Winning....

Whoever said "it isn't whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game" obviously didn't win a lot....

Because winning is FUN. It IS about winning, really. Ky's team won again today, and in winning, I am seeing my child blossom.

A little history... and bear with me, gentle reader... because I am about ready to spout off and be very protective of a child who is the most precious thing in my life. (YES, they're ALL the most precious thing in my life... so sue me)

This child has been playing soccer since the age of four. She loves the game, has risen through the ranks to the "select" level where she travels now....playing at a higher level of competition. She's not ready for the Olympics or anything (Heck she's only eleven and a half) but she does love the game, and sports in general...

Unfortunately, she's also learned some pretty ugly lessons along the way. Like how catty and ugly people can be. Like how stupid parents can be when they think their child is the next Mia Hamm, or David Beckham (for those of you who don't know who those folks are... check out the Google link) She and our family were slaughtered and tossed out like yesterday's garbage for a "better" coach, a "better" organization, a "better" idea.... and my daughter got hurt in the process.

What ended up happening was tragic. My child nearly gave up the game she loved. Her father ended up leaving the team he founded so that she had a place to play given her expanding talents... her ego was left shattered and she questioned if she ever really had any gifts at all for this game, or if we, her parents had been lying to her the entire time.... Parents on her old team decided they wanted a coaching change, they wanted a "better" way... and so it was out with the old and in with the new... no matter who got hurt.

My kid got hurt. That pissed me off.

She ended up leaving the team, trying out for a few others, and making her own decision as to where she wanted to play. Her dad doesn't coach... her mom doesn't manage. We cheer for her just like regular parents....(Notice I didn't say "normal"... that would be too much of a stretch for us)

Her new team is marvelous. Fits her like a glove.... she belongs there. The girls are fantastic; they respect her, she respects them. Her new coaching team (two women) see her for what she is, a hard working, talented athlete, an unselfish, gifted player, and an ASSET to a group of other gifted players. I see the return of my child, the spark, the jump, the energy... she plays with purpose. She takes the field with gusto, and shows a joy and a confidence. It is HER game, and it is her day to win. Carpe Diem.. she siezes the day, every day... she and her teammates as they play the game they love.

It is about how she plays the game.... and wins. My daughter is winning her own personal battle each and every moment she is on that field. It's not easy being a pre-teen girl. Heck, it's not easy being the Mom of a pre-teen girl... but seeing the joy on my daughter's face at the end of a day like today sure makes it worth it.

Congrats, Stretch. Mom is proud of you.