Monday, April 6, 2009

Three is a Magic Number



You don't have to guess.
When it's three you can see
It's a magic number.
- Schoolhouse Rock



This weekend was the opening weekend of YMCA soccer here in Hagerstown. Our girls have played for years. Henry played his very first soccer game there last season. His very first touch on the ball (perhaps his only touch) was a kickoff that went to the team's 'ringer'. She scored. His first touch led to an assist. I was standing there with my buddies watching and it made me proud to watch him out there playing the game I've always loved. He wore the number 3.

Henry was slight at the time, he'd just finished his chemotherapy, still had his 'tubies' in his chest and had no hair. He loved his shin guards, they were just so cool. "Hit them daddy." I'd hit them. He'd shrug his shoulders, "It didn't hurt at all," he'd say. He wore his shin guards, his soccer socks and shoes and his jersey - with number 3.

This season every child in the U6 group all wear number 3. There are no other numbers. Every field, every jersey, every color in that age group are all running around with the number 3. His number. Everywhere.

And after this season it will be no more. The number 3 is being retired for use in U6. Our friends and community have done this for us. It's just too much and we're so appreciative because, while we don't have our Henry this year at the soccer field with us, his presence is felt so very strongly.




 
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12 comments:

Granya said...

That is so cool - such a tribute - to such a guy, and his family.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tribute to Henry. A part of him lives on in all of us.

Love,
Shanda

Anonymous said...

That is awesome! What a tribute to Henry. I remember too how much he loved his soccer attire - what a cute little guy. Awesome statement that your soccer buddies made in honor of Henry!

Love, Julie, Brad, Patrick, Andrew and Samantha

Granya said...

PS - I had never seen this picture of Henry before - so cute. He was so proud of his shin guards.

Cousin Dave said...

Wow. Truly inspiring.

Michelle said...

Wow.... what a fabulous community. What a great memory!!

Michelle in VT

Anonymous said...

We are so honored to have Henry's number! Annie was thrilled to play in her first game, and Olivia and Elizabeth were touched to know it was Henry's number. It was such a beautiful day to begin the season and to the celebrate Henry!
Wishing you peace,
The Balog's

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful way to Henry's memeory alive -I love the photos as it makes it seem we are there watching. Continuing to think of all of you...
Hugs
Linda and Val

Libby said...

What a special tribute to your son! That is wondeful of them to do!

Anonymous said...

So very sweet.

Lots of love,
Wayne, Shirley, Fiona, and Angel Sophia

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful tribute to our Hero....way to go #3. We miss you.
nk

Anonymous said...

Dear Bryan,
I love the tribute to Henry with the #3's. What a nice idea. We miss your litte #3.
Love,
Gina,Craig,Carinna,and Corey