Open Letter to Kings Mountain Football Fans

Dear Kings Mountain Football Fans,

I am a coach's wife [which entitles me to squat...been doing it for 20 years...it really means nothing to anyone but me and that is ok] and the mother of #50, the long snapper.  I come to football games just like SOME of the rest of you do, to support the football team.  As the coach said in the movie Radio, "I love Friday nights when you're lookin' for a win and Saturday mornings when you found one." I've been following Friday night football for over 20 years.  I love it.

But, I will be the first to tell you, that I love my husband and son way more than I love football.  In fact, just like most moms and dads out there, I am extremely passionate about my children and my spouse. That being said, as a coach's wife, I do tend to guard them [hover, get bent out of shape, get way more upset than I should, etc.] when we are at sporting events where they are playing and/or coaching. 

Sometimes All the time I do this to a fault. 
I am hypersensitive.
I overreact.

Let me share something with you. I have a unique perspective being that I am married to an assistant football coach and a head softball coach [yes, they are the same man].  I know the time that is spent away, from our family, to coach. When you sign on to be the wife of a coach you have to realize the commitment that will be required of your husband.  I spent many years frustrated because my husband was a way from July to November [ask my husband] and I didn't understand. Coaching is a HUGE commitment, by an entire family, if it is to be done correctly. 

So yes, when I hear "fans", [and, honestly, that word should be used very loosely these days in these parts] yelling at the players, [and whomever else is within earshot of some of their shrill voices], saying things like "Coach Lloyd don't care! He got a ring when he was at Crest!  He wants Crest to win! He don't care about KM! None of them coaches care!"  then yes, I'm probably going to say something to them.  

And to the woman [or women or whomever spoke loud enough for God and everyone in between, to hear them agree with the statement that the coaches didn't care.].  I mean, if you are willing to drop the F-bomb [not just once but SEVERAL times], loud and proud like it's sugar rolling off your tongue then I feel confident you, or someone ignorant enough to keep sitting beside you, were the one [or ones] in agreement with the aforementioned statement.  

Should I stoop to their level of ignorance by acknowledging their words?  I mean, they have just as much right to speak their opinions as I do don't they? 

Last night, at the Crest game, I chose to say something in the general direction of the crowd of people in obvious agreement with the statement about the coaches.

Call it what you want...stupid redneck ignorance, disgruntled wife, woman looking to pick a fight, etc.  

I'd had enough.  
Honestly, all I could tolerate. 
Tank was full. 
Stick a fork in me I was done.

The family that was shouting [and yes, it was people from the same family, sitting just to my right] those things about the coaches have NO IDEA what those same coaches have done for their kids because if they did, they wouldn't say those things loud enough for everyone to hear.  They would, instead of shouting obscenities, understand the commitment to their sons who play football, sometimes at the expense of the kids that actually belong to the coaches.  They would understand that last night's game was probably one of the TOUGHEST games this year and several of our starters were injured. If they had even the slightest clue then they would know that these same coaches have worked desperately off the field to keep one of their kids out of trouble so he could play this year. 

I chose to simply say, "Shut up" in the general direction of the serial cusser.

I'm not asking for your permission or forgiveness.  
I take on the responsibility that comes along with confronting someone.  
It's mine to own and no one else's.  

But as a mother and a true fan and the wife of a coach [and a whole lotta Lincoln County redneck] I turned, pointed at a woman sitting a few rows behind me [who has been very vocal, outspoken, and to be honest, just plain rude during her son's tenure as a player], and told her to shut up.  I acknowledged her complete lack of respect for the men who are coaching her son with a shut up.

She threatened to come down two rows and whoop me.  [And if I'd had my wits about me I would have responded with, "Bring it don't sing it. Nothing between us but air and opportunity"] Then the man in front of me, along with his daughter, called me racist. I told him I wasn't a racist and left. [I won't even address that one at all. Not. At All.  I am not a racist.]

Truth be told, many, many Kings Mountain fans are just fair weather fans. Many of you are not truly interested in supporting KM football [or basketball or softball or baseball or really any sport].  Many of you are simply there to see how loud and obnoxious you can be.  

You enjoy belittling the coaches. Really? What cowardice.  Say it to their faces instead of around everyone but them. There is a huge difference in a fan disagreeing with a coach's play calling and a fan that yells at the players that their coaches don't care about them at all because, and I quote "he already got his ring."   

