SJ continued to attend all the practices and basketball games even though he couldn't do much. I felt it was important to complete what he started and realize that he was still a part of the team. A few days before the season was finished, I asked him what he did during practice. "Practice dribbling with my left hand and I help rebound the balls," he said. I know it is not much, but he is still observing the other players and somewhat practicing.
During games, he would sit in the stand with another player, who also has a broken arm. They would get the players water bottles and organize the warm up shirts. I talked to Mr. Hooper one evening before the season was complete. I inquired if SJ may just try to be the equipment manager next year. He thought that was a good idea, so I may suggest that to SJ next year.
I asked SJ if he liked playing basketball. He said, "Yeah, but I am still not better than Bob. That is why I joined Mom. I wanted to beat Bob at basketball." The problem is Bob is a natural athlete. He tends to be good at most of sports. "Just keep at it, SJ. Maybe next year, you will be better than Bob," I reassured him.
At the end of the season, they had a banquet for the coaches and players. It was at a local restaurant in their banquet room. They had chicken fingers, pizza, fries, popcorn and cupcakes. All of SJ's favorites! He had a great time at the banquet. He came home with a new shirt (long sleeve t-shirt, which is not his favorite) and he said he had fun. Even though his total playing was under 180 seconds, he was a part of team and made new friends. That is priceless.
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