Her very first national finals!

After 5 years of playing the game, M and her team finally made it to the finals of the nationals, girls 'A' division at that! And they would play at the Kallang Diamond, home of the national team. What a way to cap her dedication to the game.

She has won in other tournaments before, notably in the ASEAN regional, with the Singapore u-15 team, and at the SRC earlier this year which served as a good warmup. But not with this team.

For 5 years, they harboured dreams of being national champions, they have not been. In fact, they have not even played in the finals, let alone win one. They haven't won it yet but they did get through the semifinals, against a good team, by 1 run! More poignantly, she had a wonderful hit that earned her team a run and got her to 3rd base. Way to go, my darling! I am so happy for her.

The fighting spirit is what it takes to get them here. The same fighting spirit that keeps them on edge could tear them apart as they jostle to win not just as a team but also as individuals. It's a lesson in life and I trust M will learn it well. How she gives and takes, leads and follows are valuable lessons. As she grows up, and as I found with her Brother, life is their teacher now. As parents, we only can hope that the foundation to continuously learn from and grow from life's lessons are well established.