What My Son Taught Me

About Resilience and Perseverance

As parents, we often think we are the ones imparting wisdom and guiding our children through life.

Yet, many times, it's they who teach us the most profound lessons. One such lesson came from my son, Kimran, and his journey in soccer.

Kimran started playing soccer at his local community club when he was about 8.5 years old. From the moment he volunteered to be the goalie, I could see his determination. However, those initial years were challenging. Despite his efforts, his team didn't win a single game for quite some time, and the losses were sometimes hard—10-0 on a bad day. Comforting his tears after each loss, I would remind him that it was okay to lose and to keep practicing.

                                                           One of many club soccer pictures

What stands out most is how Kimran's commitment never wavered.

When, at 14 years, his team finally won a tournament after he saved two crucial goals in a penalty shootout, something shifted. He saw the fruits of perseverance. From that moment, Kimran embraced every opportunity to practice, whether with his club, on his own, or with teammates outside of scheduled times. His passion and dedication knew no bounds and were evident in every game.

                                                          During those lonely early years as goalie

This dedication led Kimran to become the captain of his club soccer team, a role where he excels not only as a player but as a leader. Recently, he was honoured with the Outstanding Goalkeeper award at his club. I was filled with pride when the announcer said, "His hard work and dedication show when he is on the field, and it is clear that he is a leader on the team and has been instrumental in his team's success this year."

In the past two years, Kimran joined his school's soccer team, a much more competitive arena. Last week, he played in the regional championship—a nail-biting match that ended in a 7-6 penalty shootout victory, the first for his school in six years. It was a hard-fought game, with each school scoring once in regulation time and trading goals in two nail-biting overtimes. Kimran's unwavering focus was again pivotal to the team's success.

                                              Ready for a breakway

Through Kimran's journey, I've learned that resilience is not about never falling; it's about rising time and time again.

Perhaps most telling of his resilience was a recent match against one of the district's top teams, notorious for shutting out opponents. They scored three goals in the first 15 minutes of the game, yet it didn’t break Kimran's spirit. His brilliant save soon after turned the game around. Although his team ultimately lost 6-5, it was a testament to how determination can transform a game—and a player's confidence.

Kimran’s dedication to soccer and his team has inspired me to face challenges with the same spirit, and to always strive for that next goal, no matter how tough the game might seem.

Here's to those who teach us life's most important lessons. Thank you, Kimran, for showing me what true perseverance looks like.

       Starting the game as captian