite ready to play.

Matt suggested C play defense & keep the team from kicking the ball in the goal.  Although they don't have goalies in this league, Connor played the role & was willing to play!!  **Breakthrough #1!**

The first time the other team headed his way, Connor kicked the ball away from the goal!  Nana & Mommy clapped with pride & our precious C was in the game!!  *Breakthrough #2**

Once he got that little ounce of confidence from kicking the ball, he ran right into the crowd of kids & joined the game!! **Breakthrough #3!!**

If he felt overwhelmed, he just made his way back to the goal.  Our little unofficial goalie blocked two goals!!

The game ended before we knew it & C was thrilled to run through the 'people tunnel' at the end of the game.  He got a high five from his coaches and the one of the coach's sons (who was about 10 years old) actually came up & gave Connor a $1.  He said he was so proud of him for blocking 2 goals & playing in the game that he wanted to give him something.  I really felt awkward letting him accept $1, but he insisted.  C enjoyed teddy graham & juice team snacks after the game & was so happy!  It was beyond a relief for me!

Who knows what next weeks game holds, but it was so very refreshing to have a happy game!!

Yay yay!

Oh and **Breakthrough #4**--Matt & I were talking on the ride home & he mentioned that he could see himself coaching one of Connor's teams in the future after working with Connor today.

Happy day!