High school sports are lots of fun until they’re NOT.

And my kid is in the middle of a not-so-fun season.

0-13 record.

Inconsistent playing time.

A missed three at the buzzer to tie the game.

Unkind and critical comments from the coach.

It’s all been pretty hard to watch.

At that first game, when they announced my son’s name as starting varsity then he sank a three-point shot on the first possession, I leaned over to my husband with sappy tears and whispered, “I LOVE this for him!”

But now game after game I’ve watched his confidence wilt…and I hate it for him.

Really, there’s nothing I can do.

I show up. I cheer. I hold out hope.

Then tonight before the game he called me, “Uhhh. Mom? Think you could come early and bring me a sandwich?? I’m pretty hungry.”

And you better believe I made him a SANDWICH!!!! Fancy bun, mayo and mustard, the cajun turkey from the deli, plus a few jalapeño peppers to top it off.

It didn’t change the outcome of the game.

But, parents, I’m guessing that’s how we help make it through the hard stuff!!

When life hands a pile of crap to our kids, we’ll just BE there. However they need us.

We’ll cheer from the stands.

We’ll pray, “Maybe tonight, God. Just one good game?”

We’ll listen to our kids complain or vent. Maybe text a few slightly inappropriate GIFs to make them smile.

Because high school sports (and so many parts of life, in general) are lots of fun until they’re NOT.

But even when they’re not, we’ll be there.

We’ll probably even bring a sandwich!!!