A Break Through!

As I always say, "It's better to be the bigger person than to stoop down to their level." At last I was finally given the opportunity to do just that!

TJ & I went to his little sister Gina's State Basketball game last night. Unfortunately they did not win so they are playing for 3rd and 4th rather than for 1st ans 2nd. Besides the point I have started to make mends with TJ's family.

We arrived at the gym last night and found our seats then to see TJ's mother, father, sister, and uncle walk in. We then followed them to the cheering section in which they were sitting only for me to think, "I can't even look at her (TJ's sister, Michelle)." And that was just it, I couldn't even look at her after the words she had said about me.

TJ's Dad, Mark, then started talking to me so that helped ease the tension slightly. Mark has always taken an initiative to get to know me and has never gotten involved in the falling out over Christmas.

After we all got settled in and more of a crowd started to show up Michelle went and sat with her friend and TJ's mother started to talk to me. We talked about the game from the day prior and about how the game would go last night. Things went well and I felt like a bigger person by keeping up a conversation with his mother who has always been difficult for me to talk to.

The game then got underway and Gina was "Ding it up" and being just as aggressive as any go getter would play. Unfortunately her aggressive playing got the best of her and she fouled out in the 4th quarter. The Lady Pirates fought their hearts out to win but they were unable to hang on.

After the game TJ and I waited for Gina to get cleaned up so we could let her know that she played well and to keep her head up high. After all there are many teams that would have loved to be there but did not succeed.

Gina came out of the locker room, tears rolling down her face, and accepted our hugs and words of inspiration. She thanked us for driving the 3 hours to watch one of the most important games in her high school career. She was genuinely glad that we were able to show her our support.

Michelle at that point walked away without saying anything so TJ said, "Michelle, not even a hug?" Michelle turned around with an annoyed "if I have to" look and gave TJ a hug. Gina & I happened to be looking at each other at that time and Gina simply rolled her eyes in disgust by the way Michelle was acting.

We lingered around for awhile speaking with the family and as we were getting ready to leave I simply stated, "Bye Michelle. It was nice seeing you again."

I knew I had to be the bigger person and by me stating the first words; I have done so.

By me showing up to Gina's game; I have done so.

By me holding up a conversation with TJ's mom, I have done so.

Now the only one left is TJ's brother's girlfriend, Carisa.