a season of lasts

My son is a senior this year and with that comes many "lasts". His last off season training camp, his last home opener, his last year as a West Ranch Wildcat varsity hockey player, my last season as team manager. Jack is going to savor every moment of this season, he and his fellow seniors already capturing memories of their mutual lasts. I'm glad he is on board with that and now I get a "sure mom" vs. rolling of the eyes when I ask to take a picture to capture a hockey memory. It's definitely a bittersweet time, sad to think about this being his last year playing high school hockey with friends he's been playing with for years, many since he was 10 years old, but at the same time exciting to see him experiencing this season as a senior and looking towards his future. And even though I'm trying not to make this about me, it is hard at times to think of leaving my baby, West Ranch Hockey, at the end of the year. I am so proud to have co-founded this program and nurture it over the past three years. Although I know I'll never fully leave West Ranch Hockey, I'll always support our boys in some capacity. But once Jack graduates, it will be different, but that's okay. All parents need to let their children grow and fly, whether they are our actual children or 16 beloved hockey players.

​Cheers to a fun 2017-18 season and all the "lasts" to be cherished. 

Josh, Jack and Justin at their last Home Opener 09.30.17