DEAR ABBY: This letter is to "Beth's grandparents" (the ones who stopped coming to her sports games because she wasn't a star player).
I began playing soccer and basketball when I was 8. I hardly knew the rules and was very clumsy. Even though I wasn't great, I loved to play. It was a real treat for me to see my grandparents at the games. I always wanted to do my very best when they were there, but even if I had blown the winning point, I always could walk away knowing that they loved me. To them, it didn't matter if we lost. They were proud to come and watch, and I was proud to play for them.
Now I am about to start my second season of varsity soccer and have just finished a summer season of varsity basketball (I am going to be a sophomore). If I had given up because I wasn't "good" back as an 8-year-old, my love for the game would be gone and I would not have the joy of playing. No one is at their full potential at that age.
Please tell those grandparents to lighten up and encourage their grandchild to do her best without the pressure to win. They should be proud that she's out there working hard in sports that have not always been available to us girls. Good luck, Beth. Never give up your dreams. -- BLESSED WITH GRANDPARENTS WHO ARE A TREASURE, PORTLAND, ORE.
DEAR BLESSED: Your message comes through loud and clear. I wish you continued success.