by Nancy Star
I never did figure out why we were such obedient suckers. But I sure did enjoy what grew out of that sticky snack—going on a journey with Annie, who finally understands that the disparate worlds many moms straddle, crazy work and crazy home, are not really different at all. And in the end, all anyone is trying to do is find her way.
FIVE WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR KID’S COACH IS CRAZY:
1 Believes getting hit by a little bit of lightning can be a good thing for increasing speed and endurance
2 Instructs all players to count Beckhams jumping over a fence, at bedtime, to increase probability of having soccer dreams
3 Makes any player whose shoelaces become untied during a game attend intensive all-day workshop on knotting techniques, with special sessions on tying for speed, and on the pitfalls of the granny knot
4 Uses a ball pump as a key chain
5 Adapts “The Creed of the United States Marines” as the “Team Creed,” requiring all players to recite the creed every day, upon awakening, substituting the word ball for the word rifle (see below)
This is my rifle ball. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle ball is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My rifle ball, without me, is useless. Without my rifle ball, I am useless. I must fire my rifle ball true.