football and mono

He lost 20 pounds during his two months of mono. He slept through all of the "two a days," and missed the remaining summer practices and workouts. He didn't get to play in the preseason scrimmages. But as of last week, Colton is finally cleared of mono and the race is on to gain back the weight, strength and conditioning he lost.

Colton's "ready for football season" Instagram post today.
Alex and Brandon painted "85" on their backs
for every home game last year.  

He's running extra routes and even extra "suicides". (He so does not get that from me.) He's "lifting" regularly, and catching  better than ever before. And he's eating and drinking tons of calories and protein - like a mad man. I've never seen him more focused or motivated. In just 10 days, he has gained back 11 pounds. Seriously.  He feels good and he looks good.  He's not fully back - but he's definitely getting there.

Earlier this summer, Colton was on track - and excited - to be one of the starting receivers in his senior football season. Mono took that away from him. But watching him these last two weeks, I know he won't let this setback define him.

Tomorrow, that senior football season begins. Colton's. Senior. Season. He LOVES football. And he LOVES his team.  And he's ready.  He's ready to pray over the game and the team before anyone else even enters the stadium.  He's ready to put on his uniform and get his game face on.  He's ready to stand on the sidelines and cheer and yell till his voice goes hoarse.

And he's so ready to get on the field - soon, my son.  You've got this - your time is near.