{borrowed}

Load bearing. Together. Support. Home team. These 2 young men are growing up football. Unaware are they of just exactly what lies on their little boy shoulders come July-November.

They carry the weight of their Daddy's lifelong dream. Pressed close to his sides any chance they can get, they see him as hero. No harsh words or critical lashings shouted ridiculously loud from ~~fans~~ ticket holders on Friday nights can change that.

They look to him. With growing feet inside dirty sneakers, they seek to fill his footprints. They mimic his banter; they like what he likes. Mustard & ketchup mixed for french fries. Chili on hotdogs. Popcorn tossing too. His approval & applauds are everything to them.

You have borrowed someone so very precious to us, boys in blue. His energy and passion is transferred to you daily. Two little boys watch on as the who he is bleeds into the hope he has for each of you. To grow. To get better. To build character. To become men.

Our family is invested in you, Patriots. You are the ones spoken of around our dinner table, your jersey numbers are memorized by 2 smaller sets of Daddy's blue eyes, your well being and character are what we seek out when we bow our heads to pray. Intentions for excellence are our dreams for each of you.