Delaney's team wrapped up their outdoor soccer season this past weekend with a 2nd place finish in their State Cup bracket. We started this year by making a decision of where she would play based strictly on our own ideals, not her choices. If she wanted to play soccer, we'd choose where. It's what Mark and I were comfortable with as parents, and we repeated the mantra "Delaney will be fine" over and over again. First and foremost, soccer was soccer, and life was life, we'd have time for both. New friends were made, old friends were enjoyed, and she went head to head with plenty of challenges on the field. She won some, lost some, and came to understand that there were plenty of games to play. She found the loses aren't so hard when you know you played your hardest, and you'll play again soon. With only a few hiccups along the way, it's been great for her.
She has demonstrated to us why we value team sports for our kids and put our time and energies into making it possible for them to play. She loves to compete, enjoys her teammates, understands life isn't always fair, and is a pretty great kid to be around. As a bonus, she carries her confidence into the class room and onto other teams as well. In the world of parenting, we are thankful to be able to ask our kids to spread their own wings. Remembering that they are capable and having confidence in them has served us well. It doesn't always work, and is difficult to trust in at times, but this time, we were right;
Delaney is absolutely fine!
I love to win; but I love to lose almost as much. I love the
thrill of victory, and I also love the challenge of defeat.
- not sure she's quite there with a love to lose, but we'll give her some extra credit for accepting the challenges!
