School starts and we're a football house

Well, we made it through the first 3 days of school and adjusting back to a schedule for everyone! As we were waiting with the neighbors with our 6th grader, our high school senior pulled out in his truck to get himself to school. in that moment, the sound of the birds disappeared, the traffic noise on the road ceased and I realized that in one short year that senior would be pulling out of the driveway on his way to college.....gulp! And the 6th grader would be in Jr High.....gulp!

Life continues to move forward no matter how much you want it to slow down. And then the moment was broken with the arrival of the school bus, picture taking, good mornings to the bus driver and then off to work for the parents. Football: a new way of life for me and a passion for our youngest. Being a new football mom, I admit I'm pretty lost in this new world. There are pads, cleats, helmets, shirts and all sort of various things laying about the house. I ask so many questions I think the boys might get me "football for dummies" soon! Is it better to be defense or offense? Why isn't everyone on the line a lineman? What exactly is a safety?

But, I do know that sitting at Mills Pond in the evening, watching the day quietly come to a close as it does in the late summer, listening to groups of boys practicing with echoes of coaches giving instruction and encouragement is becoming one of my favorite ways to end the day.

I realize how fortunate our children are to have a very committed group of parents who give so much of themselves to make this program work. Coaches, team moms, various parents and older kids spend hours to pass on their love of football, sportsmanship and discipline to the kids. As the light deepens and I head home to start dinner so it's ready when the football guys get home, I think of all those in our town who give so much of themselves to Canton as volunteers.

Baseball, basketball, volleyball, our Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Ed, Friends of the Library, the Lions, the Rotary, the Land Trust, Sam Collins Day committees, our incredible firemen, ambulance crews, not to forget all of our other boards, churches, and so many others that make our life in Canton so rich through the gift of their time. Wouldn't it be great to have a day designated to celebrate every volunteer in Canton? What a party we could have to say thank you and show our appreciation! With that thought, I will close today's post. The Labor Day weekend is beginning and I have a thousand things to do so we can have some good family time this weekend. Enjoy your holiday if you're fortunate enough to have the time off. If you work in one of our many public safety jobs this weekend, thank you for being there so the rest of us can enjoy ourselves while you keep us safe!