Hey Mr. Ref

Hey Mr. Referee... 

You know that child you called a "flopper"...

that tiny but mighty #45 who plays like she means it...

You know the one.

She's the one who gets knocked down but bounces right back up.

She's the one who is a foot smaller than most of the other players on the field but plays like she is a foot taller.

She's the one who never gives up and plays the game until the bitter end because that's just what you do. 

You "know" her but to you...

she was just another player in just another game... 

and it was just another call on just another Saturday in just another game.

What you didn't know was that the tiny but mighty #45 is a fighter and a survivor. 

What you didn't know was that 12 years ago, this mighty #45 left everything she had ever known and embraced a life that was not what it was meant to be.

What you didn't know was that this warrior child of mine walked and ran and climbed stairs on a tiny little foot that was completely backwards and upside down.

What you didn't know was that this slight of a girl endured 18 club foot casts, hand and foot surgeries and 12 weeks in a wheelchair with courage and grit and determination.

What you didn't know was that this child, my child is not a "flopper"...

She is an overcomer.

What you didn't know was that this Momma Bear was only restrained by her Hubby Bear who would not let her step outside of grace and come after you!

*grin*

It was a close call Mr. Referee but...

You didn't know.

Now... 

you do.