Twenty-two stuffed animals in varying poses lie beneath the TV, which is playing the World Cup match between Colombia and Portugal.
I’d released them—the stuffies, that is—eleven per trip from their prison-like storage contraption. The twice-explained offside rule wasn’t sinking in, so I brought in the stars of the show for most of Evelyn’s life: her besties.
After making Blue Sparkle and Bekah the goalies, the rest of the team took their positions. Uncle Tim slid into the mix, the self-appointed teacher of Soccer Class, and with his legs crossed and a ping pong ball in hand, he set the scene.
By the end of the lesson, my eyes were open too.
The rule is all about when the ball is passed. At the moment it leaves the passer’s foot, the receiving player can’t already be beyond the last defender.
I am so into the World Cup. I don’t care which countries are playing—if it’s on, it’s on my TV.
Maybe it’s because I’m rarely glued to the screen. I’m writing, typing progress notes, or texting. But with the volume turned up just enough, I hear the chants from the crowd, the rise in the announcer’s voice as a play develops, and suddenly I’m riveted.
Do that ten to thirty times over the course of ninety minutes, and you get a lot done while catching a steady stream of the game’s very best moments.
Funny how a room full of stuffed animals taught me something ESPN never could.
Love, Jaclynn