Determination Perseverance Basketball

I think I have mentioned that I have a new job as a play ground duty at my kids school. Sometimes there are moments that just stick out for me, today I had one of them. Let me first say that the line between boys and girls and their various activities has become blurred since I was in grade school, and its about time! There are more 6th grade girls playing basket ball then I could ever have thought and all I can say to that is

"Good for them!"

I was watching a group of 2nd and 3rd grade boys playing basket ball today. (OK so it wasn't really a "basket ball game" they were playing the game where there are two people aiming for the hoop and when one of them gets it in the other is out... can't remember what you call it.) As I was watching a little (and I do mean little, this third grader is at least a foot shorter than anyone in her grade) girl went to join them. They readily accepted her into their game, and she tried her very hardest to play like all of the boys. She had absolutely no chance of getting that ball in the hoop accept by chance.

Did that mean she gave up?

HECK NO!

That little thing tried her very hardest, throwing that ball granny style every single time. Usually from directly under the hoop. I watched for a couple of minutes and found myself amused, impressed and yes entertained. "That's the spirit" I thought to myself, and then something else caught my attention and I had to turn away from the game. I returned to my rounds about ten minutes later, and found her playing at another hoop with another group of boys. Aiming, and throwing in the same way, she again had very little chance of making a basket. There was a difference this time though. The last time she had been readily accepted into the group, and was encouraged with kind words. This time they were actually chanting her name when her time came. It brought tears to my eyes. What an incredible spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship, this little group had, to actually cheer her name and encourage this tiny little thing in her endeavor to win.

I think every day I have seen this kind of kindness shown by the children at this school.

THAT is what is making me love my job.

THAT is why I keep doing it!