"But, it's my dream, mom." Wow! I never expected to hear those words from an 8 year old boy. It was a week night and he asked me to sit on the couch. Usually, it is the reverse...I am asking one of MY children to it on the couch...so I can get their attention, help them focus on what I am about to tell them...so I can look them in the eye and have them hear something from my heart to theirs. But, that night...he needed mine.
You see, since the boys were small, we had allowed...even encouraged them...as they pursued athletic interests - they dabbled in a small, local basketball league for two seasons, they played Little League baseball last season (and did exceptionally well, I might add!) But, this year was going to be different, I could see. My children were developing their own thoughts and ideas...their own dreams.
Isaac asked me to sit ... to hear his request ... a request I had heard casually many times, but hadn't actually listened to or taken seriously for some reason. Did I think it was a whim, did he really know what he was asking to do, was it possible that I had a prejudice that I didn't want to deal with?
He said plainly, "Mom, I want to take gymanstics. It's my dream. Can I? I think I can do good."
Of course, I immediately said, "Let me talk to dad and we'll see what we can do." I did my research and within the week had him in the local Tumbling class. After the first class, the coach came to me and said, "...you were right, mom. He's got talent. I think he can be competitive in a year or less." Wow!
Now, after 3 months, two standing backhand springs independently, 10 backhand springs consecutively (being spotted of course), trampoline work and much, much more, he continues to work hard to see his dream become reality. He never walks anywhere now...he flips, flops and tumbles.
You see, since the boys were small, we had allowed...even encouraged them...as they pursued athletic interests - they dabbled in a small, local basketball league for two seasons, they played Little League baseball last season (and did exceptionally well, I might add!) But, this year was going to be different, I could see. My children were developing their own thoughts and ideas...their own dreams.
Isaac asked me to sit ... to hear his request ... a request I had heard casually many times, but hadn't actually listened to or taken seriously for some reason. Did I think it was a whim, did he really know what he was asking to do, was it possible that I had a prejudice that I didn't want to deal with?
He said plainly, "Mom, I want to take gymanstics. It's my dream. Can I? I think I can do good."
Of course, I immediately said, "Let me talk to dad and we'll see what we can do." I did my research and within the week had him in the local Tumbling class. After the first class, the coach came to me and said, "...you were right, mom. He's got talent. I think he can be competitive in a year or less." Wow!
Now, after 3 months, two standing backhand springs independently, 10 backhand springs consecutively (being spotted of course), trampoline work and much, much more, he continues to work hard to see his dream become reality. He never walks anywhere now...he flips, flops and tumbles.
He enjoys it so much that his teachers have to remind him to quit smiling and "get focused"!
His natural agility is so fun to watch!
He's making great gains and we are so glad that we are following his dream.Is there anything your children are telling you that you haven't heard lately?
3 comments:
So cool!!
This made me cry. I'm impressed with his tumbling ability and proud of your honesty and willingness to put his desires first. God bless you all!
Angie Watts
You might have your own little Olympic team someday! Isaac the gymnast, Jonah the tumbler and Abby the dancer. Not sure if that is a category, but it might be by the time she's ready!
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