But Did You Give It Your All?

This year was the first season our son played organized basketball, especially on a team with children he didn't know.

Look, for a family of five, it can be an unnerving experience.

But, during last week's playoff game, our crew all grew 3-inches taller.

…

The basketball rec league games have two halves, both 20 minutes.

During the first half of the game, my son Nas' team made several attempts to score baskets, but unfortunately, the ball just resisted the urge to go into the hoop. The opposing team had already taken a lead of 15 points. Sitting in the stands, we could feel the frustration and uneasiness of the team.

It didn't help that the visiting crowd was amped. But what did I expect? Their team was winning! Even their players started showing off, doing little handshakes and dances down the court.

During halftime, Nas' team was trailing by 20 points. They scored two buckets at the foul line just before the end of the first half. They looked so defeated, and you could sense from the atmosphere that the opposing team and their family and friends anticipated an easy win.

The loud halftime buzzer sounded, and my son returned to the court with determination in his eyes. He took a perfect shot, but unfortunately, it hit the tip of the rim and bounced out.

As a mother, I cannot describe the feeling of watching my son's face contort in agony as he let out a guttural roar of frustration while heading back down the court.

Nas is a competitive person (and he gets it honest), but I never want "not winning" to demotivate or cripple him.

Jason and I often have discussions with the boys about the importance of feeling confident that you have done your best. Life is not always about winning, but it is essential to give it your all, no matter what you are striving for. I believe that when we do that, we are guaranteed that God will handle the rest.

Seconds later, when Nas was running back down the court to get on offense, I saw my 10-year-old son catch the ball, breathe, and emotionally gather himself. His energy shift was palpable. At that moment, my baby stopped thinking about winning and focused on doing his best.

For the next 15 minutes, the once boisterous crowd was silent, only for the shrills, screams, and shouting of a family of 4 on the sidecourt cheering like we were watching an NBA game.

My son's team was fueled with passion, and I was so proud to see that Nas was the spark to the flame.

Unfortunately, his team did not win, but they returned from a 20-point lead and closed out at 28-32. It was an epic comeback that the parents of the opposing team could not help but respect the competition.

Nas felt the sting of the loss, but he walked out of that gym with his head high because he knew he had given it his all.

Sometimes the win is greeting defeat with a warrior’s spirit. #thatpart

Dionne Joyner-Weems is the author of “That Part! What Some Know But Won’t Tell You About Motherhood”. It is a diary and declaration about finding light in the darkness and lifting your voice! It is available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or anywhere books are sold.