Senior Moments: Little and Big Things a Parent Needs to Know

Naturally, parental pride doesn't necessarily need to stem from athletics. Your child didn't have to be the best, but he had to do his level best.

Still, life goes on. How can a mom and dad express appreciation for all of the memories shared together?

Adding sports as a factor makes the lessons-learned equation more complex. Culminating at Senior Night, it takes a significant amount of resilience to endure withdrawal from all of the devotion and emotion, last-second shots, coping with occasional shooting slump, chance to dance in postseason competition, title dream dashed in close contest, team awards banquet, etc., etc., etc.

Who would have thought the first time he picked up a ball that he would make such a difference and stand so tall? The parent is fortunate to still have a pulse.

It's easy enough to substitute girl for boy in the following poem portraying a parent trying to come to terms with an impending spread-their-wings departure; whether it be from high school to college or from college to the "real world." These reflections might be therapeutic if you went through a similar range of emotions amid whatever success your own flesh and blood enjoyed along the way.

Lord, there's a little thing I need to know
Where in the world did my little boy go?
Packed and ready to depart might seem totally wrong
But it's a calling taking him where he does belong
Perplexed from time to time but one thing I know today
I'm a proud parent beyond words; what more can I say
Kids go through stages but not with this sort of speed
It was only yesterday he was unable to read
Wasn't it just months ago he went from crawl to walk
Hard-headed as a mule; certainly knew how to balk
Took one day at a time raising him the very best we could
Now inspires those around him just like we believed he would
High achiever turning a corner in his life
He has got what it takes to cope with any strife
Boasts a unique eye for talent except his own
Doesn't realize range of skills he has honed
Can't carry a tune but set school shooting star records
Now, the game-of-life clock dwindles from minutes to seconds
So angels above please watch over him daily
Although some of his antics may drive you crazy
He represents everything that I value the most
For that very reason, I'm offering a toast
If he feels sorry for himself and is about to give up
Do not hesitate to give him a gentle kick in the rump
Remembering what I did wrong but at least a couple things right
Always said you could do it; just try with all your might
I just yearn to see all of his grandest plans come true
God, it's my turn to have a great commission for You
Be with him, bless him and give him nothing but success
Aid his climb up that mountain; settle for nothing less
Although I know it is not a sin; don't let him dwell on what may have been
If things press heavy on his mind; minister with words that are kind
After he knows everything for sure, give him an exciting adventure
Comfort him if he is lonely; remind him he's a one and only
Feeling down and kind of blue; show again how dreams come true
When burdened by a bruised heart; present him a brand new start
If he is spinning his wheels; send one who knows how it feels
Embrace him when he is down; turn each bad day all around
When life doesn't seem fair; urge him to kneel in prayer
Guide his steps in the dark and rain; pick up the pieces and ease any pain
Time to share our best with the remainder of the world
It is much like having a family flag unfurled
How can a once young son make a grown man cry
Groping for right words trying to say goodbye
To me, he'll always be a pure and spotless lamb
Cradled in our arms or holding his little hand
If I was Elton John, I'd tell everyone this is "Your Poem"
Simply sing how wonderful life was with you in our home
My soul swells with pride at any mention of you
How long gone are you going to be; wish I knew
Sure don't believe it is at all out of line
To seek to rebound for you just one more time
Although you're going to be many miles away
I will see you in my heart each and every day
So go down that windy path; don't you dare look back
You've found faith; it will keep you on the right track
He's headed for real world and all it offers
But first, here are your final marching orders
Always do the very best you possibly can
Refuse to lose even when you don't understand
There's no telling the goals you will be able to reach
By giving proper respect to instructors who teach
Aspire each and every day you wake
Not to waste a single breath you take
Might as well let all of your ability show
Because those gifts turn to dust whenever you "go"
Don't bury your talents in the ground
Lend helping hand to those you're around
Be ready for the next big thing and the excitement it will bring
If and when all might seem lost; take a quick trip to the cross
Don't ignore your way home by road or by a phone
To get a smile from a frown; dance and let your hair hang down
A truly happy ending can't come from just pretending
I'll never forget the times when you were all you could be
Rose to the occasion and sent playoff game to OT
Cherish all the moments - the hugs and tears
For all your passion play through these years
My little guy is bound far beyond a Final Four
Poised for more success; prosperity at his door
All things are possible; he has found out
How much I love him is what I'm thinking about
If you stumble, put one foot in front of the other
When in doubt, think of your mom, your sister, your brother
Wherever you go, you'll be best from beginning to end
To that most truthful statement, I say Amen and Amen
After you have gone, I'll stroll into your off-limits room
Try to keep my composure when it seems like doom and gloom
But then I'll think of all you are; your smiling face - God's shining star
Gazing at an old picture; touching it soft and tender
You will always be on my mind; but nothing like that wrenching time
When I ask the Lord a big thing I need to know
Where in His big world will His maturing man go?