Ella's Dance: A Grandma note

Note 122
My dearest Ella,
It’s not about winning or losing but how you play the game that counts.
I know there are a lot of people who would disagree with me on this one. And that’s OK. We’re all entitled to our opinions, right? (Remember my earlier note?)
I’ll never forget the day you helped a player from the opposing soccer team. You were eight at the time and playing defense and this little girl was handicapped and she was put in for the final minutes of the game. She had the ball and it was your job to get the ball. But you stopped when you realized the little girl was handicapped and struggling. Instead of blocking her, you encouraged her to dribble the ball toward the goal.The goalie saw what you had done and she, too, encouraged the girl to score.
You most certainly could have gotten that ball from her that day, but you didn’t. I was never more proud of you. Of course, your team won the game. But your act of kindness was the real victory. You made a difference in that little girl’s life and gave her a moment she will probably never forget.
Life is a game, Ella, and you will be judged on how you play that game. Play it with compassion and thoughtfulness. You might not always win, but you can be proud of the way you played.

Love you bunches and bunches, Grandma