Wednesday, November 6, 2024
MOURNING IN AMERICA
Monday, October 21, 2024
THE STING OF DEFEAT IN GOING FOR THE THREE-PEAT
Yesterday, Cate's soccer team, the Michigan Tigers, made it to their third straight State Cup Finals. They had won the prior two against a local team called Legends. However, this year they were playing Plymouth Reign, who knocked out Legends in the semifinal.
Plymouth has done better than us than most teams, and they knocked us out of the State Championships playoffs three years ago. We have drawn them on several occasions as well, and I am not sure we actually having a winning record against them.
The final was a contest of two very different styles. We play an expansive, attacking form of soccer, while Plymouth is content to sit back and park 10 players behind the ball in a zonal defense.
We made a mistake early on, giving them ball away in midfield that led to a quick counter and a peach of a finish by one of their forwards. At was 1-0 at halftime.
We committed a foul in the box, which led to a penalty early in the second half. They dispatched the penalty with ease, making it 2-0.
With about 15 minutes left to play, we pulled a goal back. There was everything to play for. With a few minutes left, Cate got the ball in midfield and drove forward to the goal with a defender going toe to toe with her. She just got off a shot towards the near post that was not covered by the keeper. However, the shot skidded just wide. We were not able to put away other opportunities, and so the game finished 2-1.
I know that they entire team felt badly about the loss, but there is a reason why so few teams three-peat. I am sure they will build on this adversity and come back stronger and more deliberate next time. I feel privileged to watch these talented and poised young ladies play the game I love so much. Getting to see my favorite players of all time bring her creativity to the pitch is a privilege that I will never get tired of. We will get them next time, Tigers!
THE KING OF ALL CAKES
Cate has turned into quite a baker, but she really outdid herself this weekend. She decided to make a King Cake - you know the kind they serve at Mardi Gras.
I have had a few of these in my life, but Cate's was honestly the best one I had ever had. So many layers and such flaky crust. A real work of art! Watch out, Ina Garten!
FORTNIGHT
SWEET 16
Sunday, September 29, 2024
ROAD WARRIOR
51
Earlier this month, I celebrated another milestone - my fifty-first birthday. I am not one to think too deeply about birthdays or aging, but it is hard not to at my age!
In thinking about the 51 years I have spent on this earth, I am struck by how lucky I have been and what a wonderful life I have been blessed with. My dream of being a doctor came true. I have been able to have the career I always dreamed of as an academic physician. My parents are both still well, and I get along with both of them. I love my siblings, and I have a wonderful wife and children, who are incredibly talented and who are growing into remarkable young adults.
I have been able to weather personal and physical challenges and am still able to get up each day and go for a run without limitation or discomfort and clear my mind. Because of my job and the people in my life, I have a better appreciation for the beauty of nature and the everyday kindnesses that are easy to take for granted.
Altogether, I feel very fortunate to have had the life I have had. I do not know when my last day will come. Let's hope it is not for a while! However, if it comes tomorrow, I will die knowing that I have been blessed by so many amazing people, places, and opportunities. I will try to remember this truth everyday - and not just around birthdays - and to appreciate all I have to be thankful for.