Hoop Dreams #2....

Last night was like a blast from the past.  My youngest daughter started basketball with the 2-3rd grade church league.  My oldest was in a similar basketball program from 4-7th grade back in Indiana.  We just loved those years.  My youngest and I would take her to practice once a week, and then on game day we would need our own section in the bleachers.  Besides me, hubby and sister, there were Grammy, Papa, Nana, Richard (Nana's significant other), Aunt Jody, Uncle Keith, and on occasion Aunt Gina and Uncle Chris.  It was a very happy and special time for our family.  Not only did we get to be a part of something my daughter loved, we were spending quality family time together.  We were all busy during the week, and might not see or hear from one another often.  But on those game days, our children knew that we thought it was important to be there for them.  When we moved to Florida, I wasn't sure if the school system would offer such a program.  They didn't....but luckily the church we decided to start attending did.  So now, my youngest daughter is playing.  She is so excited.  She wore her big sister's old uniform and carried her waterbottle with the basketball on the side.  She was hot and sweaty within 5 minutes of practice, but had a huge smile on her face.  My oldest daughter came with me and critiqued her sister's style from the bleachers.  After practice, we had a small meeting with the coach who asked for a volunteer assistant.  My oldest stepped up and introduced herself, and said she would be happy to help.  So, next Saturday, I will have both  of my daughters on the court together.  Things sure will be different.  Not only on the court, but in our family.  The aunts and uncles are back in Indiana.  Nana's older and her significant other didn't move with her.  My father is now ill, and in a wheelchair and has lost most of his eyesight.  But I guarantee this; the family will be at the game, cheering her on, and enjoying our family time together.  Some things never change.