Power League 2012

I rolled out of bed at 0600 on a cold and windy Sunday, threw down a coffee and a power bar and hit the road for Puyallup for the 8 am start. The 45 minute drive was easy on a Sunday morning and the gym was busy as 8 teams prepared for a day of battle. I stood beside my 2 best dad friends from last year until they looked my way and did a double take. Smiles and high fives all around and as the first serve from the ITVC 17's made it's way across the net I was struck with a profound sadness as it sunk in that there would be no Maddie to watch setting this day. I stayed for a couple of matches, but of course it just wasn't the same. The difference between watching a friends daughter and my own was stark. I saw these girls giving a lot up to be part of a team and exercise and play the sport they love and felt let down that we were not part of it any more. Club Volleyball Dad withdrawal has been pretty bad. No Eugene last week. No looking forward to Vegas and Reno and Spokane. No pride in success. No shared disappointment in a loss. I can't help but think this was not Maddie's best decision. But as I drove home, I realized it was her choice to make, not mine. So VB parents, please enjoy seeing your daughters play while you can and don't fret so much about the money or time or inconvenience...because some day you will wake up like me and realize that it's all gone. And you will grieve. It was great seeing my Volleyball Dad friends and I'm sure I'll be at another match down the road.