First published in
Hope for Hardscrabble Times -A Hill Country Christmas FB page
Here’s her latest wall art, and she’s an athlete, too. At the opening volley game a couple of weeks ago, she tweaked her left knee—yep, this girl who has yearned for the beginning of the season, practiced all winter to hone her skills . . . I have been proud of her many, many times, but never more than now, when she’s come upon some hardscrabble times.
But like the heroes and heroines of the stories in our Hill Country Christmas Collection, she knows how to hang in there. To make do. To bring advantage out of disadvantage.
We can’t wait until she can play again, but going to her games still perks us up. She’s ALL THERE, regardless of adverse circumstances. Cheering her teammates on, greeting each member who comes off the floor, totally present in the moment. Reminds me of several of our characters, folks from various eras who faced war, pestilence, pandemic, and a host of other personal trials with spunk (to borrow a WWII term.)
So our family is cheering for Cora…and the authors of our Christmas Collecction are cheering right up to release day, October 1, too. May each of our tales brighten the homes of readers everywhere and provide examples of facing down obstacles with SPIRIT.
Who in your present or past knows how to look tough times in the eye and keep on movin’ ahead? Please share about one of them here!
Winners in life realize that the game is one or lost on the sidelines (training rooms, classrooms, gym, etc.). It’s attitude over athleticism. What a wonderful introduction to this young lady. I suspect her leadership reaches far beyond the track or volleyball court.
Of course, I’m biased as her Grandma, but I’m sure you’re right. When I look back at myself at her age, she is SO FAR ahead of me, so much more mature in many, many ways, and that makes me happy. (:
What an amazing granddaughter you have, Gail! Thanks for sharing part of her story here, and I do hope she will be well enough soon to get back fully in the game.
Blessings!
Thanks –do you have grandchildren?
Cora Joy’s wall art is awesome! But, more importantly, she has her head on straight which she demonstrates with her teammates when she, herself, cannot participate. Too many people would be in an extended pity party. She’s an example for all of us to follow.
Head on straight is a mighty good thing!
Gail, as. grandmother to an Assistant Volleyball game, I can sure relate to your comment about Cora’s knee! Those injuries plague the players as they are then benched until healed. But…the Coaches are also plagued as the often times are without their star player…I follow the sports in your local newspaper. Cora seems like a wonderful young lady who is quite mature for her age and really knows where she is going and exactly how she will get there! That is certainly a breath of fresh air in today’s society. So different from when I grew up! Cora reminds me of my Granddaughter…beautiful, determined, a real team player (even from the sidelines cheering her team on) and dedicated! You can be very proud! Sending prayers for healing, love and many Blessings! She is a Prime example of every parents hope in their child. ❤️
My comment should read: Assistant Volleyball Coach
Aha! I was just going to ask about that. (: Seems like a coach’s parents/grandparents go through all the ups and down w/them. Glad you’re there for her/him.
From all your mentions of Cora, I had formed an image of her in my mind. I’m delighted to see that she is quite like I pictured her—pretty, sweet, and talented in many areas. I think she might have your smile! 🙂
She certainly uses it often!