Sweating in the Sunshine

I’m in Atlanta this week. Today (Sun, 8/26/12), I’m in Buckhead for my niece Emma’s soccer tournament. Right this second I’m sitting in Starbucks with my sister-in-law (her mama) and writing while she (my SIL) (theoretically) studies for a class in her master’s program. We’re waiting for the next soccer game, since Emma’s team won this morning.

And they tied last night.

This city is called Hotlanta for a reason. I did a lot of sweating during both matches, and I’m pretty sure the next game will involve even more of the same.

Which made me contemplate what we are willing to do for those we love. We sit in the hot sun and sweat and watch teenage girls kick a ball around on some grass. We watch Emma, the goal-keeper, be very bored because her team is really good at offense and the ball never even comes near her.

We sit in a Starbucks for a few hours and try to amuse ourselves (and cool down) between games.

These are things I would not otherwise do (well, I might sit in a Starbucks, but it’s unlikely as there isn’t one anywhere near where I live in AR). But Emma’s my very favorite niece (okay, my only niece, and also technically she’s my husband’s, but I claim her as my own), and she’s my family. And so is her mother, and I’m getting to spend time with her, and she gets to watch her daughter play soccer. Both of which don’t get to happen often enough.

So, what are you willing to do for those you love? Me? I’ll sweat in the sunshine.