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.
Find IronKids on Facebook, follow them on twitter and buy their products everywhere!! Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall Pharma Plus, Metro, Sobeys, Loblaw/Fortinos/SuperCentres, London Drugs and Well.ca. As well as Target.com, CVS.com and Amazon.com in the US.
Disclosure: I am a Brand Ambassador for IronKids products, a product I strongly believe in! The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
I marvel at your dedication and your daughter’s too, the rewards of which will be found amidst the pride of accomplishing great things. Great snapshots!
What an incredible daughter you have. Tell her a complete stranger is proud of her. Weird, but true.
Poor thing, but what a champ! I hope she has a fun weekend to make up for missing dance. XO
The thing that stuck with me is that you fave her the choice. What a wonderful Mama… understanding that even with the commitment, it’s still about the balance that works best for her!
You and your daughter really are amazing, such commitment is hard to find and I hope that your daughter realises her dreams through all her hard work.
Wow, that is seriously impressive. Major props to your daughter and kudos to you for supporting her!!
What an amazing mama-daughter team.
It’s so hard to watch them struggle with commitment and priorities, and yet at the same time rewarding when we see them be strong in their choices.
You are an awesome cheerleader!
We are in the same overscheduled boat as you and your daughter. Here, it’s my oldest son and instumental music. On Tuesdays, he goes from school to French Horn lessons, to Philharmonic Orchestra, and finally to basketball or Bible Quizzing practice. He eats in the car too and arrives home at 8:00. He takes off his shoes for the first time since 7:00 AM and crashes. Thursdays is Tuba lessons. This weekend, we’re going to an Honor Band two hours away. Next weekend is a competition 4 hours away. I just hope we have a full ride music scholarship ahead of us!!!
My heart breaks for your gal.
I can sympathize with being a teen and having to choose between an activity and your friends.. At that age, it feels like the end of the world to not be doing what the crowd is doing..
Her dedication is admirable! Many teens would give up their dream/passion if it meant not being with their friends. Her choices say SO much about her character and how great you and your hubs have raised her 🙂
Your daughter sounds amazing! I am sure it is tough for her to miss out on things with her friends, but the fact that she is so devoted is amazing for a young child. Great photo skills too Mom! I hope you are doing well. It’s been forever since I have been by.
-Mandee http://raisingmy5sons (remember me? lol)
I just love her dedication to the sport. I loved gymnastics when I was young. That is definitely a tough schedule for all of you. I wish her every success that can come her way.
My jaw is on the floor. Look at that gorgeous strong girl!!!
Activities and sports-oh where to draw the line??? I was so happy to read you say you offered her a choice. What an independent thinker she is learning to become. Way to go, both of you.
Oh that would be hard. But yes as long as it is still her choice and what she wants then it is awesome. Sounds like you are handling it all wonderfully.
That was my story as a kid. I was a professional ballerina by the age of 15 and I missed out on so much. But I caught up later on in College and the dancing taught me so much about determination, hard work, leadership, etc.