Basketball season has started,

and I am not talking about the NBA. Tom plays in our church basketball league and has for the last 17 years. He loves the game, and looks forward to it every season. It is a big commitment and requires sacrifices from our whole family. All for the love of the game.

Dinners have to be small, light meals on game days since you can't play with a full stomach. Our sleep patterns change since Tom usually plays until late and needs time to wind down after. Of course there is also a change in activity at our house. We can't have Tom hurt a knee or something and be out for the season. Any heavy lifting or strenuous work will have to wait until after the championship game. When we moved into our house in 2007, he hurt his knee while moving and was worried all summer and fall about missing the season. We all suffered the consequences of having a sad man around the house, and many team mates calling looking for him.

He is wanted man around the gym during church ball, sinking the 3 pointers as well as any good high school player. He loves the game and with the help of Melatonin to wind him down, Advil for the pain, and Glucosamine for the joints, Tom will be playing basketball until they kick him out of the gym.

It is a big sacrifice for all, and very rewarding for Tom. Although, I am still waiting for that BIG NBA like paycheck to come in the mail for all the hard work.

As you can see in the picture to the right, Andrew has started down the same road. He is playing on Saturdays and can be seen here (number 13).