I attended my granddaughter “M’s” spelling bee this week. Spelling bees have changed over the years … bigger, harder, it’s a big deal, and “M” did us proud.
I remember when I was in a spelling at my grade school. Now, I admit this was a LONG time ago, and even though my memory is a bit rusty, I still remember the pressure. I remember the differences, too.
“M’s” spelling bee had 24 participants … mine only had 8 (or so). “M’s” had REALLY hard words in it … mine seemed hard, I think the biggest word was “authenticate”, hers had more syllables and even I couldn’t understand the definitions when given. “M’s” audience had a hundred or so kids in the auditorium with parents … mine was a few classrooms with only teachers.
But no matter how big or small, to a second grader it’s real and it’s big. “M” was amazing, not because she won (although she placed well), but because she did her best, she prepared herself, she saw a challenge, and she tried. What I am most proud of is “M” lost gracefully and with maturity for her young age. These will serve her well in life.
If you look at any winner at any sport, business, or race, you’ll find they lost more than they won. What makes a successful winner is how well you lose.
Tagged: grandchildren
