The Ultimate Catch

It was 10-6 and Zailes' team (the Hurricanes) had possession of the ball with 1:33 left in the game. With it being 4th down, they had one last chance to take the lead. 1:33 may be long in NFL time, but in little league football time it's nothing! Being at every practice let me know that they were going for a pass play to Zailes. I must say I was on edge the entire game but this moment almost made my heart stop. The ball was snapped and threw about 40 yards. It went flying threw the air and was a terrific pass! Zailes had one defender on him and another close by. The ball tipped the opposing players hands and that's when I heard the moans and groans like Zailes had failed and the play was over. But then the ball bounced in the air and in the next second, he had the ball in his hands and was heading for the end zone. Touchdown!!!

This may sound crazy but this was the happiest moment in my life thus far as a mother. I have had more than enough happy times... but this takes the cake! Zailes making the game-winning TD is not what makes me proud. The fact that Zailes didn't give up when everybody else thought the play was dead is what makes me boil over with excitement (so much so that I can't sleep). It's hard to describe the greatness of that catch... you just had to be there! Those of us who watch college and professional football see this kind of greatness all the time. But it's very rare to 1. see a passing play of this magnitude in little league football, and 2. see a child make this kind of completion and score. I keep playing it over and over again in my mind!

He didn't give up. He put forth his best effort. He scored. No matter what Zailes does from here on out, I know without a doubt that last night's game will forever stick out in my mind. And now I can't help but think... if I'm this happy about my son and his ultimate catch, how happy must God feel when one of His children makes a catch, so to speak?! When it looks like the ball can't be caught and for that reason everyone begins to moan and groan... but we don't give up and still attempt to catch the uncatchable. And not only do we attempt but we succeed because of our efforts... those times MUST make God so very proud! Last night was not just a great moment to remember, but it gave me perspective in my spiritual life as well. I want nothing more than for God to be as proud of me, as I am of Zailes.