Do you ever have those times when you feel like the Universe is totally against you. Those are the times when everything goes the opposite of what would make you just a little happier, just a little more connected, just a little more noticed.
I think my kids are feeling that way right now. Villanova just lost in the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. I know, it’s not that bid of a deal but we are basketball family and both of our kids go to Villanova. This is my son’s freshman year and after watching the hoopla of last year’s championship game, he was so ready to be part of a University with a winning team. He has been cheering them on all season in hopes of a good tournament run. None of us really felt like they could win it all, but we were hoping for a good run.
And my poor daughter, she is senior at Nova. Last year she was studying abroad in the spring and missed out on the entire season and the big win. She didn’t even watch the final game as she couldn’t find a way to stream it to her little room in London at 3:00 in the morning. All of her friends road tripped to Texas for the final two games, school was closed for a day to celebrate, there was a parade in downtown Philly, fireworks on campus at night. She missed all of that.
There will be no celebrating this year. I am sure they both feel more than just a little deflated. They wanted to be part of the Nation, part of that shared experience of being champions. It’s hard to not feel like the Universe purposely left you out.
Why is it that those intense celebrations of a moment bind us in a way that those who aren’t present get left out? The power of the ‘remember when?” is pretty strong. I wish I could find the words to make both of my kids feel better today.
mollykirkblog 
Even though three out five our our kids went to St. Joseph, there is still a soft spot in our hearts for Villanova. What a bummer! The last few minutes were heartbreaking. I feel badly for your kids…I’ve been there.
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I was listening to the game on the radio when my daughter called me when there was just 30 seconds left in the game. I had to wait 15 minutes until getting home and learning the final outcome of the game. I was sad. Nothing can match that storybook ending last year, but I was still very hopeful.
ritadicarne.com
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So sorry to hear about your team’s loss. I hope you will find the right words; losses can be so disappointing!
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Losing is one of those tough lessons in life. My husband was a high school basketball coach and the excitement is unbelievable. Losing crushes your heart.
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I too was totally disappointed. Live in Nova Nation and can’t imagine how your children must feel. At least you son still has a chance for 3 more years. It wasn’t a good game at all. Felt they didn’t have any rhythm. Oh well, there’s always next year. Go Xavier!!!
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Next year, and the next and the next, hopefully!
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I will be hearing about this tomorrow from sixth graders as heart broken as all of you are – Nova played gloriously, thought.
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As they always do, with such heart and grace.
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So hard when the disappointment is fresh to find the exact words because it does hurt. It’s not just a “silly game” when we have a team that we have given out time, energy and hearts to supporting! ❤
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