The Best Loss of the Season

Aaron and the birds at a soccer game

Aaron's soccer team

My son’s high school soccer team set records this season—for the worst losses in their school’s history. They clinched the title at the head-shaking game when they lost eleven to one. I admit my husband and I were glad to miss that game…but because we only went to the home games, we missed the one goal our son scored at another field and the last and best losing game of the season.

When Aaron came home after the final game and kicked off his cleats, I asked him the usual question, “So how was your game?”

And got the usual answer, “Good. We lost.”

I think he enjoyed getting our hopes up saying good first and pausing before the word lost. At least his easy-going attitude kept him from caring about losing.

“So what was the score?”

“Three to one.”

“That’s not too bad. Who scored?” I asked, hoping he did.

“A kid with special needs.”

My heart melted.

The boy was the designated Assistant Coach. He never got to play in a game before this day…

“The other team acted like they were guarding him, backing up until he scored a goal. He ran around with his hands in the air. He was so happy. And we all picked him up to celebrate.” Aaron smiled while describing the scene. I held back tears.

I’m sure similar stories happen, but I’m thankful our son got to experience this lesson in compassion and kindness. This means more to me than winning a game. I love watching an exciting soccer game and experiencing the thrill of victory, but that feeling eventually fades. Doing something special for someone else less fortunate gives a reward that the heart can cling to forever. I hope and pray that this game is never forgotten by the guys on both teams. I wish we saw the game and the joy on that young man’s face.

I think God looked down on this game and thought “Victory!” for everyone.

*******

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1Peter 3:8

Comments

Book Review: A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf

From the first page, I knew this was going to be something special. And it was even better than I expected. I’m not one to usually read fantasy novels, but the poetic descriptions of this magical world author Jennifer Kropf created sparkled. Her characters had depth and personality that had me rooting for them and enjoying getting to know them as the story progressed. Helen is transported into this winter land parallel to her home where she encounters all sorts of different creatures somewhat like human, but not. Her mission becomes a journey with her patrolman to save the Truth. It had a touch of The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe aura, but such a unique story with its own charm and suspense. This book is one I won’t forget and will add to my list of favorites. I am looking forward to reading her sequel. Amazon / A Soul as Cold as Frost

OUT OF THE BLUE (Spring Fling Kidlit Contest)

Robin sang, “No. Not flying from my nest. Ever.” The ground was too far, and the sky, too wide. She wished she could climb back into her blue shell and forget about flying. Chickadee chuckled. “Come play air-tag!” Robin sang, “No.” Benny Bee buzzed by, somersaulting, ruffling Robin’s downy feathers. “Bet ya can’t do that!” “Show off!” Bee twirled again… Bang! Into a branch. “Buzzzz! Bzz! Bzz! Help!” A black and yellow dot spiraled out of the blue sky, past Robin’s nest. Without thinking, Robin dove and darted, flapped and floated. With Bee on her back, she landed on a cherry blossom carpet. Bee buzzed a soft “Thank you.” Robin waved her wing. “No problem.” Chickadee chirped, “Now are you ready for air-tag?” Robin sang, “Yes.” She tossed her shell to the ground. It was her time to fly.

24th Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards ... Book Review

On Sale: Amazon / Randi's Steps Randi's Steps did not win the Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, BUT... The judges wrote a wonderful review that I'm thrilled to share. "Randi’s Steps is a beautiful, bittersweet story told by Francie, the little girl neighbor who befriends Randi when she moves in next door. Judge captures a wonderful narrative voice, real and warm and very human. Francie loves having a best friend like Randi, who is different in seemingly tiny ways, like being Jewish, but who loves enough of the same things that Francie loves to make her the best of best friends. I liked the description of Randi’s Tinker Bell laugh with the occasional snort (13). Right away, Randi is described as being subject to headaches, which of course adults will understand. I think Judge conveys a progress of Randi’s illness perfectly. For all that Francie loves Randi, Francie is healthy and in need of healthy friends. She reacts with joy to...

Francy's New Morning

Search This Blog