You enjoy yelling at players on the sidelines and the field.  Do you even think about a player's family and friends that might be sitting around you?  Let me answer that for you: NO.  And what kind of adult yells ugly remarks at a high school student on the field anyway? Let me answer that one for you: An idiot. 

[True story from last night:  My son hurt his knee last week.  He is the main long snapper for the varsity so his job is important, especially in a game like last night's with a lot of punts.  He wanted to play but he cannot run yet.  Before the game Coach Lloyd let the Crest coach know that Cooper would only be snapping. He would not be blocking or running. In fact, he would snap with his head down and hit all fours if the play came towards him.  He did as he was told, by HIS coach.  A man sitting on the hill yelled down that #50 needed to get up and play instead of sitting on all fours. Most of you don't have a clue.] 

Many of you are not there at all to be a true fan.  

True fans, thick or thin, stand by their team. No matter what happens. 
True fans support the back-up quarterback with every throw.  This young man has more heart and tenacity than ANY OF YOU.  
True fans [or any decent adults with an ounce of self-respect] don't yell obscenities at the top of their lungs with small children sitting in front of them.
True fans don't use Twitter and Facebook and other social media to bash coaches and players.
True fans don't send hateful emails about playing time.  [Please, parents, if you want your son to be number one and you want everyone to know that by bashing others, take up golf.  It's much harder to yell and get away with it at a golf match.]

So, all you so-called "fans" of Kings Mountain football, please learn the true meaning of the word fan.

Or, better yet, stay home.

Sincerely yours [with a true fan backbone],
Missy      

My Favorite Coach ♥

Tonight we are playing in the second round of the playoffs.  [I say we like I'm out there.]  Tonight....we play Crest.  If you ain't from around here then you don't know how serious high school truly is in Cleveland County. [I ain't technically from here but I've lived here long enough to know.]  I guess it could be because there isn't much else to do around here on a Friday night but I think it is more that each community truly loves their local team.  All four teams are still in the playoffs and all four teams are playing in the county tonight. 

My favorite coach has had quite a long football season.  He moved to the offense this year and asked to move to the top of the pressbox.  In addition to learning new stuff he is also in graduate school, a dad to four awesome kids [just like their momma], Sunday school teacher, head softball coach [they are not in season but still working towards this season's start], world history teacher extraordinaire, the budget Nazi over the First National Bank of The Shorties, and lastly, husband to yours truly.  He's busy.  That coupled with some "things" beind the scenes has made this a tough season.  He loves football. He loves coaching.  He is good at what he does because he not only teaches these young men but he's also trying to make them good, young men of character.  You see, it isn't always about winning and being the best but he sees his mission as a coach to teach these kids about life.  I happen to think he is the best [I am biased] at what he does and part of the reason I think that is because I know how hard he works behind the scenes.  He also works with an awesome group of men [they've been together now for about 11 years] and each of them has the same goal: winning by instilling character and perservance.  I pray, every day, that he is doing what God wants him to do and that he does it to the best of his ability.  One of my favorite things is to watch him as he coaches.  I love that man...he's my favorite coach.

Tonight we meet Crest, again, at their field. [Again, I had A LOT typed but deleted it.]  Prayers for a safe game and may the best team [Insert subliminal message here: KM, KM, KM, Mountaineers, KM, KM, Kings Mountain, KM, KM, KM] win.

I cannot believe that I am going to sit in this cold weather to watch a football game.  I must be crazy [some of you are shaking your head in the affirmative] and I'm taking the babies and my mother-in-law.  I guess supporting my favorite coach and my favorite high school football players will keep me warm [yeah, right].  

Asking for prayers for my sweet Emma.  There are some things going on, medically, so we covet your prayers.  We will not have test results until next week but as soon as we know I will pass it along.  I have a peace that all is going to be OK no matter what the results say.  Thank you in advance for your prayers.

Are You Fo' Rizzle?

