The Life That Is Mine

I currently coach a 4th grade girls basketball team. We had our first game yesterday and we won 19 to 11. :-) I had so much fun! The sense of accomplishment and pride on the girls' young faces was fantastically coupled with the occasional chaotic confusion to be expected in their first ever basketball game.
Hearing them squeal after the game about how much fun they had left me with a feeling of total success as my motto/coaching philosophy can be summarized by the simple adage, "Do your best and Have fun!" Those are the only two things that I could ever ask as a coach.
Because I previously assisted my dad in coaching the 4th grade girl's volleyball team during the fall sports season, which now makes up half of my basketball team, I have become quite attached and fond of these little girls. Their innocence and excitement is fascinating...and I find myself wanting to forever protect each of them from ever being robbed of that happiness...from ever having to experience the reality of our often vicious world. I know that doing so is impossible...and it disheartens me.
These precious girls bring out my inner child...and constantly display such an inspiring passion for life.
Seeing them look up to me, I remember the way that I looked at older girls when I was their age...with such an admiration and a desire to make them proud. I never imagined myself being that "older girl". Furthermore, I never imagined how much I aspire to never disappoint them...probably moreso than they even attempt to refrain from disappointing me. I strive to be a valuable and encouraging female role model to them. I want to influence them positively and have a confidence-inducing impact on their lives.
I know that I can not keep them young, innocent and unharmed...but I can and will do my very best to provide them with the tools, confidence and values that will help them remain strong and to believe in themselves when they are inevitably faced with adversity down the road.
I look forward to watching each of them grow up into the beautiful women that I know they will. In the mantime, I will enjoy their joyful and innocent spirits.