I promised myself to write a little more about Max. He is often "feeling left out" with his big sister, Maddie... "taking the limelight" around here. This is probably why he has such a witty personality...and tries for my attention. He is the kiddo that makes me laugh, even when I don't really feel like laughin'. So Max this story is for you!
About two years ago, Tony enrolled Max in tackle football. He bought the pads, tight little football pants, jerseys, shoes and...the helmet. We were quite excited to see how this tackle football thing would go.
Meanwhile, Tony had to head out of town for business in Wyoming. This is otherwise known as "When Lucy Moments Happen" or "Be Prepared, I Will Call You In Times Of Need." My best friend, Cindy knows "all too well" what happens when Tony leaves town. She once had to assist me in pulling out a hammock (attached to a heavy, metal green pole thingy) out of our pool.
Another time, we lost power because the construction crew building the house next door, caused some electrical thingy to break. We found shelter at Cindy's. I know she saved the day more than just these times...but, I digress, this story is about MAX!
So, I was off to take Max to his football practice. He was all padded up and ready to go. I made sure the pads were tight to his body, counting the same amount of holes in each of those "buckle things" that wrap around his ribs. Tony said the coach would help him with the helmet...not to worry. When we got to the field, the coach put his helmet on and made sure he had the "mouth thingy" in too. Don't wanna lose any teeth!
The practice lasted about two hours...maybe two days. I was so dang tired from a long day at work and then, bouncing from one kid's sport to another, that by the time I got to the football field, I could have slept on a bleacher. Or, the ground.
I was really looking forward to seeing Tony come home that night. His flight had taken off and he would arrive home as practice was ending. When practice did end, Max walked over and we were wildly late to pick up his sister at gymnastics...across town! I told him to hop in the car and we would do the Houdini dance of taking off the gear in the car. Mind you, Max is so flexible and he said "Okay Mom, let's get Maddie".
So, we were off to pick her up when Max says , "Hey Mom, if we get in an accident, I will be protected." Always one to find the bright side of a situation. I had to laugh. We got Maddie and headed home. Max tried to pull his helmet off but was having no luck. I told him to wait a little longer, afterall...like he said, it is good protection in an accident. I would help him out of his gear when we got home. Or so I thought...
We arrived in the garage and Max got out. He looked a little sweaty, so I was eager to get him out of the gear. I grabbed his helmet and gave a little tug to take it off. It wouldn't budge. Tony DID mention that you have to hold the sides out so his head can come out. So, with all my might, I pulled on the sides. But the stinkin' thingy wouldn't come off his head. Maddie even got in on the action. We had a go of tug of war with Max. This helmet was on for good!
I debated going to a neighbor for help, but thought how ridiculous I would seem, not getting a helmet off. And, Tony should be home by now. I told Max we could wait for Dad. But, the poor kid needed proper blood flow. So, we continued to tug.
I was looking at the helmet. Mostly for an Easy button, something to "Pop" or release this kid from the confines. I almost gave up when he said something about a... chin strap. Yes, I see the chin thingy. I know you can't start by pullin' that off the chin. Again, a muffled voice says, "chin strap."
And, that's when I learned that the straps around the helmet had meaning. One is actually ATTACHED to the chin strap. Did you know that? I sure as heck didn't!
Well, we got helmet off just before Tony got home. Max in all his wooziness and sweat, took a shower.
I thought I was in the clear until Tony walked in the door and said, "Son, how was practice?" Max told the whole miserable story...I will never forget the chin strap again son, I promise!
*Max, you make me laugh, you make me smile!
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