The Agony of Defeat

So for those of you who haven't heard yet....Rory was the winner of our checkers tournament.  I'd like to say that it was a close match, but he had me on the run the whole time.  As many of you know, Rory and I have been spending our recess time lately playing checkers and it has turned into a sort of grudge match...friendly of course.  I have played a lot of checkers against a lot of fourth graders, but I have officially met my match.  During our recess matches, I have held a slight lead, coming from two games down.  It is because of this that I officially challenged Rory to a best of three tournament to be played during our game time at our holiday celebration.  The stage was set....I was ready to send the message that I am the Checkers Champion of the Universe.  Apparently, I am not. 

As is my way, I try to look at the outcomes of events in my life and see what I can learn from them to improve myself as a person.  Here is what I learned today:
1.  Never challenge Rory to checkers.
2.  How to win gracefully.

Even though I did not win today, I learned a valuable lesson from Rory in how to win like a true champ.  After Rory delivered his final blows to my poor little checkers pieces,  he naturally celebrated and showed his excitement....as he should have.  It was how he did this that impressed me the most because it was all good natured.  It was at that moment that I was actually a little thankful that I didn't win, because I probably would have done something like "IN YOUR FACE, RORY!" and then proceed to get everyone's attention and make an announcement of my victory.  Boy, would I have looked stupid.  So today, I learned a valuable lesson, and for that I am very thankful to Rory.  You are a great kid, a great opponent, and a fantastic winner.  Well done, my friend!
On a different note, I would like to send an enormous "thank you" to everyone for the incredibly thoughtful gifts I received today.  From beautifully decorated cards, beaded bookmark, delicious cookies, picture frames, books, and even a note box made from elephant poo, I am truly appreciative.  By the way, the elephant poo note box is an awesome example of how to reduce and reuse!  My new Jack cookie jar has found it's place; safe in my kitchen where no cats or children can cause it harm.  And Rory, if you're reading this, your gift is under my tree, where I said I would keep it until Christmas Day.

Big thanks to all the families who were able to join us in our celebration and made the day even more special.  You are an awesome group of parents and I thank you for teaching your children to be equally awesome!

Thanks again to everyone and as this will more than likely be my last post of the year...I wish all of you a very safe and happy holiday.  Enjoy every minute with your loved ones and be sure to let them know how important they are to you.

King me,
Mr. Fletcher