A sore loser

Inadvertently over the years, I've endured a number of failures. Some setbacks, a few catastrophes, and occasionally a simple unembellished defeat. Friday night, defeat reaquainted itself as I lost the title match at some second-rate tourney. Still sore, but in the most literal sense as I'm now sure there is something wrong with my wrist. But since beach activities require very little wrist action, it's not so bad.

Surprisingly, this particular incident has not been shrouded with disappointment. Unlike six months ago when pride and racquet suffered brutally, both escaped unscathed. Rather, both came out stronger as coming second still entailed free food, a crate of giant apples, some silverware, and most importantly a handsome cash prize. To my own astonishment, I was actually happy to see our much younger foes play out a proud moment in front of their beaming parents. Who knows when it'll ever happen again. The combination of aspirations, encouragement, cohesiveness and celebration may never encounter generosity and a soft spot. Victories will always be around us, but will friends, parents, and smiles? Enjoy, young bucks, while it's your time. Someday soon, you'll be happy just for the free food.