Defending a Brother



Jordan Number 49

Jordan is in high school. He is 4'9" tall. He plays on the freshman football team. He is the smallest on his team. He isn't going to be tall..a product of his fetal alcohol syndrome. But, it didn't stop him from signing up for football...a sport he has never played before.

He made a great tackle in the game tonight.  As we were cheering on the sidelines, a large group of high school soccer players were just coming to near the fields and started to watch the end of the game. Several of the boys announced to the others..."Look at number 49..do you see that kid...He is so small!" The team stared and laughed at the number 49...my son. The sting for me is long gone...and I was just so thankful that Jordan could not hear their jeers. But, my heart ached to think of him walking through the halls at the high school. I know he feels uncomfortable and insecure...and we are working so hard to build up his confidence only to have it torn down so instantly...
But, it was not the insensitive comments that are the story here...it was the response of our 7 year old son, Kaden. He heard what they said. He knew who they were talking about and he wasn't going to let it go...This little boy walked up to the large group of high schoolers and yelled, "Hey, that's my big brother you are talking about...and you are being mean...and he is really strong!"

They have their own struggles every now and then, but each one of them would stand up and defend the honor of a brother...no matter what. The love that our children have for each other was evident on the sidelines today...and it is evident in the way they care for each other at home. I hear the tender words spoken to little Isaac when they do not know any one else is listening.  It gave me peace of mind to know that they are looking out for each other...even our second grader watching out for his high school brother. "He's my brother and I love him"..he told them....I don't know a thing about football but I did learn something tonight about courage and love...