I'll start us off with a short and simple account of my time at a soccer banquet this evening. I went through the refreshment line and invited an older Asian lady to cut in front of me so she could be with the children she seemed to be responsible for. When I sat at a table, I discovered this same woman was seated at my table as well. She seemed to be not enjoying herself, but somewhat put out. I asked if she was all right and she admitted to having a headache. She said she usually stays home all the time and does not get out very much. I asked if I could get her some food and she accepted my offer. I got her a plate of food and she thanked me. Again, later during our time at the banquet, she thanked me and reached over to take my hand. She told me I was very nice. She seemed to perk up a little after that. I felt good. At the end of the soccer awards presentation, after the last coach finished, we were all sitting around to see if there was anything else. Was that all? everyone seemed to be wondering. I thought to myself, "Is anyone going to thank the coaches?" This only being my second soccer banquet ever, I felt unfamiliar with the traditions. Earlier, another mom who had gotten gift cards for the 6 to 8 year old's coaches made a comment that it seemed like sometimes each team just did their own thing, and I noticed some of the players piling a small pile of cards for the coach when they went up. I thought, "No one's going to do anything. I should call for a round of applause to thank the coaches." I hesitated for too long and one of the coaches said, "That's all, everyone, thank you for coming" and everyone started to get up. I was sort of sad and thought that was sort of lame that they didn't thank the coaches properly. I was glad that my son's coach happened to be standing close by and as I stood I thanked him sincerely and complimented him on his way with the children, which I'd always been grateful for. We chatted for a moment and I felt better. I still wish I would have called for the round of applause. A small thing.