"All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on."

Henry Ellis

September 7, 2007

One mind at a time

So I had an interesting phone call last week.. My son played competitive soccer and his coach for most of it played pro soccer. Out of the blue he called, and was asking about The Kid. He said he had heard a disturbing rumor and wanted the truth.. I asked "What rumor"? He heard that The Kid had enlisted, was it true? I told him yes, and I explained a little bit about what The Kid was doing.. He knew how The Kid had wanted to join the Navy so it shouldn't have been a surprise.. Well he went on to express his disappointment in The Kid's decision, basically saying that his talent is wasted and what a huge mistake he made. It was difficult to listen to someone that both my son and I respected as a person and a coach. I had a hard time controlling my temper, I jumped on my military mom soapbox and let him have it with both barrels. I ended the conversation with the request that if he continued with the same attitude that I would appreciate if he would not call The Kid, and I hung up the phone. Well I received a letter from the coach apologizing, and thanking me for reminding him of the importance of our Military and asked if he could call The Kid and tell him how proud he was of him.. Just goes to show maybe we can change people one mind at a time..

9 comments:

Susan said...

Wow! Great job!
I hate it when the conversation starts "I've heard a rumor". My husband enlisted (after many many years of being out) and many didn't know and are "shocked".

.... said...

Atta girl MOM...you tell em!!!

Seriously, though, coaches and teachers need to remember that students have their own dreams they want to pursue, perhaps what he takes so seriously in the sport, was a hobby to your son and that offended him.....just an observation....

I'm glad he wrote to you and that he recognizes the honor and courage it takes today to stand up for this Nation, while we are at War.

Your a good Mom Shelly~but you don't need me to tell you that! =)

Shelly said...

Triplee,
Thanks, I felt bad a first, but I have a feeling that it is just starting.

Shelly

Shelly said...

a soldier's wife,

I know what you mean about kids' and their dreams. I know most of the kids Zach played with are now playing college soccer, everyone is surprised when they find out Zach is in the Navy and not playing soccer.

Thanks for the good Mom comment, I do know it , just nice to hear...

Bag Blog said...

I'm glad that worked out and the coach realized his mistake. It sounds like he really is a good man, but was drawn off by his own personal views. I have heard other military people have similar incidents. Hang in there, it is probably not the only resistance you will run in to.

Buck said...

Really...Good on ya, Shelly. And good on the coach as well. It seems like this guy has an open mind, something that's fairly rare amongst the anti-military types.

Shelly said...

Buck & Lou,
He is a great guy, that's why it was so hard to have him go all negative on The Kid. I am glad he came around, it would have broken The Kid's heart.

Shelly

Anonymous said...

Some people just don't think!!

or get it!

Anonymous said...

You write very well.