We are so very busy these days that sometimes I am totally not sure if I should be picking up a kid, dropping one off, going to a game or to practice. [Actually that is nothing new for me - busy or not] Not to mention that there are three in the house doing homework, Craig has gone back to school to get his Master's degree [I am sure I will deserve a degree beside him since I'm gonna be doing all the typing......], and I am supposed to work in laundry, dinner, more laundry, and just being mom [which is what I ♥ the most]. AND I should be doing more to work out [notice that one came dead last]. This week has been most crazy - haircuts and football games, cross country meets and density labs. [What? You don't do density labs at your house?] Funny thing is, I enjoy every stinkin' minute of it - I love watching Molly cross that finish line. I am so happy when people ask me, "Do you have a son playing today?" and I get to reply, "Yep - he's number 52 and he's the starting center and he plays some defensive end and he's learning to long snap." [Not a proud mom or anything am I?] I follow my favorite coach to every game [and yes, I have learned not to worry about the chatter from the stadium coaches]. Emma, Gabe, and I have a ball after school, running from here to there, laughing, and singing. Never, ever a dull moment around here.

Conversation with Gabe and Emma:

Emma: What is a consultant?

Me [trying to put the word in 7 year old terms]: Well it is sort of a person that can be an expert in something and they help other people get better at that something. [Vague, I know, but she bought it.]

Gabe: So me and Paw Paw we are experts. We are experts in everything.

So if you know my Pops then you know he got a big kick out of this and said he was honored to be in the same company as Gabe.

And once again, since it is the beginning of football season for both Coop and Craig. I stand in amazement at the things people will shout from the stands:

Overheard: What kind of play calling was that coach? What I want to say: What? You've never heard of the fumble play. We tell the boys to fumble the ball on occasion just to keep us honest.

Overheard: We should score coach! What I want to say: Scoring is completely overrated and not really in the playbook tonight.

Overheard: Run boy! You show 'em how you tha best and they need to play you all tha time. What I want to say: Yeah - what he said.

Overheard: That coach needs to change that offense so my boy has his hand on the ball 'cause he goin' prime time. What I want to say: Me too! I love prime time TV - The Office is my favorite.

Overheard: That kid can't play - take him out! What I want to say: SHUT UP YOU MORON!

It's comical really. I've actually come to love it - bring it :)

Craig has become the FCA sponsor at the high school this year and I am so excited for him. He really feels led to be a part of this organization and to especially show the world that he is madly in love with Jesus. The very best part is that Molly and many of her biffles were there and they are excited to spread His word at the high school. [Hey, one person recently said, about Molly and her friends, "They are a bunch of Bible thumpers." My reply? "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19"Thump...thump...thump...thumpity-thump, thump :)]

I was watching Molly run in her first cross country meet today and a kid [high school student that I know] standing near me asked me this question [swear], "Are they playing soccer?" My reply? [I was going to tell you anyway because this was just too juicy to pass up.] "Yes. They are playing soccer. In a minute the ball will come out of the woods with several kids chasing it. It is called cross country soccer." "Are you for real Mrs. Short?" "Yes, I am fo' rizzle." [Today's youth ladies and gentlemen]

I hope to blog more frequently. What you people don't understand is..... that they start foaming at the mouth when dinner isn't ready.....we nearly lost Gabe in a pile of unwashed clothes one time....when did Emma last take a bath?....I don't care if my dresser is clean - I like the clutter so leave it alone....there's going to a mutiny if I don't stop at the grocery store for Klondike bars. [Real conversations and things that have happened at my house.] I will blog when I can [honesty is the best policy] and as always, life as a Short is awesome :)

Hulk Has Left the Building

What an extremely busy week we had last week. [Oh bless our hearts for having to go back to the real world. Shut it. It's been rough.] We had two fabulous days of school on Thursday and Friday. And, of course, our week ended with football Friday night!! [I would have added "Fabulous Football Friday Night" but we lost miserably so it was more like "Frightful Football Friday Night". It was one of those nights that I was trying to pawn that coach I love so much off on others for fear he was going to be down in the dumps. He was cool so I let him come home.]

