Catharsis

Some of you may remember a previous fencing tournament. We were very wary about letting Tom enter this time round. He was keen; he told us he was just going to keep Danny company. It was only a phone call on Thursday from his coach that eventually persuaded us.

But Tom...

Tom won his first fight and I think a calm came over him... he proceeded to fight beautifully. He gave everyone a hard time.

Every time he won a point he would turn towards me. His fist would clench for a brief second.

With each win the expression when he removed his mask evolved from initial incredulity to a beautifully calm satisfaction. Tom discovered he had it in him.

Tom won eight fights and lost seven. He has come home with a silver medal. He is becoming a fine wee fencer.

Kick ass.