Last week, a day before he broke his wrist, he diagramed a "Quarter Back sneak" play, and asked me to email it to his coach. I obliged, not because I thought the coach would do anything with it, but because I though the coach would find satisfaction in the fact that one of his players was spending his free time thinking about the team and the game of football.
This past week at practice - to my surprise - the coach introduced the play to the team. After Miles was hurt, the coach sent us an email that they intended to try his play during the game today. Which is indeed what happened, resulting in the FIRST TOUCHDOWN of the season for the team. Miles was on the sideline with his teammates to see it all unfold, and was jubilant with pride. At the end of the game Miles was asked to lead the team in the closing cheer.
I'm really impressed with the teaching & learning that is being fostered by the coaching staff of Miles' team. Finding a way to turn heartache into a learning experience (not to mention joy for an 8 year old) is - in my book - admirable.
