Lifelong Dream #2, Check

Our elementary school holds its annual 4th-6th grade spring track meet on the Friday before Spring Break.  To say that this is a big deal is an understatement.  It's such a big deal that by the time the kids are in sixth grade, the first thing they check is who is in whose class to guess the relay team and analyze who will win. Bragging rights and a trophy are involved. It's that big.

Lily has been talking about the track meet for weeks now, and every development was retold in detail to me--who ran well, who was sick and missed a trial, who tripped on purpose so their best friend could run, who made the relay team, etc.  This event is laced with drama, especially when retold by a sixth-grade girl.

As the day of the meet drew closer, the drama built.  Ever since fourth grade and the first time Lily ran the "cross-country," as it's called (about half a mile), Lily has wanted to win that race.  She trained a little, strategized a little, and talked and talked and talked about it.  This would be her last year to win.

I'll let the pictures tell the story.  Lily is in the white shirt with braids.

 Last photo courtesy of my friend Janette.

What a great moment!  I was so proud of her.  Emily, the girl in the black shirt who had won the previous two years, took second.

This wouldn't be the last blood match of the day.  Both girls competed in the dash--Emily took first, Lily took fourth.

The last battle of the morning--the sixth grade relay.  Lily was running anchor leg for her class, Emily for hers. Lily got the baton just ahead of Emily.

Then Lily kicked on the afterburners.

And the rest, they say, is history.

Oh how I love this girl.  I love her spirit.  I love her tenacity.  I love her willingness to push herself.

Just love her.