As I contemplate my life as a mom today, I am inspired by my kids. They are amazing. They do a lot of really great things that either they didn't think they could do, or frankly I wasn't sure they could do! I know I should have a lot of faith in them, but I also try to keep it realistic as to not break their hearts. Take Jacob for example. The kid has amazed me this spring. He decided to join the junior high track team. I was really excited about this! I'm a runner + my kid wanted to run = I am all for it!! It was a bit more intense than I had anticipated. Jacob had practice every day after school. About 2 times a week he went straight from track to baseball practice. Throw some scout activities and homework and trumpet practicing in there and his days were packed!! But he did so well with it, we couldn't complain. He took things in stride. One of the days I was tired just from hauling him around the town, he was ready to stay after scouts to play basketball at 9:00 after he had gone to track, baseball, homework, mowed the front lawn and gone to scouts!! Amazing!
What really impressed me about Jacob though, was what he wanted to compete in at track: The Hurdles. Just the word hurdle sounds like a huge obstacle that I would not even want to attempt. Track is for the 7 - 9 graders at the junior high. So not only was he one of the youngest, but I'm quite sure one of the shortest out there. Sorry Jake, but I thought he would try it once or twice and give up. Not so. This kid was determined. He went to extra practices at the high school and worked really hard to learn the correct hurdling form. He was ready to give it a shot.
As I watched the first meet, one of the kids in the first round knocked into a hurdle and it in turn knocked into another kid who fell as well. What had I done allowing my kid to participate? I was quite concerned. Jacob did great, but stumbled a bit right before the last hurdle and had to walk around it because he had lost his momentum. It was fun to watch though. Jacob had really gotten over nine hurdles (again, I would have knocked at least 6 of those down if I had gotten that far.)
At their last meet, Jacob was excited and determined to do well. Grandma and Grandpa Baird were able to come watch. He was in the final heat and in complete control. He made it over all ten hurdles in what I thought was a great time!! Pardon my yelling, but here it is:
Jacob won his heat and more importantly showed himself and his mother, that he can do hard things. I hope Jacob remembers this experience. In life, there are many "hurdles". Some are taller and harder than others, but just like those 7th grade hurdles, with a little training, preparation and a few spills during practice, they can be overcome too. Thanks for leading the way Jacob!!
What really impressed me about Jacob though, was what he wanted to compete in at track: The Hurdles. Just the word hurdle sounds like a huge obstacle that I would not even want to attempt. Track is for the 7 - 9 graders at the junior high. So not only was he one of the youngest, but I'm quite sure one of the shortest out there. Sorry Jake, but I thought he would try it once or twice and give up. Not so. This kid was determined. He went to extra practices at the high school and worked really hard to learn the correct hurdling form. He was ready to give it a shot.
As I watched the first meet, one of the kids in the first round knocked into a hurdle and it in turn knocked into another kid who fell as well. What had I done allowing my kid to participate? I was quite concerned. Jacob did great, but stumbled a bit right before the last hurdle and had to walk around it because he had lost his momentum. It was fun to watch though. Jacob had really gotten over nine hurdles (again, I would have knocked at least 6 of those down if I had gotten that far.)
At their last meet, Jacob was excited and determined to do well. Grandma and Grandpa Baird were able to come watch. He was in the final heat and in complete control. He made it over all ten hurdles in what I thought was a great time!! Pardon my yelling, but here it is:
2 comments:
That movie is awesome! Go Jake!
That is awesome! And I love that you got the encouragement from the sidelines. So many times we cheer them on and they don't hear it. This time he will loud and clear. Love it!!!
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