She didn’t want to go today.
I picked up my oldest after school and she had tears in her eyes. For about five minutes she denied anything was wrong and then, as soon as we were alone…..the floodgates opened.
She was missing the dance AGAIN because of gymnastics. Watching her girlfriends skip off arm in arm, going to each others houses to get ready for the big event…it was just too much for her to bear. Her little heart was hurting, and so was mine.
My oldest daughter is a Provincial Level Gymnast. It’s not always easy. She has had to fight her way through the occasional injury, has given up sleepovers and dances, and misses out on a tear jerking number of social events. It’s hard to make so many sacrifices all in the name of gymnastics.
This particular Friday night was a tough one. Watching her girlfriends skip off together all giggles and smiles with no concerns other then what clothes to wear, knowing the fun she was going to miss. Preparing because in the next 30 minutes she had to cram dinner down her throat, change, get her hair up and be in the car with a smile on her face. Four hours of gymnastics in her future.
This little athlete spends a minimum of 12 hours a week in the gym, not to mention the total of three hours of driving time. We get caught up on all our news in the car, she does homework in the car and two times a week she even has to eat in the car. Dedicated. Oh yes. Easy, oh no. She is kind of my hero….she works harder in one session of gymnastics then I do all week long.
As her Mama I do everything I can to support her as she chases her dream. Not only do I play paparazzi ( you just know this baby adores me taking about 100 pictures at every competition), but I also do my best to make sure she gets everything else she needs, emotionally and physically as she goes through her busy life. I prepare her healthy meals “to go” on those busy gym days. A big part of keeping her healthy is making sure she gets her IronKids vitamins. Those Omega 3s, Calcium, and Vitamin Ds have become an important part of our routine.
I’m happy to report we made it through that sad Friday night. As I always try to do, I gave my BlueEyes a choice, gymnastics or dance? Yes, the commitment she has made to gymnastics is important, but it can’t be her everything. I told her she was more then welcome to skip gym and go to the dance. With a shaking voice and teary eyes, she chose gym.
Wow, proud Mama here. It’s easy to be her biggest cheerleader.
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Disclosure: I am a Brand Ambassador for IronKids products, a product I strongly believe in! The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
She has got some mad skills – hurrah to you for supporting her dream!
Wow what a remarkable and dedicated little girl! I can imagine the choice was hard, but it certainly shows her dedication.
That’s commitment and work ethic for you. Your girl will go far, in whatever she chooses to do. Kudos to you, too, momma! 🙂
I do the same but with a daughter in music. Some days I think we’re both nuts, but when I step back and question her about backing off, she looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. I give her gummy vitamins but not this type, I’ll look for them next time at Shoppers… Good luck to your daughter!
she is def dedicated…and it will pay off for her…it is teaching her good things she will use as she gets older…
What dedication! I am sure she was taught by her mom. Kuddos to both of you!!
Wow…you deserve to be a proud mama. What a girl! The pictures show me that she’s a tremendous gymnast, but what really inspires me is her hard work and dedication. I hope to read more about her in the future.
You deserve kudos for giving her options. Great parenting; I’ll try to remember that when our little one doesn’t want to skate. 🙂
I echo what’s already been said here before… the commitment on both of your parts is nothing shy of extraordinary. There will be sacrifices, some tears, and heartache, but it sounds as though you have a wonderful, open relationship with your daughter, and it’s one she appreciates every bit as much as you do.
Keep on keepin’ on and I wish you both continued success.
And thank you so very much for your kind words and for leaving a comment so I could come here and read your beautiful blog!
That is true dedication.
I just gotta give credit to you, offering her the choice is so the right way to go, and more often than not, she will choose gym, because she has worked so hard for it!
Look at the form on that girl! Great job and your a great mom for being dedicated!
Wish I lived closer I would still go to any cheering, dance or gymnastic competitions. I just love them!
Your daughter is also MY hero….wow, she is amazing. Kudos to her; chasing her dreams. And YOU are an amazing Mom…allowing her to pursue and have choices in there for other stuff too!
Oh you are both so very sweet! Thanks ladies. My baby works very hard…I’m just supporting her as best I can:)
I agree with Lena, You both are Superheroes in my book. 🙂
I’ve been sitting here for about 5 minutes trying to find the right words to “comment” with. Your world, and your daughter’s, is foreign to me; quite frankly, you both sound like superheroes! So instead I’ll just send a great big hug your way, and a huge high five to her 🙂