Tuesday blues

I feel blessed!

Imagine sighting a "kornik" in a local grocery here ... it felt heaven! It is very seldom I get to see familiar knick-knacks remiscent of pinoy chicheria. And a spicy flavoured one, too! I just munched away ... with gusto!

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Last week's activities were just as busy. Last Friday, we stayed on to watch a friendly sail match participated by Alexander's group. We helped the kids rig and launch their boats. As they gathered up out along the channel, the parents crowded the bridgeway to watch the fun-run begin. As the whistle blew, the boats scurried past the first bouy trying to catch some wind to take them to the next bouy. There were a lot of shrieks, shouting and laughter as the boats sailed back and forth. It was a tricky route. Alexander placed 6th. He was, of course, disappointed but he was also quick to admit he made some wrong maneuvers and was accepting of the outcome of his match.

However, when Alexander participated his first-ever badminton match the following day(Saturday, 10 October), it was a whole different experience for him. During the course of his matches, he obviously enjoyed it a lot when he was winning ... he was even grinning from ear to ear. But when he was well into his later games and started losing, one can easily see the frustration on his face ... his frown so visible and his eyes welled in tears as he looked at us watching from the sidelines. He gamely finished his game ... losing both sets. After shaking the hand of his opponent and the game official, he came running to me, hugged me tightly and started to cry. He was upset over losing his games. I felt bad for him, but I somehow managed to give him some encouragement and reminded him the essence of simply being a part of the game ... that it is never about winning all the time. We lose some, we win some. He realised that there are other kids better than him in the tournament. This very realisation made him aware of his own weaknesses as a player. He vowed to catch up and make it better. Anyway, at the end of the tournament, he placed 3rd. Not bad, but he was not satisfied. And so he made me promise ... we have to practise a lot of badminton together!

I believe last week's exercises had been a great learning experience for Alexander. He now knows that one has to work very hard in order to be No 1, or if he wants to get the big prize. We all learn from our experiences - good or bad. Alexander learned a great deal. And I believe he will keep these in mind.