She's Hit Her Stride

When I was a kid,
I was given every opportunity to try whatever activities I wanted.
Gymnastics, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Swimming, Diving, Horse back riding, and various school sports.

The first thing I tried when I was quite young, was gymnastics.
I was placed with older girls (I was tall for my age)
and one in particular was a terrible bully;
for whatever reason she singled me out.

It wasn't overt bullying but I knew without a doubt that she did not like me.
Even though there was a great coach and other nice girls,
my memories of gymnastics will unfortunately always be coloured by this girl.

I learned how to do back walk overs and back handsprings.
I was graceful but not as strong as I needed to be to do some of the tricks.
But all I remember is the awful feelings I had when this girl was around,
and also that my wrists were always sore from the pounding.

So when Middlest showed interest in gymnastics I was less than enthusiastic.

Obviously my neutrality was a little skewed.

But she insisted 

and I relented.

Middlest was struggling.
She needed to find something to call her own.
She was an extremely talented soccer player, and she loved the game,
until her late onset asthma stopped her in her tracks.

So even though she was older, she decided to give gymastics a try.
Strength, stamina and flexibility over running.
It seemed like a good choice.

Gymnastics has indeed changed over the years.

I was pleased to see how much safer the sport had become.

No longer was a thin mat laid down over a gym floor,

but instead a state of the art thick forgiving firm cushioned floor was being used.

During the six weeks of classes Middlest came to some conclusions.

She realized if she were to do well at this sport she would have to work doubly hard.

Her tall willowy physique made it harder  for her to complete some of the skills.

She kept telling me about another younger girl in her class that was perfect for gymnastics.

When she finished her final class performance
she asked me if I had seen "the girl to my left."

"Now mom, she is built for gymnastics."

After considering her strengths she decided not to continue.

I have to admit, I am relieved gymnastics will not be a part of our life.

I'm more of a team sports kind of gal.

Of course though, had this been Middlest's one true love?

I would have supported her in any way I could.

I am particularly relieved that her decision was made because

I was open to saying "Yes."

She won't have to look back and remember she didn't have the opportunity

simply because mom said "No."

She realized it would take years before she might be able to compete.

And many of her friends were already too far ahead to catch up to.

One of the hardest things about parenting for me?  Is letting go.

When I do though?
It's when I feel the happiest as a mother.

Because that is when my girls figure out how to make great decisions.

Even hard decisions.

And it makes me proud to see them learn and grow.

Middlest decided not to continue with gymnastics.

But while she was disappointed as well as frustrated...
in just a few short months she has hit her stride and found a new love.

One that a tall willowy physique just happens to be perfect for.

xoxo,

***Thank you to K's dad for sharing this awesome Volleyball "Sweet Shot".
      (Mom forgot her camera)