I dream of a hat trick

Sunday, 25 November 2012

This was one of those days that a parent will remember forever.  You see, Thunderchild's smile went around her ears.

But let me take you back a little for some history.  TC loves to play hockey - has done since she was 5 (she's 15 now).  To play would lift her spirits and see her bouncing around the room.  The position she plays and has for so many years now is that of a defender, and a fearless one at that.  She just goes into a tackle with everything she's got.  But being in that position generally means you don't get to score very much.

She is lucky that this year she got to play indoor hockey.  Indoor hockey is played on a field about a quarter of the size of a normal hockey pitch.  Some of the rules are different and the time per half is 20 minutes.  But playing this version of the sport (at 6 to a side) you get to play different positions, not just back.

So, Sunday comes and they're ready for the game.  TC had previously been taking shots at goal during the penalty corners but never scored.  Today was different.  The team is awarded a penalty corner and TC is called up to the 'D', ready to take the shot.  The ball is sent to her, she drag flicks it and the keeper doesn't even smell it! She scores!  For the first time in years she's managed to score a goal.  Even from where we're sitting (about 20 meters away) I can see that enormous smile.  My heart leaped in my chest.  The wife and I are so proud.

But TC's not done yet...

Second penalty corner and she gets the ball again.  But this time she stops it in the 'D' which means she has to take it outside and back in again - thank goodness for all those many hours (days?) spent doing yardstick drills.  She drags, she scores again.  What a beautiful shot.  It's then that I realize that if she gets another chance she'll be on a hat trick.  What are the chances?  From nothing to everything in the space of 10 minutes?

The 3rd penalty corner comes and she takes up her place in the middle of the group.  I think even the opponents knew she was going to get the ball.  It's passed in, TC gets it, drags....and hat trick!  I'm doing the rain dance.  My chest is so big I cannot see my feet.  I cannot believe it!  My daughter has scored an amazing hat trick.  Her passion for the game has finally paid off.  She'll remember this moment for the rest of her days.

Shame, I must have made a bit of scene because one of the other players asked her if "that" was her dad.

That game on Sunday was such a confidence booster for her.  It was just what she needed.

Well done TC, Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you.

First Week in School in Australia

Well Thunderchild, your first week in school in Australia has come to an end.

You were a little nervous in the beginning, but true to your form, you made friends very quickly.  You also look so good in your new Amaroo School uniform.

Thunderchild and her mom

Of course, after the first day or two you reckoned that the level of maths was too low for you.  Your teacher also said he would recommend you moving to a higher grade.  Let’s hope that happens.

School here starts at 9:15 am, 2 hours later that you are used to.  I still get up at 4:30am, but you only surface about 7:45, very slowly.  Of course, you only go to bed a lot later as well.

Apparently they are starting a hockey club there now – you’ve already signed up (well, dear reader, what did you expect?).  Just a few more players and you’ll have a team.  It’ll be a tough year for you, but I’m sure you’ll guide your team correctly.  Your experience should see you through.

So, TC, your new adventure has started - time for you to make a difference.

"Don't Stand So Close To Me" - Sting

So, I'm tucking in Thunderchild the other night and, as usual, we have a quick chat.  I mention to her how nice it was to see the smile go from ear to ear that morning.  You see, her school (the best in South Africa) offers hockey as a subject - how cool is that!  That day she had Hockey Academy again and was excited as always:  put a hockey stick in that child's hands and she becomes a different person.  Shame, she was ready much earlier than usual and was already waiting outside for her mother to take her to school.


I mentioned all of this to her and she said I mustn't make a big deal of it.  How can one not?  Which parent would not be happy with a bouncing, sunny and happy child?  She had a spring in her step that day.  I then ask a bit about her day and what happened and I get told:  "Don't worry.  You don't need to know".  That hit me.  I'm desperately trying to keep the channels of communication open and she blows me off.  Then she dropped the bombshell (I get a feeling this had been coming for while now):  I must please not rub her back in the morning and sing to her before she wakes up.  I've been doing this for the past 10 years, and NOW she wants to stop.  So, I'm hurting a little at the moment.


Had a chat with her mother this morning about it and she says I must just accept it.  TC might be going through a difficult time (apparently it's worse for girls) but she'll be OK in a few years.  "A FEW YEARS!!!!", my brain screamed.  "But she still loves you", says the wife.  I guess I should not complain.  I am now not to push any issue or topic, I get told, but should wait for it to come from her side.  That means that I had better be available when it arrives.


Oh well, such is the life of a parent of a teenager.


Take care TC.  Mommy and Daddy love you very much.