This is our first experience with true competition. Savannah proved that she does have a competitive bone in her body - I have proclaimed otherwise in the past. Even after a long day at school which leaves her tired, she strapped on her sneakers and sprinted a half mile once or twice with her daddy each week. She wanted to win!
This last week, we were all on pins and needles. Savannah had to finish first or second in order to take home the trophy. I tried to prep her for both scenarios - being a graceful winner and loser. After all, a trophy is just a bunch of cheap plastic. That cheap plastic had my girl a wreck last Sunday. Those nerves paid off and she ran the race of her life. Her best time yet. 3:18! She ran a smart race as she hung in the front pack but didn't push to be the leader. She knew the other girls would eventually drop back. Such maturity for an eight year old. She knew when to conserve and when to push.
What I didn't prepare for is the trophy ceremony. Both little girls were upset that they didn't get a trophy. They did, in fact, run just as hard as their big sister. In their eyes, they were in the running for the "beautiful, sparkly, trophy." After the last name was called, Adeline burst into tears. She came up to us and said, "They said Savannah but not Adeline. There is one more trophy in the box. I want them to call my name." My heart broke for her. She really thought they were going to call her name. I can see why. She has a huge crowd that cheers for her as she crosses the finish line. Adeline is a BIG deal at these races. It was hard to explain that only the fastest runners get the trophies because she knows, that will never be her.
The beginning of many hard lessons.
Here is Savannah right after crossing the finishing line. She was over joyed.
And because she is so amazing, here is Adeline crossing the finish line one last time. I absolutely adore Jeff Long. He waits for her every time on bended knee. After the trophy ceremony, he sought her out, got down on one knee, and said, "Adeline, do you know who my favorite person is at these runs? It is you. Do you know why? It is because you come each week and try your best and work so hard. You make me so happy. I am going to miss you. I look forward to seeing you each Sunday." Love him!!
Finally, here is Jeff with all my girls and a friend. Savannah was sweet and let Adeline hold her trophy. This made her very happy.
Before I forget, I have to describe a conversation I had with Adeline once we got home. She was still moaning and groaning about the trophy and asking when she could win one. I dug deep and came up with a response that more than satisfied her.
Me: Adeline, did you know that astronauts get a really big trophy when they come home from space?
(eyes double in size)
Adeline: They do! How big is it? Is it blue?
Me: Well, everyone is different because you get to choose your trophy.
Adeline: Oh Yeah! Can I get two? I need one for astronaut Jet too!
That's my girl. She honestly thinks she is taking a trip to space.
