The Adventures of Harry and Grace (H.S.)

Run. Kick. GOAL!!!

The text comes in on your phone as you are unbuckling the excited one year old from her car seat. Her feet kick up and down against the seat, excited to get out of the restraint.

"Ethan, don't forget your ball. Grace, can you grab the blanket out of the back? Come on, Penny. Let's go cheer on Eth! Grace and Ethan, wait for me please." You say, closing the door to the black Range Rover. Resting Penelope on your hip, you make your way around the car. "Everyone grab a hand please." You say, grabbing hold of Ethan's, and he lets Grace grab onto his arm as he clutches the ball. The family makes their way across the parking lot safely.

"Is daddy comin'?" Ethan looks up at you, his eyes filled with worry as he wonders if his father will make it to his first game in time.

"I really hope so, Stud! Let's go get you over to your team. You have practice first!" Rubbing his head with your free hand, you move the family towards the fields of grass.

"Gotta score a goal. Kick the ball hard, Eth. And DON'T let the other team take the ball from you." Grace instructs, giving her brother advice about the game since she has played for a couple of years. "You will do ace. Just try your hardest! And listen for our cheers!" She pats her brother on the back as they come up on the football field.

The grass is filled with children in red and white jerseys. Ethan's team is wearing white, and he couldn't be more excited. His eyes light up as he notices his team coming together for a huddle.

"Promise he is comin'?" Ethan asks again. The look in his eyes breaks your heart. Kneeling down, you set the diaper bag on the grass and look your little boy in the eyes.

"He is doing his best. But mumma brought the camera. So if he is late, he will see it all on video, okay?" You try your best to reassure him, giving him a soft kiss on his forehead. "Now, go score me a goal!!" You ramp up your energy in an effort to get Ethan excited.

"Okay!! I score a goal!!" Ethan smiles. Tucking his ball under his arm, he jogs over to his team, giving everyone a high-five as he joins the huddle.

"I hope daddy makes it. Eth will be sad, mumma." Grace says, spreading the blanket out on the ground before plopping down on the fabric.

"Me too. Hopefully Joe will drive fast." You say. Detaching Penelope from your hip, you place her down on the soft blanket, crossing your legs and sitting down next to your two girls. Reaching into the pink floral diaper bag, you pull out a few toys, including her stuffed unicorn, Cheyanne.

"Shy gonna getcha!" Grace dances the unicorn closer to Penny, causing her to giggle at the action. "Gonna getcha!" She repeats, making her little sister roar with laughter.

How close are you?

About 10 minutes. Maybe more. Has it started?

No, but it will start soon. He is anxious. Worried you will miss the game.

I'll be there. Don't worry. I'll tell Joe to put his foot down.

Good. I've missed you.

Hey, I love you.

I love you too.

Looking up from your phone, you can see Ethan attempting to get your attention, waving his arms back and forth in the air. Once you make eye contact he yells across the field. "Mum! Daddy here yet?"

"Almost!! Go practice!" You yell back as your heart breaks for this little one. Ethan definitely inherited your anxiety, and it breaks your heart to hear him worry so much. You watch as he kicks the ball with his foot, running with his body forward as he makes contact with the ball again. The ball doesn't go far, but you can seethe little smile on his face as he does what he is supposed to.