Maybe It's Just Not His Sport...

Cameron had his first wrestling match of the year on Thursday. He was full of confidence -- twenty pounds heavier than last season, more experience. He even proclaimed that he was probably the third best on his team.

He got killed in both his matches.


An observance from the bleachers -- 20 pounds heavier means less agility. Last year he could turn himself into a pretzel to get out of holds. He was only pinned once all year. And even though they are matched by weight, he stood taller than both of his opponents which also meant he's all arms and legs while they were more compact and muscular.

Cameron is an athlete and as such he expects to excel in all sports. In baseball, football, and even track; you would have to argue that he really is one of the best in his age group. But this wrestling thing...

Needless to say, he didn't handle it very well coming off the mat. I watched helplessly as my thirteen year old boy/man struggled to contain his tears; attempting instead to look frustrated and angry. But I saw his eyes - even from a distance.

After an eternity of watching him on the bench, never lifting his head, I asked if he wanted to leave with us or wait and take the bus home. He quickly turned to me, tears pouring down his face, and just as quickly turned away, "No I'll stay and take the bus". The time he would need to stop the tears and be the man again...