There was a young boy who used to come for regular practice
but always played in the reserves and never made it to the soccer eleven. While
he was practicing, his father used to sit at the far end, waiting for him.
The matches had started and for four days, he didn't show up
for practice or the quarter or semifinals. All of a sudden he showed up for the
finals, went to the coach and said, "Coach, you have always kept me in the
reserves and never let me play in the finals. But today, please let me
play." The coach said, "Son, I'm sorry, I can't let you. There are
better players than you and besides, it is the finals, the reputation of the
school is at stake and I cannot take a chance." The boy pleaded,
"Coach, I promise I will not let you down. I beg of you, please let me
play." The coach had never seen the boy plead like this before. He said,
"OK, son, go, play. But remember, I am going against my better judgment
and the reputation of the school is at stake. Don't let me down." The game
started and the boy played like a house on fire. Every time he got the ball, he
shot a goal. Needless to say, he was the best player and the star of the game.
His team had a spectacular win. When the game finished, the coach went up to
him and said, "Son, how could I have been so wrong in my life. I have
never seen you play like this before. What happened? How did you play so
well?" The boy replied, "Coach, my father is watching me today."
The coach turned around and looked at the place where the boy's father used to
sit. There was no one there. He said, "Son, your father used to sit there
when you came for practice, but I don't see anyone there today." The boy
replied, "Coach, there is something I never told you. My father was blind.
Just four days ago, he died. Today is the first day he is watching me from
above."
