Me and My Shadow

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Me and My Shadow......

For the past 16 years I was the lucky mom that was fortunate enough to spend my time following 3 beautiful children around to all of their respective sporting events.

Brianna and Brooke have competed in dance and cheerleading since they were toddlers.  Brandon swam from the time he was 7 until he graduated from high school. 

My girls have competed in Las Vegas, NV, Branson, MO, Orlando, FL, Myrtle Beach, SC, Chicago, IL, and Indianapolis, IN....we have driven, flown, and carpooled across this country.  Brandon's events were mostly local but we spent many Saturday's in hot natotorium's waiting for his heat in a 2 minute swim.

I always made sure to pack the clothes, pack the cooler, feed them good food, calmed their nerves, curled their hair, did their make-up, sewed their costumes, bought their swimsuits, carried the bags, took the pictures, made the scrapbooks, cheered from the stands, screamed when they won and held them when they didn't...you name it - I did it.......so this past weekend we found ourselves in a little bit of a role reversal when I asked Brooke to accompany me to my CrossFit Competition for the Friendship Fall Master Competition.

Apparently everything I did for my daughter has taught her an invaluable lesson in life....and it's at that moment when you realize you have done something right...

She totally took control when I had none.  When I said I couldn't eat because I was too nervous...she made sure to talk to me gently and reassure me that I would be alright and somehow managed to get me to eat my breakfast.  When I thought for sure I was going to vomit from working out...she made sure to take pictures...something any mom would do.  When I fell asleep on the grass before my 3rd WOD she made sure to send a picture to Jim to let him know that I was OK.  She captured moments of all of my workouts, made sure she took a picture of my score card after every event.  Made my protein shakes post workout and brought me a banana.  Made sure I had the right shoes and my weight belt for each event.

But what I will never ever forget is her comforting arms when I found out I didn't get third place.  You see, this child can read her mama like a book.  I have a great way of turning it off for the rest of the world but this girl knew from the time it was announced until I lay in her arms crying that I really wasn't ok.  I laid on her lap in the back seat of the car while she stroked my hair and dried my tears.  Never having to say a word....just letting me know that she cared by her simple touch.

I am totally bragging here....but I want my kids to have the best of everything...and when I say everything...nothing of material is in my vision.  I want my kids to be happy and successful in whatever they choose to do with their lives...but I also want them to always know they are not the only people in the world.  I hold them at very high regard...and I love them with every ounce of my soul...but do unto other that has been done for you.  And all of my kids do and are.

I love you....my Shadow:0)