So Close, and Yet So Far Away...

Day 145:

As hard as we work to achieve most anything, Conor, defeat is always only a moment away.  The trick is to stay ahead of it.  To be more resolute.  To make fewer mistakes and to outwork the competition - be that a person, an object, or a team... In this case, the New York Rangers...

My Washington Capitals have been playing so well in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Boy'O.  To be sure, Washingtonians, both native and transient, have been so tremendously proud of the Capitals and their effort to take the Cup.  Though I'm afraid an exceptionally poor play with less than 30 seconds left in the game may have well cost the entire effort.  A high-sticking penalty on Ward at a face-off, with only a few moments to go, gave the empty netted Rangers a two man advantage of the Capitals, and with 6 seconds left on the clock, the Rangers scored.  With the penalty being a Double Minor, Ward drew 4 minutes in the box which of course bled into the overtime...  And having barely come back to full strength at the conclusion of the penalty, the Rangers scored again...

The air came out of the room, Conor.  You and I, watching the game together, Mommy long since retired to bed, and an otherwise quiet basement... Suddenly the announcers erupt, The Rangers danced victoriously across the ice, and WOP!  Reality...  Now the Caps are down three games to two with game six coming back to DC on Wednesday, and we have to win it...  Lose and you're out.

All because of one, small high-sticking call late in the game.  One mistake.  That was all it took...

Things like this are always a good reminder of this lesson to me, Conor.  But be sure you understand this lesson as well, Son.  The first time you learn it is the worst.  Defeat, disappointment, vulnerability.  If it's something you truly love, you'll vow to not make the same mistake and then hold yourself accountable.  Believe me, you'll want to.

There's a head load of philosophy for you, Boy'O.  The bottom line is though, losing sucks.  And it's true, you can't win them all.  But if you work hard and minimize your mistakes, when the pressure's on you'll come out on top more than not and in this life, that's all anybody can hope for.

You were a model citizen tonight, Conor.  Napping through the game til the moments mattered a little more.  At which point I promptly scared the crap out of you while hollering at  the television.  Still, not a tear.  The Lion Heart is tough... Perhaps a hockey player?  Time will tell...

I love you, Son.
-Dad