by Dan Reeb
Webster defines Sportsmanship as fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in winning or losing.
Somehow, I feel I have been a good sport most of my adult life. The difference between sport and life, in sport you keep score.
We had a full-term stillborn child in 73, it was very traumatic for us. The doctor said it was “incompatible” with life. I was walking out of the hospital via the ER entrance and a nurse came up to me and asked if I would like to see the child, I answered no, I really didn’t want to retain that image for the rest of my life.
I was driving home after this ordeal and decided to make funeral arrangements at a facility. I met this gentleman who made the process as easy as possible, he also knew my family. At the end he said” If it wasn’t for your Grandfather Jack, I would have starved to death in the 30’s”. Nothing more was said other than Thank You. Karma is a funny thing. I mentioned this event to my Dad, he passed it off as nothing special. Evidently Jack owned a grocery store, that failed, and was not rich but generous. Dad said for years Jack would get letters containing a few dollars in payment of a long-forgotten bill.
I lost 6 months of my life after the birth, of which I have no memory. I suppose I went to work and tended to my wife; the particulars I have no recollection.
I came out of it with an understanding of my life and the parts over which I have no control. I try to meet; not beat challenges because I respect the struggle. I did begin trying to live up to my grandfather’s example. I like to think this is a kind of gracious behavior towards your fellow man.
I understand that life is just like a forced march, one step at a time.
Being a good sport means understanding the limiting rules and respecting the framework in which you live.
I can stretch the limitations by expanding my capabilities. This means stop looking at where you are and try looking forward.
In 83 I was a technician working at a small Midwest company for 10 years. I was sent to do some testing at a Boeing lab in Seattle. The lab supervisor offered me a job. I discussed it with my wife and finally we agreed to accept the position. I had the confidence to do the work because I understood the rules of the game I was accepting. If you are not a good sport your possibilities of success narrow.
Understand that being a good sport is not complicated, it’s just keeping a good relationship with the rest of humanity.
Sometimes people are misled by an accepting attitude thinking that I will do anything to come out on top. This is not the case; in reality, because I must live with myself. Short cuts never work.
Taking a difficult assignment makes my basic skills come forward, establishing the alliances I form in the process and the ensuing results are very fulfilling. There is no greater compliment from a colleague than “It was nice working with you”.
Red Badge Project’s Mission Statement
To support Wounded Warriors in the journey to reconstruct their individual sense of purpose, understanding of self-worth, and place in community, as they discover and give voice to their unique stories. Outcomes include:
Improved self-acceptance and personal efficacy
Participants discover greater self-acceptance and efficacy as they find their voice, and produce stories inspired by their life experiences.
Improved communication and writing skills
Participants understand the creative process and utilize a variety of tools to express themselves within and beyond the classroom.
Improved sense of community
Participants feel safe within and beyond the classroom through outreach to participants’ families, peers and the larger community.
Leave a Comment