Last week, I shared about the quiet strength of blooms pushing through the soil, determined to reach the light.

Recently, that metaphor came to life at the Stadium.

It was Sports Day for T.O.P.S and a vibrant tapestry of cheers, colorful jerseys, and the rhythmic sound of horns from supportive parents filled the atmosphere.

Amidst the excitement, my daughter stood poised at the starting line, flanked by 2 other girls taller and a bit older than her.

Her eyes, however, held no trace of intimidation, only determination.

I recall last year’s Sports Day, Jason’s words to our son: “Son, focus, stay in your lane, you can do this!”

Those words echoed in my mind as I watched our daughter. We had watched videos on best stance for speed on the track and she practiced in the corridor at home.

The whistle blew, and she launched forward, her strides purposeful and unwavering.

She didn’t glance sideways; her focus was fixed ahead.

In that moment, she embodied the essence of running one’s own race, not despondent as others took off ahead, but driven by her own resolve.