The Season Is Over… We Grieve, But We Do It Together as a Team and a Family

The Season Is Over… We Grieve, But We Do It Together as a Team and a Family

The season is over... it hurts. People on the outside say, " It is just a game." Even the people you think get you, So how do you explain it? Or maybe it isn't worth explaining? But what is it then??? They ask these questions, honestly baffled by our grief. The team that shared blood, sweat and tears are,in fact brothers ... and my kids brothers, and my adopted sons.

They will never all run out on that court together again. We grieve the death of that team that will cease to exist as we know it, NOT the loss. We care deeply about each other: we eat together, laugh together, share life's struggles with these people...they are indeed family. So we grieve that loss, NOT the loss on the scoreboard.

We have sacrificed time and social life for each other- working united for a common goal. And that goal we fell short of reaching. So we grieve that loss. NOT the loss you will read about. We have a special bond that is almost impossible to begin to replicate outside of sports. They will never put on that jersey with that same team again. So we grieve. And we simply can’t worry about the people who wonder why we cry, they may never understand.

They can't. Because not everyone has the unique opportunity to care so fiercely about brothers who believe in a goal that is bigger than themselves. My late mother said, “The fiercer the love for each other, the deeper the hurt., but it’s ALWAYS worth the risk!” Some will never be part of a family as special as this.

So we will keep the grief we have right now because it means that we gave everything we had for the people we love ...with nothing guaranteed in return. And that is worth the risk.... any day! But don't ask me why I'm grieving today ... and no- it isn't just about losing that game!

We are proud of these young men, the coach’s and the family’s and community who stuck with us the whole way, when we were doubted at the beginning of the season because of our youth. The two that graduate will be missed, but they are part of our family forever and the Coolman’s will continue to be rooting for them and being their biggest fans for the rest of their life! Thanks for the memories!