“The boy who would be king” by Samuel Frauenstein

The boy who would be king

Whenever I think of Christmas I’m reminded of a story. I share it every year with someone special, usually one person, this year you are that one person.

A couple of years ago there was this kid, Jimmy. His one dream was to play rugby for South Africa’s most elite rugby school. He had all the drive in the world, all the passion, problem was, thats all he had. He had no skill and zero feel for the game. He was a joke. he had never played single game.

He would show up for every practice and kinda irritate the coach. For 3 years this went on. He was a loner. No real friends. Only his Dad to keep him company. They would do everything together. So towards the end of his last year there, the school was offered an opportunity To play a top international school in a televised game. Big news in South Africa.

That same week Jimmy’s Dad passed away. He was broken. The coach was kinda relieved because he gave Jimmy that week off from practice to mourn his loss. Finally the team could have a practice that did not involve him screwing up.

The Friday before the big game Jimmy knocked on the coaches door and asked him for 1 favor. Anything, the coach replied, I mean, the kid is loyal and his only friend, his Dad just died. I wanna play tomorrow, Jimmy said. After trying every excuse in the book the coach could not find it in his heart to deny this boy his wish. So immediately the coach changed the playbook around. Heaven forbid Jimmy got the ball and embarrassed the team on TV!

The next day the teams morale was down, and the coach prayed for the opposition not to kick to the useless Jimmy. As luck would have it they did. Jimmy caught it and ran in for a try. Like a touch down in football. This happened a record 7 times that day.

After the match the entire school was in awe. You aren’t that fast or strong or good Jim. The coach said. How did you do that? Jimmy looked up and said, my Dad was blind, now that he is in heaven, it’s the only time he could see me play…..

This is a true story, I know, because I played on that team the daynit happened.

Why it reminds me of Christmas is because its a time that miracles can and do happen, if you are willing to fight for them.