Going Down Swinging…or Singing

posted by Momo Fali on May 28, 2009

Tuesday night, my 10 year old daughter and her school softball team competed in the district championship. They lost. By one run.

That day was “Field Day” at school. The sun was out, it was hot and humid, and they ran obstacle courses for most of the morning and afternoon. By the time they got on the softball field at 6:30, they were tired.

Not to mention, out of the 10 girls on the team, one was out with a head injury and another (who played so we wouldn’t have to forfeit) had recently stepped on some nails. She played right through her pain. Possibly because my husband told her to “gnaw her foot off if she had to”. He’s a charmer, my guy.

These girls gave it all they had. All the hard work and determination paid off, but not quite as much as they would have liked. After they accepted their second place trophy and watched as the first place team celebrated, the tears began to flow.

But, my daughter didn’t cry. Not a drop. As a matter of fact, she was smiling and laughing…and happy. She was completely and totally proud of herself and her team, and she had every right to be.

As we were walking to the car I said, “I’m really proud of you. You pitched well and you hit great. But most of all, I’m really happy with your attitude right now.”

She replied, “Yeah. I’ve been telling myself that even if we lost, I would be really glad that we made it as far as we did. I thought a lot about it and that’s the same thing I’m going to tell myself if I ever get on American Idol.”

It’s good to know that her successful softball season didn’t keep her head from being in the clouds.

    Comments

  • WeaselMomma


    2nd place is 1st loser. Let her know they did in fact win a first place award.

  • Tom


    Attitude is everything, whether you’re stepping on nails or facing Simon Cowell. She’s right on the money.

  • Lisa@verybusymomwith4


    If you have that attitude, you are always a winner 🙂

  • Kim


    That is an AWESOME attitude to have..high five to you proud Mom because it has so much to do with you too!!

  • Always Home and Uncool


    Gotta love a kid with realistic goals.

  • Jaina


    Congrats on a great season ending. They did well despite the odds and whatnot. Your daughter has a fabulous attitude!

  • AlisonH


    Well done!!!

  • Rachel


    That’s awesome sweetie!
    Kudos to her and to you for raising such a smart, well adjusted kiddo!

  • Otter Thomas


    Losing is a very tough thing for me. Good to know your daughter doesn’t let it affect her. Who knew softball could teach us lessons about reality TV singing competitions.

  • meleah rebeccah


    Your daughter really does have a GREAT Attitude about the game. My son is a TERRIBLE sore loser. He could certainly take a lesson from her!

  • anya


    You must be so proud to see your daughter learn such a valuable lesson about attitude. It will take her far….even American Idol!!

  • Corey~living and loving


    you sure have done something right by that little lady. ♥

  • Bean


    I am so flippin’ proud of her for her team doing so well – and even more so for her awesome attitude!

  • Heather


    Awww! I am SO proud of her. What an awesome attitude! Way to go, Mom!

  • Comedy Goddess


    She sounds wonderful! You did a great job, mom!

  • Tracey


    Okay, so I actually got goosebumps reading your blog tonight… and American Idol’s Simon better be prepared cause between your daughter and son the guy doesn’t stand a chance!!!
    Congratulate her on the season, on the attitude, and on the dreams!!

  • Mark


    Your daughter has a great attitude!

  • alison @ cluck and tweet


    I’m really proud of her, too!

  • susiej


    You couldn’t ask for more out of her! What an awesome girl.

  • Debbie


    What a great kid and you gotta love that life plan!

  • territerri


    What a great kid! She reminds me a lot of my daughter, who’s now 16. Her team played a tournament, starting at 8:00 a.m. after they had all been at an all night Relay for Life fundraiser. They took 3rd. She’s played ball since 1st grade and has always taken wins and losses in stride.

  • Single Parent Dad


    Way to go. What a fantastic attitude.

    And I await to see her on American Idol.

  • FrankandMary


    I wonder if anointing her as our leader would change everything ;-)?
    I rarely find a child with that great of a tude whose parent does not have a pretty well-developed one also.
    She sounds effortlessly natural as well. ~Mary

  • Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING


    Oh my! I want your Daughter’s attitude. And I want her lofty aspirations.

    KEEP BELIEVING

  • Aunt Juicebox


    Can I have tickets to the show when she gets on?

  • Dapoppins


    Your kids are just chock full of wisdom! I love how they learn these lessons.