Take one for the team

I rediscovered my passion for volleyball. For the past 2 months, we've been meeting together on Thursday nights from 8:30 - 10:00 to play volleyball. I probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for Camille. She's younger and can actually bend her knees and use her arms in a coordinated manner and wanted me to go with her to the volleyball games. After the first night I was hooked! Mostly I just stood in my spot and added commentary to the games-"Way to go, nice hit, now that's a volley, Woo-hoo!" You get the picture. If the ball did come to me I'd move my feet a little, hit it and pray it would go over the net or to a person who could help it over the net. Last Thursday, the game was a little different. When Camille and I arrived, there were only 3 women. My team had 3, the other, only 2. We played for 45 minutes with this number. Standing and commenting was out of the question. I had to run and hit and serve--alot! This night I was actually sweating. We were all exhausted then a few more women came and we had 5 on each team. I wanted to quit, after all, I did my duty. If I quit to go home, Camille would have to leave too, since we came together. It would be harder for the others to play with fewer people, the original 3 were exhausted too, so I kept on going. I had a good time, a nice bruise, a sore back and even a sore jaw when finished. We all have to take it for the team. As a mother, father, spouse, sibling, co-worker, church member, friend, neighbor, we have all had to make sacrifices so others are happy and healthy. We may not like it but at times it's necessary. I appreciate the sacrifice others have made for me.
Next week I'm wearing long sleeves to the volleyball game.