The twins gravitate toward their cousin Sarah – Bode – his idol is Ella.
It has been this way ever since he could walk and talk. ” Is Ella going to be there ” ? he will ask. Ella is our second oldest grand daughter – who will turn 16 this July. Bode is our youngest gran child
and the only boy out of SIX ! He turns FIVE in November . As you can see here – he absolutely adores her. ” Ella – you want to play “? he asks.
Both have been brought up eating Healthy – as have all the grand kids. That is priority number one for their parents – even though they both are cousins – it runs in the family.
This was taken before Ella’s soccer game and during her older sister’s game. Both play – Maddy is the starter on Midfield – varsity and Ella starts as midfielder on the J.V. team.
The varsity is 8 wins 2 loses & 1 tie.
The J.V. are 7 wins 1 loss & 3 ties.
Very proud of these two and Maddy signed a Letter Of Intent to play soccer at The University of Lynchburg in Va. We will make trips to watch her play.
Bode loves his cousin and she in turn choose to sit with him prior to her game – she has the biggest heart and to see them was priceless.
We all practice living to the plus – being together – and supporting one another. This is but one more day in PAPA’S WORLD .
Soon – that word – meaning like just around the corner – is about to happen!
Our little grand daughter Maddy – with her “PIGGY” – which went everywhere she went. Just outside Sherry’ s parents home.
She now is 18 and about to graduate and start a brand new journey at The University of Lynchburg, Va. And signed a letter of intent to play soccer.
Maddy sitting next to her sister Ella at Raquet Lake N.Y.
She has grown into a beautiful young lady – who maintains a 4.10 GPA. Playing soccer at a high level.
Here she is with her two other sisters and her twin cousins. With GIGI who sadly passed away last November – Sherry’s mother.
Through the years – when she was almost as small as the soccer ball – she played – co-ed and then onto two travel teams. One in Winchester Va. and then – to better herself- she traveled 60 miles each way three times a week to practice with the Loudoun RED soccer team.
Forever young in my mind.
The years have swiftly marched by – all the games in and out of state have passed – memorable only in so many pictures taken. Now – she is about to take the final walk on stage – graduate and then go on.
Her drawing years ago of her ” PIGGY” as she called it – so innocent on a swing – memory of sweet youth.
The memory of the little girl – always smiling – always so small – everyone else was so much bigger until the growth spurt of the last few years. Today – she is almost as tall as her grandmother Sherry who is 5 ‘ 9″ !
She has grown into her role as starting midfielder the last four years.
Three sisters – the start of college – leaving the home – and two behind.
The years have gone by so fast – the other two will be left behind at home – but her presence will always be felt – her favorite “PIGGY” on top of the stuffed animals – her MANATEE blanket on the wall. The trampoline will only feel the bounce of the younger two. The sound of the soccer ball will be down to one – her memory will remain – but her journey begins.
Her determination – all conference – signed letter of intent- to play college soccer
Today I blog not a end or an old story – but the beginning of a new book – a new chapter and a new page about to open up – the little one has gone into memory – but the image still lingers in my mind – PACA – is what she called me – I think because she couldn’t quite say PAPA – but she made my World – and I look forward to the travel to watch once again. The memory shall always be with me – the little foot striking the big soccer ball -and then the smile and off she would go.
SMILE A SMILE FOR ME MY LITTLE MADDY
I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did writing it – my tribute to the little one – the soccer ball almost as big as she is.
Good Morning Two months ago she left in the middle of August to attend the University Of Lynchburg
We had not seen or talked to her in that time –
She was at University – early – for the women’s soccer team.
She had been training all Summer –
running – she had to run two miles in under 12 minutes !
Team bonding late Summer
The coach – Dr. Todd Olsen – is a motivator –
Team bonding – both mental and working together –
achieving a goal placed before them.
His teams have reached the NCAA Division Three playoffs
TWELVE STRAIGHT YEARS !
Winning the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP in 2014.
Losing in the Quarter finals last year
Being involved building that trust in one another
I have watched from afar
His program is the real deal
” WE DO NOT REBUILD – WE RELOAD ” !
is what he says !
The Team bonding on the fieldBecoming one Maddy second from top left
Today they are in second place in their conference
out of fourteen teams
having won the conference last year
with a 23 – 3 – 1 record
Today they are 9 – 3- 1 having played a power early schedule
Playing the number two team in the country
to a 1 to 1 tie.
Not bad for having graduated TEN SENIORS from that team.
University of Lynchburg Va. HORNETS
Maddy as a freshman – does not start -very few do –
But she has played in 90 % of the games
They are stacked at Mid fielders –
So – he has moved her to defense
back line in front of the goalie !
Maddy protecting the goal
When she first started playing soccer
that is where they put her
because of her quickness and speed
Later – because of her ball skills and passing
they moved her to Midfielder.
Maddy defending
When you play this level in college
everyone is quick and fast !
With her time playing midfield she brings to that back line the ability to advance the ball and draw in the defenseMaddy bringing the ball up fieldDrawing the defense opens up the lane
I could see that she adjusted well –
She has the skill
She played a total of 25 minutes
He has 33 players on the team
With 11 being seniors !
Maddy is one of 10 Freshmen !
He subs in and out – keeping them fresh.
Maddy’s number 13 was passed down to her from a senior from last year who assists the team this year saying ” She wanted that number’s tradition passed down “
As a Freshmen – Maddy finished 5th. overall in the two mile
She finished first among the Freshmen.
Maddy bring the ball
She has handled the switch extremely well
She loves the team – the coaches and the school
A scavenger hunt designed for team building Each team had a color theme The coach does this team building once a week and twice a week in the off season Every FOUR years he takes the Team to Puerto Rico To do social work Helping others in need !Maddy – after the game with her three little cousins and Bode screamed the entire time she was playing “MADDY – MADDY “Sarah 13 sister Debby (mother) Maddy & Ella 17 sister
We brought her home to sleep in her own bed
after two months being in a dorm room
but more important –
for her Mother’s birthday
and spend time with her sisters & family.
Mike ( father ) Sarah and Bode Maddy and Sherry ( grandmother)
Thank you for reading Papa’s World
livinglifedoingitmyway.blog
my email fitztdf@aol.com
Maddy
She is excelling – she is happy – she is now a “HORNET ” !
For University of Lynchburg , Va.
Women’s Soccer team.
SHERRY CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH for health and nutrition go to http://www.sf.juiceplus.com for business go to ssherrylynn49@aol.com TEAM BUILDING