Determination and intensity

At the last softball game, Clair hit the ball was running to first. Shortstop made a play and a throw which was bad and hit her in the back. I heard the thump as she fell to the ground, grabbing her back and reaching around on the ground for the base, so she would touch base.

After The first baseman had control of the ball. I started walking towards her to see how she was doing. She starts walking fast towards me. I’m asking are you OK? And she’s not responding to my question but instead asking her own question - Am I safe? Am I safe?

I tell her yes she’s safe and she runs back to the base and sets herself up for the next play. I repeat are you OK? Do you need a pinch runner? She stares me down - No, I’m fine - with an angry get out of my way mom look on her face. 

So I say OK and turn to walk back to the dugout. I can’t help but have a little smile on my face as I return to the dugout. I’m just tickled at her determination to stay in the game and keep working hard. Meanwhile, the other parents are probably wondering why I could be so heartless to be smiling on the way back from talking to my injured daughter.

I would’ve liked to of hugged her and rubbed her back and kissed her and told her it was OK. But I knew that wasn’t what she wanted in that moment. She wanted to save that for later. Now it was time for business, the business of scoring. 

I love this girl and her intensity and emotions towards things!