to my daughter
November 2, 2016 § 8 Comments
Today is game seven of the World Series, your team is on the verge of something extraordinary, but here’s the bit of magic I hope you remember: win or lose, the real game is about living out a dream with passion no matter the odds.
We’ve watched as seasonal fans waffled between idol worship and pessimistic snap criticisms, but your team keeps showing up and challenging us all to believe. This is the thing, underneath the media clips, there’s hard work and messy failures. The team you champion are made up of imperfect individuals who show up no matter what.
Maybe this is why you love them, because you’ve felt like an underdog and recognize the vulnerability in daring to dream beyond others’ expectations. Perhaps you recognize the burden of carrying others’ hopes among your own and the inner strength it takes to balance that weight.
You’ve dismantled others’ assumptions despite unfavorable odds and set your own goals, doing the unglamorous work of struggling out loud under the watchful eyes of peers and educators. There aren’t awards or cheering sections for failure, it’s the standing back up that counts.
Win or lose, we play for the love of the dream; the song in our heart that only we can hear.
Love, Mom
scribblechic 
I never thought of Cubs fandom in this way! You’re so insightful. My husband and I cried the first time we heard Eddie Vedder’s “All The Way.” Cubs or Indians fan, you’re so eloquent, again.
Thank you, Janice! I think we’ll all be teary eyed tonight, one way or another. Go Cubs!
Very beautifully written Marie…a wisdom built from the love of that self worth 🙂
Thanks, Mark!
Aha. This year was Sophie’s choice for me–grew up rooting for Indians but have rooted for Cubs for several decades now. I was glad to see them break their 108-year streak!
I have never been an avid sports fan, more of a passing enthusiast. My daughter is true blue and it was her enthusiasm that was so infectious. All that said, it was a remember when moment in the making. Sports fanatics and seasonal enthusiasts alike will recall this World Series for generations to come.
I’m with you on the sports bit :-). It just doesn’t hold a lot of interest for me. But even I couldn’t help but get excited that to losing teams got their shot this year :-).
The narrative of those teams is a blockbuster in the making. I wonder how long it will take Hollywood to retell the fairy tale come true? I’m not sure any other match up would have held the same magic, both were playing for pride against the odds. I saw a field of dreams. 😉