Last night, I watched one of my favorite movies of all time: "Angels in the Outfield". If you, the reader, haven't seen this movie, I recommend you see it as soon as possible. The family movie revolves aroundRoger, a young boy in a foster care, waiting for his dad to get him out. Meanwhile, the manager of the California Angels, George Knox, struggles to revive a slipshod team with little success. The two meet when Roger sees angels from heaven help the baseball team find a winning way.
As the Angels continue on their run for the division title, Roger is summoned to the family court on the day of a critical game for the Angels. When Roger goes to court, he discovers that his father has disclaimed his son because he knows he cannot materially provide for him. As Roger's heart is broken knowing he will not see his father again, Knox's heart is broken as his Angels team loses a game that could have cliched the championship. As Roger and George talked together, George tells Roger that "you can't go through life thinking everything you need will one day let you down."
As my college undergrad career is winding down, I realize this is the most important lesson for me to hold true to. When the Benedictine College class of 2013 graduates, we will go our separate ways to all over the country. It is so important for us to remember our friends that have formed us into who we are. We can't think they let us down by having a different plan for life or chose a different career. We have to continue to support each other and uphold our friendships. As we do this, we will continue to make our friends the best people they can be.
That scene also shows that wins and losses are important in sports, but the wins and losses in life are much more important. I hold my philosophy of "Win Forever" but I also realize there is a time and place when there is a loss in which no one wins. Losing a championship pales in comparison to losing a parent. Be thankful for what you have in your life and strive to be the best. When you lose a competition, be able to admit a loss and move on. When you lose something much more valuable in life, thank God for the blessings that we have in life - vehicles, a home, people that love us, and so much more.
Lastly, never lose hope. The Angels' star pitcher Mel Clark pitched a complete game victory because he believed he could (with a little convincing from Roger and Knox). If there is a shot to succeed, give it your best shot and aim to succeed! It could happen!!
