you earn this....

Paul loves that line from Saving Private Ryan. When they finally find the private and Tom Hanks' character is dying, he tells Private Ryan to earn the chance he's been given.

Blake earned his second chance yesterday. Those of you who can't stand a bragging parent, turn away.

Blake, after never placing above 5th at regular wrestling meets all year, went to Regionals yesterday and swept his bracket - coming away with the championship medal. Yes, that's right, the kid who was told by the coaches not to expect to win all year (because most kids start this when they're 5, and boy are those 5-year-olds cute) came away with first place yesterday. So, at 7 a.m. yesterday we thought our wrestling season would be over by last night, but no, we are going to Sectionals next week. Friday Blake said he was ready to be done, but after each win, I could tell he hadn't reall meant it.

Five weeks ago, we were in the darkest corner of parenthood, groping to find the light of hope and relief. We have slowly found our way to the brighter side and have seen our son grow and mature from his mistake. His wrestling coaches intervened on his behalf during this, and asked us to give him a second chance, to consider that the only way to punish may NOT always be to take something precious away. They asked to be part of his growth, learning, change of heart. We agreed and I prayed daily that Blake would be worthy of their grace. I think he was. I think he dug down and found energy to practice when he was exhausted, patience to accept their coaching and criticism, stamina to get up at 3:45 to throw 100 papers and then head to a meet.
And I think he earned this. I truly think that his medal is more than his beating his opponents (who all worked very hard and are great athletes too). I think it's his effort to show us and his coaches that he wants to be sure we don't regret giving him that second chance.

I also think it's a symbol that his coaches kept their word to us. They have stayed involved. They have been a part of his growth. They have come up to us at each meet and commented on his rounds, they have made a point to be at the mat when he wrestles to "cheer him on" (with 6-8 rounds at once, that's sometimes difficult) One has taken him, with his sons, to a U of I wrestling meet and out to dinner. Yes these men, a life time Navy fireman, and two construction workers, have kept their word to help my son grow and learn. And all without ever mentioning his mistake again. I know that at age 14, Blake may not comprehend what he was given, but I choose to believe that when he's an adult, he will cherish and appreciate not only our love and forgiveness, but what these men did for him.