Rodney Webb, the head coach at Rockwall HS (TX), shared a unique perspective the other day from a parent in the Rockwall community.
During a recent homecoming parade, a Rockwall HS player wearing #3 waved at a kid, and that simple, everyday gesture went a long, long way.
The parent of the kid who received the wave took a picture of her son, Travis, before heading into the homecoming game holding a sign for his new favorite player, and when coach Webb saw it, he decided to share it. It, understandably, has quickly gone viral.
This story reminds me as a poem that my parents and some of my coaches shared with me as a player in high school called "Any Athlete," and it carries a message for all of us, our athletes, and our families and coach Webb's story provides a firsthand account of the poem in action.
There are little eyes upon you and they're watching night and day,
And there are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager to do anything you do,
And a little boy who's dreaming of the day he'll be like you.
You're the little fellow's idol, you're the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you, no suspicions ever arise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds all that you say and do;
He will say and do in your way when he's a grownup like you.
There's a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you're always right,
And his ears are always open, and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example every day in all you do,
For the little boy who's waiting to grow up to be like you.
-Anonymous