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

We are now two weeks out until election day! It has been a whirlwind campaign season, and I will be so glad when it is done, provided that Kamala wins! 

I cannot believe that the race is still this close between one of the most qualified candidates in history vs. a convicted felon, self-described sexual predator, and chronic swindler. What the American people see in him and miss in her I will never understand.

I am not an optimistic person by nature, but I have to believe that 270 electoral votes worth of Americans will do the right thing! If they do not, it will not be a verdict on Kamala and her campaign. It will be a verdict on us all as Americans who put country and democracy last. When a tyrant tells you what they are going to do, believe him! I pray that enough of my fellow Americans believe his words and believe in each other enough to end his reign of terror.

If not? I'll see you in Canada.

SWEET 16

Cate turned 16 last week! Sixteen! Can you believe it? It feels just like yesterday when we brought that sweet child home in Portland to meet her big brother for the first time. Time flies!

It has also been five years since we moved here when Cate was starting fifth grade in a brand new school. I still remember her first day of school when she was adamant that she bike to school by herself. We had practiced a dry run on several occasions, but I was sure she would let me take her on on her first day because that had always been our tradition. However, Cate had other ideas. 

Somehow, she left me snap a picture of her before she headed out that day, and it still pulls at my heartstrings. A few moments later, she biked away. I am pretty sure I shed more than a few tears as it hit me just how brave my little girl was - a new city and a new school where she knew no one.

Last week, it was a different transition of sorts. Cate got her driver's license! On the day after her birthday (she was off on her actual birthday), she headed out in the morning to the Highlander. It was a cold morning, so first she had to defrost the windows. Once they were defrosted, she drove away all on her own.

Just as I am sure there is no preparation for parenthood, there is certainly no preparation for seeing your kids grow up and spread their wings. However, that is what we pray will happen when we raise them and try to teach them right from wrong and send them off into the world each day.

I could not be more proud of the amazing young woman Cate has become. She is passionate about her sports teams, her school work, and her friendships. She is loyal and kind. She is honest and does not take any shortcuts. She is the best of me and Kathleen without many of our shortcomings. 

I am so proud of you my sweet girl, Cate! I will love you until the day I die! I am so lucky to be your dad!