Then early Saturday morning we wrangled the entire Short clan into the Short Mobile and headed to the mountains to see my sweet Molly run. Of course, just past Tryon, NC [a quaint little town off of I-26] the smallest Shortie says, "Daddy I have to pee."
"Ok buddy. I will stop in a minute."
[Exactly 10.45 seconds later....]
"Daddy, I really have to pee."
"Gabe there isn't anywhere to stop."
[Exactly 1.67 seconds later....] "DADDY, I have to PEE!"
[Mom intervenes...] "Just pull the car over and let him go."
"But there isn't a place near the woods."
[Exactly .83 seconds later....] "I HAVE TO PEE BAD!!!"
"Woods are not necessary Craig and if you don't pull over soon he's not going to have to pee any longer."
[Exactly .009 of a second later....] "Ahhhh....now the snakes will have disgusting pee grass to crawl through. They like disgusting things."
We did make it to Hendersonville to see Molly's race. She finished beautifully and we celebrated by eating too much at Cracker Barrel on the way home.

We were hoping to catch a late afternoon nap but the smallest Shorties had different plans. I took Gabe into the bedroom to see if he would sleep on the bed but that didn't happen. I did doze off for a half a second only to wake up to Craig shouting something about a hotel. [What?] It was one of those moments where I sat straight up on the bed and tried to be a part of the conversation but only ended up looking like an idiot. "What? You have to go to a hotel? Right now? Why? What happened? Who is there?" What Craig really said was that in order to get any rest he should go to a hotel. By then we were all awake [well Gabe and Emma had never really been asleep], Craig was really ill, and I figured rolling over to sleep [because I could sleep through an atomic bomb] would not be kosher with the Short so we all got up. [Yeah...one big happy family....]

Emma decided Sunday afternoon that she was going to change the water in the fish bowl [well not really a bowl but more like a fish rectangle]. She and Gabe both have beta fish - hers is named Slicky Ricky and Gabe's is named Hulk. She started off well by putting the new water in the cups then putting the fish in the cups to change the water and clean the rocks then it happened: She put Gabe's fish back into the rocks without enough water to cover him completely. [Now I'm no fish doctor but I am to assume that the water deprivation, if only for a few (30 or so) seconds, might not be good for Mr. Beta Fish.] Later that night we had a fish catastrophe...Hulk departed this life for a nice aquarium in the sky [via the KM sewage system] but we didn't tell Gabe. [Not sure why but we're new at this hey-Gabe-your-pet-fish-died kind of thing. Remember - we don't do pets.] I had to tell him today when he wanted to know what happened to Hulk. He just assumed that a sharp rock stabbed him and went on about his business. Call it loneliness or the mourning of Hulk's sudden passing, but Slicky Ricky's looking a little sad tonight....I guess we'll be heading to the pet store for replacement fish [that would be TWO] very soon.

I am asking for some prayers for a few foks tonight. One is for an old friend, recently diagnosed with cancer, who is facing chemo treatments in the coming weeks. Another is for a new friend from church who will be going to the doctor tomorrow with both reservation and anticipation. [I know that seems sort of opposite but it makes perfect sense in my head.] I know that my God is holding both of these situations in His mighty hands. One of my favorite songs by Finding Favour says it best:

I am the comfort when you are afraid
I am the refuge when you call my name
I was, I’ll be, I am
I am the future, I am the past
I am the first, and I am the last

I was, I'll be, I am.

As always, life as a Short couldn't get any better :)

Mercy Filter Revisted

Let me begin by clarifying my post from last night about a person with an "elitist" attitude. I didn't use my mercy filter [apparently I failed to even pull it out of my pocketbook] and I apologize. I could go in and delete the post but that doesn't mean I didn't say it and so many have read it by now so I can't deny it either. Honestly, I really shouldn't worry about it and I probably should have kept it to myself. The entire point in even bringing it up was to discuss me making better choices in how I feel when put in those situations. If this person doesn't like me then that is their business.

I promise to practice filtering my words more carefully before speaking [or typing] in the future. I love high school football games at KM and watching my favorite coach and that should be what matters most anyway :)

Choosing

Football Friday Nights are back!!! Woooo hoooo!!! I absolutely love watching my favorite coach do his thing on the sidelines. [Like messing with his hat and getting upset over a busted play or totally excited over an awesome play.] EXCEPT...he's in the pressbox this year [or on top of the pressbox or what resembles a pressbox] and I can't see him anymore! [Well I could but I would probably get super strange looks from the folks near me wondering why I'm watching the sky while everyone else is watching the field.] He has moved from defense to offense this year and decided he wanted to try something new. He likes it so I'm cool with it. [I guess.]

