The Left Tackle

Sunday night Josh and i turned on the Oscars. This is not something we usually watch at all because most of the movies are about subjects and values we do not agree with. However, this time, Sandra Bullock was nominated for her role as a mother in "The Blindside". We saw this movie back in November and it changed my life.

The movie was based on the true story of NFL player Michael Oher and the family that took him in. Sandra played the mom, and she was incredible. Her love of humanity, not just football, was amazing to me.

Now i love football, but this was not just another "football movie". It is a movie about loving and caring for others no matter what. However, i think there is a strong connection between the football position that the young man plays and the role of mother. The left tackle's job is to protect the quarterback- at all costs. And in the movie, Sandra's character explains to Michael that his teammates are his family and that he needs to protect them. And when i think about it, i see myself- and all moms- as the left tackles for their families.

We don't get all the glory, but we do the dirty work and we love doing it. We would do anything for our families, especially our children. We "block" the defensive linemen of the world for them. We shove to the ground anyone that would hurt them. And our sole job is to help them succeed.

I am so proud to be the left tackle on our football team.

And i am so grateful for this movie, and for the remarks Sandra Bullock gave at her acceptance speech. She thanked all the necessary people, and then took the opportunity to thank and give praise to all of us moms who take care of our children. (of course i was bawling at this point) And she also thanked her own mother, acknowledging that she is all that she is because of her mom.

I hope that i can be a mother and a left tackle like that.