It had been a tough year, that was the easiest way to put it. The New Jersey trade to Utah was difficult and you found yourselves packing up your whole lives to move across the United States. Of course you knew when you had started a family with John that this was part of it. But it was still hard having to say goodbye to all of your friends and to see John having to say goodbye to the family he had made in Jersey.
The second thing to happen was just as hard. John had an injury that put him out for a good chunk of time. So not only were you guys moving your whole life around but now he wasn’t even getting to play the sport he loved because he was hurt. It had been hard on John which had made it hard on you and your shared daughter who was at the age now where she picked up on his emotions easily.
There were small things you tried to do for him to keep the vibe a lot lighter around the house. Usually a lot of family time and going out to do fun activities. The only upside was John wasn’t missing out on a lot of these family moments now. Especially with the fall season here you all got to experience cute different fall things that you somehow never managed to have time for before.
Today was simple though, John wanted to watch Jersey play Utah so you planned a small lunch and figured the three of you could watch the game together. Your daughter was wearing her New Jersey Devils jersey that the team had gifted her last season (she still didn’t have a Utah one and she refused to wear anything that didn’t have her dads last name on it).
It was written all over Johns face as he looked at the tv and watched his old teammates playing without him that he felt like he was missing out. Your daughter picked up on it quickly of course but she also was at the age of curiosity and questions which sometimes helped lighten the mood. “Daddy?” She asked as she sat up on the couch with him to watch the game.
“Yes love bug?” He looked away from the game and at her. “If uncle Nico and Jack are playing why aren’t you there with them too?” She asked and a look of sadness passed his face. “Well baby, you know we moved to a new team so we aren’t on that team anymore.” He explained as she listened carefully.
“I’m on the team that they’re playing against right now.” He pointed to the other team and she slowly nodded her head. “Oh but you can’t play because of your booboo?” She asked and when you saw her lip start to quiver you knew this was going to get emotional real quick. “Hey hey, it’s okay. Daddy will play soon enough and then next time we play Uncle Nico we can go have dinner with him and your other uncles. I’m sure Uncle Luke will be so excited to see how tall you got.”
At that her smile returned and she was on a mission to make him smile too now. “I would love that sooooo much!” She said and then shifted off the couch, leaving you to look after her confused as she started towards the kitchen. “Where are you going love bug?” You asked.
“To get ice cream for daddy, it always makes me feel better so it will make him feel better.” She explained and that was your cue to go help her. As you were getting up from the couch John caught your hand. “I just want you to know I wouldn’t change a thing. As much as not playing sucks, I have you and her and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.” A small smile grew on your lips. Things were going to be okay because you three had each other.
