I had a particularly interesting English class today. We were reading some excerpt about someone's views on those who survived the Holocaust, including accounts taken from witnesses. One of the questions we were given asked, "Do you agree that a person always has a choice in the suffering he or she is forced to face?" I answered this question by saying hat everyone absolutely has a choice to the suffering they may face. It's all about the belief about their circumstances. This was a class-wide discussion, so I got to hear other's input, including some details of loved one's deaths. My friend went through something similar to me, only seven years earlier. Her mother got cancer and passed away when she was 7. She told us that her mother did bot choose to get cancer and was then forced to live with it and make the best of it.
Sure, her mother did not deliberately intend to get cancer, but emotions are powerful guidelines. They are the basis for all desires. My own mom did not ask for it, but it was the negative emotion that brought it forth. I have an idea as to why she might have been feeling negative. I thought that it might have something to do with how she looked. She was not completely happy with her figure and thought often about losing weight. Perhaps the lack of immediate results just took her down a notch. Once the tangible evidence of cancer is there, it is tough to get rid of since there is a constant awareness of it. Not impossible, though. Nothing is ever permanent.
So here I am at lunch, my favorite part of school. Okay, that's not entirely true. Wind Ensemble is way better. Especially since none of the usual people showed up to eat with me. That's why I have chosen to write at this time, so I have something to do.
Today is my last home game (or it was, since when I copy this online it will have happened already). I expect to win against Quabbin, mostly because I did easily last time, and they're on our turf this time. I am sad that we've only played four home games, soon to be five. Quabbin has been my only individual win.
Well, as I expected, I won my game! The final score was 6-0, 6-1. It was a different opponent than last time, though I couldn't tell you her name. Here was a point in the match where the ball was basically just going back and forth when I got an idea. I said to myself "You know, we've been hitting the ball deep almost this entire match. I wonder how she would handle a short ball..." With that, I was given a forehand next, so I lined myself up and hit a slice, probably the best slice shot I have ever hit. It landed very close to the net. My intention had been to run her up close and see how she handled herself at net. She ran towards the ball, then strangely she slowed down. The ball bounced once, but she'd already given up. Twice, and it was my point. Game.
During our break between games, we had a small conversation. Some of my opponents, I really think i could be good friends with them if they were willing. As we talked, we mentioned the hot muggy day we were having. Then, she told me, "I'm used to playing doubles. This is only my second time with singles. I'm not used to all this running around." In the moment, I laughed along with her, but my mind was deviously plotting. So she didn't like running around, eh? Well there was an advantage for me, since I am strong at net and have been described by my coach as "deceptively quick."
While I was not able to hit another awesome slice shot, the score still pleased me. If I served fast enough at her, she was simply unable to return it. Being used to doubles, she served from a little wider than in singles, so by hitting the ball down the line, I managed to gain a few easy points. Also, she had a tendency to stand a little off to the side, so I would hit it to the other side and make her run. It's so much more fun when I have a working plan. Hopefully I can work something in that will help my game against Marlboro tomorrow.
I am very proud to be on Varsity this year.
Kaitlin is a great co-captain along with Deanna, and Mrs. Weed is an excellent coach. I can tell that I have improved a lot since I first began as a shy little Freshman. I will miss the seniors, but at least I got the chance to know them, and I will do my best to keep in touch.
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