My daughter came home excited about making the varsity volleyball team, however she was disappointed that she didn’t get the jersey number she had hoped for.  I listened to her express her feelings about not getting her first, second or third choice and somehow ended up with “some random number” that wasn’t appealing to her.  This conversation lasted all the way home but before we departed the car I started to speak.

“Sweetie never let a number define you because you’re more than just a number! You take that “random number” and make it the most “recognizable number” on the court.  Your skills and talent can’t be contained nor measured by a number on your jersey.  I know who you are and I know what you’re capable of doing, so let’s have a great season and remember to play your game!”