Last week, when I had to change plans and rearrange my schedule, I learned how novelty brings joy when I attended my grandson’s soccer tournament.
Illness and a heavy work schedule created conflicts that made it impossible for either my son or daughter-in-law to take my grandson to his first indoor soccer tournament. What a disappointment for this lively seven-year-old who had looked forward to the tournament as a highlight of his school vacation.
Grandma to the Rescue
Guess what? Grandma came to the rescue! I offered to attend the tournament rather than ask a coach or another parent to step in.
That meant getting up at 6:00 am (something no retired elder does unless there is an early plane to catch or an early medical appointment!) to pick him up by 7:30 am. Next was finding the venue in the morning darkness (thank you, GPS). It meant juggling for a parking spot at the arena, quickly filling up with cars and vans full of children carrying huge equipment bags.
Finding the Field and Getting Ready
Once inside, I was surprised by the number of playing fields which meant locating the designated field for my grandson’s game. Children and parents milled around everywhere despite signs that only coaches and players were allowed in the field area!

Fortunately, my grandson identified the coach who was already settling young players on the player’s bench near one of the fields. I helped my grandson adjust shin pads under massive long socks. I also double tied the laces on his indoor soccer boots. Obviously, the use of velcro closures on most shoes means that seven-year olds don’t yet know how to tie laces!
Transfixed!
Next, I ventured into the stands where people supporting both teams congregated. Once there, I learned from the chit-chat of a six game schedule ending by 3:00 pm. It would be a long day and I had forgotten to bring a book! I soon learned the day would not allow time for sitting idly and reading as, in the first few minutes of the first game, I was transfixed.
The kids on both teams knew how to hustle and never missed opportunities to score or to defend. They were aggressive and fought hard for possession of the ball. They showed good instincts for the game.
Parents in the stands shouted encouragement to their children and cheered loudly whenever goals were scored or saved by a keeper. At times I wondered if I was watching a Premier League game or a bunch of seven year olds at house league level!
Occasionally tears flowed when a tackle went awry and someone was knocked down. I squirmed when a player lost concentration and was hit in the face with the ball when he wasn’t attending to the game. I squirmed again when a player was running full speed on a breakaway and fell after tripping on his boot laces that were undone. He ran off the field, took a stuffie toy from his bag, hugged it, wiped the tears, and, laces still dangling, quickly returned to the field!
Each game was played for 40 minutes with resting time in between. Usually rest time consisted of drinking gatorade, eating copious amounts of food from lunch boxes, teasing one another, and playing tag.
Although scoring was important for the boys, the coaches rotated the children into all positions. This gave each boy practise as a forward, midfielder and defender. Rotations included taking a turn as goalkeeper.
Every moment thrilled and captivated this grandmother! Watching my grandson score goals, set up a corner kicks, and defend the net when playing in the keeper position, had my heart swollen with pride.

A Surprise Awaited
By the end of the last game, I was ready to go home to a cup of tea. I was ready to leave the noise and boisterous rough housing exhibited by the boys.
Little did I know of a surprise after the last game. The coach announced that pizza and ice cream awaited the hungry players in the food service area. They loved the treats and ravenously enjoyed every bite while recounting special moments of each game.
As I watched the children reap the benefits of the team building involved with eating together, my brain was awash with memories of the many tournaments and games I attended during the years my son played soccer. What a generational gift to relive this and watch my grandson following a similar path!
I Learned that Novelty brings Joy
I took my grandson to the tournament out of a sense of duty with mixed feelings about having my usual routine disrupted. On the ride home, my grandson thanked me for taking him to the tournament. He confided that he was apprehensive about attending as a tournament was something new for him but the day was much better than he imagined. I told him that I was proud of him and that I loved watching him play.
The pleasure of attending the tournament astonished me. I gained more happiness and delight from this atypical day than I could have imagined. What a joy to spend a day watching my grandson excel at something that was important for him! What a blessing to hear his genuine and sincere words of thanks on the ride home!
The experience reminded me of the adage that novelty brings joy. I’m comfortable with my daily and weekly retirement routines. However, repetition of ordinary tasks and schedules doesn’t lead to remarkable memories. On some days we need activities that stand out in the mind — days that are different from the usual. That’s when we create specific memories to bring joy with each recall.
What a great post! I agree with your position that making an effort to get out of our routine can result in a wonderful experience. We just have to get over that initial hump of extra effort! I also love how this was a team building experience – rotating all the children through various positions. I had to admire the energy of youth – to play soccer for 6 hours and to play tag during breaks! Every age has its benefits, including making those special memories with younger family members.
The day was an unexpected blessing for me.
On the topic of the boundless energy of youth, I had a similar observation. At one point in the day, I suggested to our grandson that he might rest between games to save his energy. He sat down for about one minute until another boy ran up and tagged him, and the tag game started again. I did not have the heart to reprimand him!
You are a good grandmother! No doubt your grandson will remember that day forever.
I am waiting to see if my granddaughter can come over and finish sewing the Eeyore stuffed animal we started before she goes off to college tomorrow. Yesterday’s plans were interrupted by a rare Georgia snow and ice event. She wanted to learn to sew and in the last year she has made a night gown, casual top, and now Eeyore. The time we’ve spent together is precious to me, and since she has kept coming back, I trust to her.
Hi Beth,
My grandson may not remember the day forever, but I know I will remember my good time!
You must treasure the precious hours spent helping your granddaughter learn to sew. I hope she finishes Eyore and cuddles him when she’s back at college!
Sewing is a skill that few people learn, yet it’s invaluable. I can’t count the number of pairs of jeans I’ve hemmed or other small alterations I’ve done for friends or family members. I’m sure your granddaughter will appreciate the time you spent together. What a wonderful way to spend family time!
Jeanette, this is a lovely story. It’s a reminder to all of us to climb out of our comfortable ruts once in a while. Worth a 6:00 wake-up call!
We need reminders to find novelty as it enriches us — not to mention the inspiration and creativity that novelty brings. I’m not sure about the 6:00 am wakeup, though…….