We won the season opener. It was an ugly game but we won. [And there's not an asterisk next to the "W" that says sloppy game so we're good.] Being the first game of the season I'm guessing it gives the coaches a chance to see what works, what doesn't, and what they should change. The team is young this season but I thought they played pretty well considering some "forced" changes on both sides of the ball. We had fun and the weather was perfect :)

It's funny to me that some people, like at football games, try to act as if they don't know you...like they've never seen you before....like you are the black plague. [Which, incidentally, was carried by the fleas on the rats through Europe. These little nuggets of info are free to you - You are welcome!!] I laughed [out loud] when I saw someone walk in front of me at the game last night, look right at me, and ignore me. I was ready to speak, actually had my hand in front of me to wave, and they turned their head - not once, but twice. Was I offended? Nah...consider the source. It's just funny that people will hide behind their computers on Facebook or even their own children and "pretend" to be interested or friendly but when the rubber meets the road they are only in it for themselves. Should I be surprised? Not really. I just find it comical that some folks have such an "elitist" attitude. A while back I would have been totally upset and worried that I did something wrong but now [that I've come to my senses, have confidence, and simply do not have the time deal with hateful people] it makes me laugh.

I guess we can make so many choices nowadays that it can be overwhelming. For instance, at the ball game, Gabe could not decide on the candy he wanted from the concession stand. [Tough choices like Reese's, M&M's, Airheads, Skittles - Do you want sugar coated chocolate, chocolate coated peanut buttery sugar, sticky, chewy sugar, or sugar rolled into a gooey, flat stick?] Today I had to pick the milkshake I wanted from Tony's. [Something with chocolate and you can't go wrong]. Molly had to decide to steal home or not. [Unfortunately, she needs to decide quicker because she got tagged out.] Life is full of choices. Here lately, through some personal reflection, I've decided that choosing to be happy, to live happily, and to cut worrying to a minimum [I would say not worry at all but then that would simply be a laughable, flat-out lie.] Another great example from said football game [great...my life revolves around football....again] was the fact that a man sittinng just behind me complained ALL night about the game. He complained about the coaches [they lack time management skills...we should've punted....tell him to block] then he complained about the kids [Peyton Manning runs the clock all the way down before snapping the ball....he should've caught that ball....that boy doesn't run hard] and finally the refs [that was clearly pass interference....that was a bad spot....refs don't take water breaks]. In the past [as in last football season] I probably would've lost my cool and said something to him, something along the lines of this:
1. My husband is a coach who puts in countless hours, gets paid like a buck o'five an hour, and misses time with his family to work with this group of boys that are anywhere from 14 to 18. If you believe for even half a second that you can coach any better than get yourself an UA Kings Mountain shirt and by all means, have a go at it.
2. In case you haven't noticed, Peyton Manning is a seasoned quarterback, a Heisman trophy nominee [FYI...I have boycotted the Heisman since then and will continue], and comes from a FAMILY of fantastic high school, college, and NFL quarterbacks. The young man at quarterback is young, he's a leader, and he's trying. He is going to make mistakes but if he learns from these mistakes [since this is the FIRST game of the season and non-conference at that] then he will continue to improve.
3. The refs do take water breaks per a new rule from the refs association in NC and they could care less what you think about them. [Neither do I.]

But, I kept my mouth shut. I actually didn't even get upset. Really. I didn't turn around and say anything. I didn't make an obnoxious and very loud comment for him to hear. And I sure didn't let it ruin my evening. In the past, that stuff would eat at me and then I would be a nervous wreck or upset. But I chose to ignore it and not worry about this man. I can't change what he said but I can change my reaction to him. Why allow him to steal my happiness? It just wasn't worth it. I am looking forward to football season and all of those people that doubt everything that the coaches are working hard to accomplish really have zero clue what coaching is all about anyway. Choosing to just ignore it and not worry about him made me a happy girl :)

I am looking forward to an amazing Sunday worship service at FBC-KM and then an amazing afternoon with my Shorties. As always, life is good :)

Free Sarcasm Any Day of the Week

I married one of the greatest men ever [well besides my own daddy:)] . He is an awesome daddy. His children [well, I guess OUR children - that was dumb] ADORE him. [And it shows because they get everything they want and then some.....] My mom told me one time that I act as if he hung the moon....and I still act like that a lot of the time [there are exceptions to this because he does make me angry at times. Unlike me, he is not the model spouse. Seriously.] He is a teacher and a coach and, in my opinion [which incidentally is more valuable than gold] he is the best at both. Best of all, he is a Christian role model for me, for our children, for his athletes, and his friends. He is a Jesus freak and he ain't afraid to tell ya!

