A FOOTBALL STAR IN MY FAMILY

I am only an ordinary mother that hopes the best for my children. At the time (almost) all mothers in Indonesia expect that their children will continue their education up to the highest level, and later on they will get a decent livelihood, I have prepared myself to be happy to the choice of my son; he wants (only) to be a football player. As long as that profession satisfies his self and can make him happy, why not?

My beloved Fathur is gifted with a talent of playing football. How the talent will bring him to success, I am still not sure since career as a football player in Indonesia is not promising. But it is very obvious that he has set his resolution strongly. In his age of 14 years, Fathur plays for his school team. He practices the technique hard and diligently. He also joins a professional club in hope someone will look at and promote him to a higher level of club/division. Once or twice he also asked me to support and pray for his success.

In spite of his obsession to be a football player, one thing bothers me. He actually has a heart disorder.  The doctor said that when he was just 8 month old baby. The medical operation he ever had doesn’t guarantee that he is free from such a sickness. With so much energy he spends for football, my worry is getting huge. I am afraid, if he does not balance his activity well, the sickness will threaten his life. I cry to think of him stop breathing because of heart’s attack. 

This situation becomes a dilemma for me and my husband. It is sad to see him develop a dream that he might not be able to reach. He longs to be a football star like his idols; Messi, Ronaldo, and Ibrahimovic.  However, he must understand that his happiness cannot stand alone. It relates so much to the happiness of his family. He will tear off us if that football finally kills himself.

Indeed I haven’t talked yet seriously about this to him. Once I get his medical checkup result and the doctor’s suggestion, I will do it without delay.  I still hope that the result is not as bad as I imagine, so he can continue playing and reaching his dream. His dream is mine too. I will be very happy to have a football star in my family, if that is OK with his health.