They did it....They won 3-1 against L.A. in the USA Hockey National Championship. Never did I think such a win would stir up so much emotion. When the puck was about to drop and I noticed Jarred was taking the net in his borrowed pads, seriously thought I was going to puke. I do not recall ever being that nervous in my entire life. I walked out the double doors up to the observing area where I could watch the entire game by myself and blog my heart out while I prayed they would all play the game of their lives and leave everything on the ice! I do not think I spoke more than two words to anyone the entire game. I just can not imagine what it must have been like to be Jarred or any of the players on the ice for that game. There have been proud moments as a parent of these three boys but I have to say this week has been one of the best. Not only did the Griffins bring home a National Championship but they did it with poise, style, class and character. When a little unknown team from West Michigan can head to the East Coast and rally an entire rink behind them all cheering them on, its pretty amazing to be a part of it. Tears filled up my eyes as they started the game and poured when they ended. I even saw a couple in JR's eye's at the end. I am not sure Jarred really even has been hit by it all yet. To me its not at all about hockey but more about how a kid who 3 years ago was playing in a low level travel team getting his but kicked every game can work his heart out to make a ranked travel team and help his teammates not only get to the National championship but WIN. When Jarred received an email from an old goalie coach, this weekend, I had to cry again, its summed up the fact that true hard work and determination does pay off. Some kids have the natural athletic ability and some just have the desire, I think desire won out this weekend. Its about determination, hard work, effort and most importantly HEART. Its about being told in the semi final game, you can not wear your pads you have played in the last two years because the opposing coach calls the refs for a measurement and they measure too big, by a small margin, but never the less rules are rules. Having the other goalie go in cold and still shutting out a team that beat them earlier in the tournament, was amazing. Then being offered to borrow the hosting teams pads putting them on and just going for it, being comfortable in your own and not letting anything set you back. Its about being part of a team, learning from your amazing team members and enjoying getting to know each of them. Its about creating memories that will last a lifetime and learning lessons that will carry you throughout life. If someone would have told me 15 years ago, this little boy of yours will be a National Champion someday, I would have said ...yeah right and if they would have said he would be the goalie in a national championship game I would have laughed even harder! We could not have asked for him to a part of a more quality group of players, coaches and parents, just an amazing part of our family journey this has been. We will cherish the memories of this season forever. Gosh he is getting old, they look so old in the pictures, like young men not boys, where has the time went and will it please slow down a little!! Jarred has much more growing up to do but for now we will cherish what the good Lord has allowed his team to accomplish this last week and be very proud parents of this accomplishment....Love you Buddy!!!
