Redefining Happy Endings

I just don't think I am cut out for this "mom of a high school daughter" thing.  It's more emotion and drama than I am prepared for.  Scary thing is I get to do it three times.  None of my girls will be in high school together and lucky me I will get to ride The Angst Machine three separate times.  Have you ever noticed how in the teen coming of age movies there is a predictable pattern.  Girl or boy feels like a complete and utter loser, always a well dressed and perfectly styled loser, but a loser none the less.  An hour or so of angst centered around perfectly styled teen and then teen decides to put him or herself out there, take a leap of faith, take the plunge, etc.  Cue the music, something happy and inspiring, and the forever fabulous girl or boy gets their happy ending.  The happy endings usually come in the form of getting the part, winning the game/tournament, getting the boy or girl of their dreams, making the team, etc.  Celebration ensues and credits roll.
This morning I found myself wishing I could create the happy ending for my daughter, but despite her putting herself out there and taking the leap of faith, she did not make the team.  And so instead I find myself redefining happy endings.  The happy ending becomes more about the discipline she developed training and getting in shape for tryouts, and the hours of determination in the backyard juggling a soccer ball, but most importantly, the pure guts it takes to put on the cleats and step onto a field full of strangers at a brand new school.   As it turns out, discipline, determination and raw guts are the what she'll need no matter which team she plays on.  And so this afternoon we will raise our glass to determination and guts over Five Guys fries, celebrating the real happy ending.  Cue the music. . .