And....sarcasm is just another service he offers. He is full of one liners, comments [this is exactly where Coop gets this from], and advice about what "he thinks." Here are a few:
1. [Heard this past week when we went to eat on July 5th but the place was closed for the 4th]: Rednecks will milk the 4th of July! This dumps been closed all weekend!!
2. [Heard after Molly made the comment that so and so was a good person]: Yeah, well there are good people in hell too.
3. [Heard when Gabe had chocolate all over his face but discovered AFTER we were in the grocery store]: That boy needs a wet nap!
4. [Heard after Molly was talking about something someone said]: He's full of more crap than a Christmas goose. [1. I've never had goose at Christmas. 2. I don't want one that is full of crap.]
5. [Overheard on a DAILY basis at our house] : Why am I so sexy? or How does the world contain this sexy man? or Do you realize how sexy I am? [My reply? Eye roll....eye roll....eye rolll.]
6. [Heard several times directed at a softball player]: I will rip your lips off...just sayin'. That was the worst at bat in the history of at bats in fastpitch softball. Hey you [insert position] if you want to watch the game buy a ticket! Can you catch a ball....PLEASE?! You are doing better - you suck less now. [He says this one when the girls don't catch/stop the ball.]GET OFF ME BALL!! [Incidentally, he has a bucket in the dugout with a bullseye for kicking and a place for tally marks.]
7. [Told to several referrees in the various sports he has coached over the years]: Well, ref, at least you are consistent....consistently bad [= yellow card in volleyball]. Ref: Say one more thing to me and I'll throw you out! Craig: ONE MORE THING! [= Coach Short exiting the field at JV football game, kicking 50 yard marker and one set of water bottles across the endzone on the way out] Ref to Craig: What rule book are you reading? Craig: Apparently the one you are not because I am right. Maybe you should read the other rule book.
8. [Heard consistently in the Short house]: I might be the best [insert whatever he is doing at the moment] in the whole world. For example: I might be the best peanut butter and jelly maker in the whole world. I might be the best hamburger griller in the whole world. I might be the best sock folder in the whole world. I might be the best grass cutter in the whole world. I might be the best.....[at this point we ususally hear blah, blah, blah.....]
9. [He's been doing this one since we met in college]: He will be across the parking lot at Wal Mart or across a store and he will throw his hand up and wave until I wave back. He's a big dude so of course, everyone in between me and him will wave at him. It's funny.
10. [This one really annoys me. He doesn't seem to care.]: I will call him to find out when he will be home and the conversation usually goes something like this:
Me: Where are you?
Craig: In the car.
Me: Where at in the car?
Craig: On the right side of the road.
Me: I hate you.
Craig: Well you asked.
11. [Molly reminded me of this one]: If the man feels strongly about something [like a political issue or something he thinks is absurd like commercials, bumper stickers, and people that drive really slow] then he gets on a tangent and it is best to listen and smile....because he's not going to be quiet until he says EVERYTHING he wants to say. Then, he'll say, "This is the last thing I'm going to say then I'll shut up." But...there's always one more thing to say after that....

He makes us laugh - alot! Needless to say, there is never a dull moment at our house - EVER. He did admit to us that when we are not home he will sometimes turn on the music and dance around the house. [And his dancing is hilarious - boy's got some rhythm] At football games on Friday nights and during softball games, we can always judge how the mood on the field is by the mad-o-meter - his hat. If things are going great, it's on his head. If things start going south, he starts to bend the bill and adjust it on his head. If it's super bad, then it's off his head and in his back pocket or the back of his pants or even on the ground. He swears this is not true but I've been watching him coach for 15 years - I know.

I love him. I can't imagine my life any other way. We've been through a lot together and he's always stuck with me [God bless him - he deserves many jewels in his crown for that alone] and he's always supported me. He is a good provider and a good man. He's my lobster :)