It was a chilly day last Saturday, with some sunshine but cool wind in our faces. We were perched in our lawn chairs watching Fulda and Slayton kids of all ages playing soccer. We have three of our grandkids playing this year, so not only did we watch their games, but many of the ones in between as we waited for them to get back on the playing field.
It is fun and exciting to watch this fast moving sport, but what we observed and loved about the day the most was the fact that it was certainly a family affair! From little tykes to grandparents, the sidelines were filled with blankets, strollers, lawn chairs, and all kinds of coolers with snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy and refreshed. How fun that whole families can come and join in the fun, without having to pay for a ticket to watch or worrying about a place to sit. The big outdoors provided a natural arena for us to see the action.
In the coolness of the day some were wearing jackets or covered with blankets. Others that were more brave wore their sandals and shorts with just a T-shirt. There was no dress code, or time restraints as people came and went at their own discretion. It was relaxing and a great opportunity for “people watching” as well as keeping our eyes on the players on the field. So much to see and hear! There was a lot of loud cheering as the soccer kids got the ball going toward the “right” end goal, only to have someone kick it away and head in the opposite direction.
This sport not only offers a chance for the whole family to participate, but surely offers much in the way of exercise and getting out there and moving! My goodness, those kids just keep running and kicking and jumping while having to stay focused to keep their eyes on the ball. Suddenly there is a mass change, and several players exchange places. That is a good thing, as the tired ones need a good drink and a little rest. Another great thing about this sport….EVERYONE gets to have their time on the field.
While we were sharing about all the good things with families we witnessed at the Saturday tournament day for soccer, we reminisced about another day that we were in Iowa visiting for a couple days. Logan, Iowa, where my sister lives, is a little town similar to Fulda and Slayton. Dan and I were at The Bunkhouse, a little café across from the park, eating breakfast. As we enjoyed our morning meal, we noticed two women there having fun with “little people”.
One young woman was swinging two little children, while watching a smaller little guy running around in the grass. It made me tired just watching them! But the smiles on the kids were evident, and the young lady had tremendous patience, even as the smaller one went running toward the street. She scooped him up before he reached danger, and all was well again.
The other woman was older, a little slower, and was in charge of one little girl. They were enjoying another section of the park, but walking and running from place to place. Sometimes they just stopped to talk and enjoy the warm morning.
I ended up walking over to meet them, and to encourage them in their time with the kids. One was babysitting her nephew while taking her own children to the park. Another was a grandmother that was enjoying time with her granddaughter. She said she did it a couple times a week when they came to the park.
Just like the soccer day in Slayton, the morning in Logan warmed my heart seeing families enjoying time together outside. So great to see young and old together taking part in activities that soaked up the sun, breathed in fresh air, and needed no electrical outlets or media to enjoy. It was truly refreshing to this grandma, and did my heart good. And probably even more good for them!
As we drove away from the little café in Logan, we had a good laugh watching a young man on top of his roof caulking windows. He was dressed in pajama pants and slippers, and hanging out of one window was a cat watching him work. Small town living, what can we say? It just doesn’t get any better than that!
lbeerman68@gmail.com
