it's tough when it is over

Yep, it's tough. But best times yet to come.  

It is always bittersweet to end one phase of our lives and move on to the next. Then we go through it again with our kids. Seeing what they are going through brings out a natural empathy since we can relate. In my son's case he and his team went from jubilation his Jr year when they won the state championship, to the next when they lost in the semi-finals. The year before brought bruises from the dog pile celebration, and the following year tears of disappointment knowing they had not only come up a little short, but that many would not be back next year.

Hopefully you, your son and family will experience a wonderful college experience, knowing that one day it too will end.

Enjoy the ride.

Your son is so fortunate to have those thoughts, feelings and emotions.  There are so many other players and students that are so happy its over for one reason or another.  While what he is feeling is normal of course he will soon realize he went through his HS years balls to the wall with no regrets. (I think I could say that).  And when you attack life with that type of passion you soon learn that while sadden that its over, there is eventually peace and a sense of attainment in what you accomplished and in  knowing there are no regrets.

I couldn't agree more. my 2 older son's experience was not like his. Oldest couldn't wait to get out of HS. 2nd oldest had great HS experience and was sad but not the experience sports wise but all other facets were basically the same. I really like the balls to the walls comment. I will be passing that on to my 2 left in school, though that are both daughters so I will be paraphrasing )

Another excellent example of being greatful and humble for all of God's blessings.  Sounds like you have an awesome kid. 

It hurts the most when you do it the right way.  It hurts now but your son is going to have fantastic memories, stories and legacy that he will come to appreciate once some time has went by.

Congrats and good luck in the future to him.

If ONLY I could get him to mow or do the dishes without griping and moaning LOL

Good luck for him in the upcoming future.

Chef,

Great post, and congrats...sometimes with a lot of focus starting so early on the process to play at the next level, I think we look back and figure the "end game" winds up being something totally different in retrospect.  Looks like you guys accomplished that "end game", and everything from here on out is just icing on the cake!

Well done!

it's a good pain he's going through right now.  No worries.

When my daughter (the oldest) was two I didn't think she could get any cuter. I thought someday I'm going to miss this. I felt the same way when she was four, six and so on. But she kept growing. She will be twenty-six this summer. She stopped growing. She looks mostly like she did two years ago. But kids never stop doing things that amaze parents because they are their kids. 

I haven't been on the grounds of the high school since my son (the youngest) graduated. When I drive by it seems weird not to stop. Between two kids I spent so much time there either waiting in the parking lot or watching sports.

For some it's never over.  We have our 50 year reunion this year. I cannot attend (baseball reasons).  However, once every week a bunch of us old hasbeens get together for a beer or two.  Quite often the conversation turns to those old school days.  If I didn't know better, it would sound like we were really good.

One of the greatest accomplishments in my lifetime is the fact I still have the same friends I grew up with.  chefmike, Your son's reward will be the memories! Even that last game will turn into a good memory in some ways.

PGStaff, I think i used to run the mile really fast in HS too. if memory serves me right something like 4:02. LOL Actually, the more beer, the faster I was!

I can see him having lifelong friends that are in HS with him. My 2 older boys are going down that path at 26 and 24. I do think it is easier now with all the technology to keep those friendships going.

Chef, if it's any consolation to you, mine is home from his first year of college and still moans about grass mowing.  It interferes with his consecutive days of fishing since being back. Family is loading up for first Collegiate League series on the road today after school.  Wouldn't be the normal holiday weekend if we weren't at the ballpark. 

I can see this coming. My 2017's Fr year in JV seemed to be over in a flash!