Some Cumberland weekends are measured in miles and how long you have before the next field. This was one of those weekends.
Friday started like any other school day: dismissal, a quick dinner, and the dash to practice. After the dinner rush, I left for Barrington to watch Clippers football. Aunts and uncles showed up, too—a little sideline reunion.
Saturday started with a CYSA makeup game, then a drive to Lancaster for CLP soccer. The CLP U9 girls won 4–0. Seeing them improve and support each other made for a successful first day.
A beautiful sunset over Worcester’s skyline followed us home. At CHOPS, we joined what felt like a full dining room of CLP families, everyone washing down the day of soccer with pizza and soda, glad to be together before the next early morning. Then ice cream at The Keep and home for a few hours of sleep. We were tired, with another full day ahead.
Early Sunday morning, sleep wasn’t the only thing I had lost. I couldn’t find my keys. Locksmith, new keys, and my youngest daughter and I were on the road. I missed the first game, a 7–4 win, but caught the next game and the joy on the players’ faces. They took silver in the end. Beyond the wins and losses, the tournament gave this young team valuable experience and more to build on.
Then it was back down 146 to North Providence for varsity Jr Clippers football. You could tell the boys were ready. They delivered a 42–7 win.
By Sunday night, more than 300 miles had caught up with me. But so had the pride. Our kids, our teams, and all the families sharing those sidelines and experiences.
The Patriots score could wait.
Times have changed. I wouldn’t change it for the world.