Child, I Will Always Be By Your Side

Child, I Will Always Be By Your Side

My child is ten years old, tall in stature, but with a round belly. He loves playing football, although he doesn't run very fast and his skills still need polishing, his passion and perseverance have never wavered.

During yesterday's football class, he was grouped with some blonde Russian children. Their football skills were decent, not top-notch, but during the grouping, they expressed resistance through their eyes and words, unwilling to be in the same group as my child.

I stood by the field, watching the scene. My child didn't speak, trying hard to maintain his composure on the surface. But I knew, inside, he was bearing unspeakable grievance and sadness. Fortunately, the coach didn't compromise because of this, and the objections of those children were ineffective.

My eyes closely followed my child's every move, seeing him being excluded, not passed the ball, not invited to participate in the practice. Suppressing the surging emotions in my heart, I walked to the side of the field and whispered to him in Cantonese:

"We're here to improve our football skills. We've paid the same as everyone else to learn. You don't need to pay attention to others' looks and actions. When it's your turn to practice, take the initiative to play, don't be afraid, just be yourself."

At that moment, the tension on my child's face suddenly eased. He no longer dwelled on the cold shoulders and exclusion from before, but gradually immersed himself in the training. I saw his figure running on the field, and my heart finally relaxed, but my eyes never left him.

My child, mom knows this experience has hurt you, but it has also brought important enlightenment.

You need to lose weight, exercise more, to become healthier and stronger. More importantly, learn how to face the unfriendliness and unfairness of this world. No need to resent, no need to hate, just persist in being yourself and move forward steadily.

Mom will always be by your side, facing and growing together with you. When you're sad, I'm sadder than you; when you're happy, I'm more pleased than you.

Child, remember this lesson, it's not just about football, but a lesson in life.

You don't need to become what others approve of, you just need to strive to be a better version of yourself.