A temperature

My fifteen year old son got up this morning complaining. Not the usual stuff of leave me alone, be quiet, or let me sleep a few extra mintues. No it was the achy, my head feels funny, I feel weak, I just don't feel good, stuff. So, we decided he should stay home for a while and see if the rest made him feel better. Well, it did not. When I came home for lunch he had a temperature and just wasn't feeling great. Well, you know we are in the region play-offs and football practice is still going on. Bill would miss his first ever practice in seven years. My husband being the work dog that he is, was in disbelief, that Bill would actually miss a practice. The first thing out of his mouth was, "well, he will lose his starting position on kick-off return." My mind starts the motion of motherhood. Did I do the right thing? How dare I even question my decision. Why? Because we are teaching our kids to be something we can't even be, immortal. I raced up the stairs to speak with Bill. "Did you do the right thing Bill? Dad says you will lose your starting postion. How do you feel about that?" He replied, "mom I just couldn't do it today. I felt terrible. I just did not have it." Maybe, just maybe, my son is already a man. He can actually admit he can't make it. He can listen to himself and see past today. Maybe, just maybe, he will be able to get through the tough times life will throw at him because he learned early on real men do feel bad, get sick, lose a postion but can still keep going, making the best of the situation. Sometimes, more often than not, my children teach me. Bill rested today. He did not feel guilty, regretful or question his decision. He knew he made the right choice and I needed to hear him say it for himself. He talks about being a surgeon one day. I think he would do just fine because he already knows his limits.