kandkfunk
Proud Parent
My DD’s 12-year journey is coming to an end. This sport has taught and given her so much and we are so thankful for the ride. Through many highs and lows, she would not be the person she is today without gymnastics. For the rest of her life, she will cherish her memories of meets, travels, friends and teammates.
It has not always been a smooth or graceful journey, but she overcame and conquered so much. From a coach telling her she would never progress past (old) level 5 (she didn’t have the right body type), to winning multiple state championships at level 5 and level 6 and reaching level 8. She has lived through her fair share of gym drama, coaching changes, a gym closure and early life lessons. One of the biggest lessons learned is to not let other people limit your potential or tell you that you ‘can’t’ do something. You have to work hard to achieve your goals and be willing to push through exhaustion, pain and setbacks. When your friends and siblings are taking breaks from their sports and activities, you still have to power through hours of conditioning and training for skills that most kids would never even attempt. All to put yourself out there to be judged and told how far from perfect you are in this sport. But, you love every minute of it. It’s in your blood, sweat and tears.
I recently saw the following quote from my favorite positive coaching mentors: ‘Parents…Hard physical work has a way of eliminating excuses and making you humble. Don’t allow your kids to go through adolescence without experiencing many calloused hands (Proactive Coaching)’. I think gymnasts have this pretty well covered. My DD has the most callused hands of any kid I know and she takes great pride in what those calluses represent.
I am beyond proud of everything my DD has accomplished and learned. It is heartbreaking when your body says it’s time to be done, but your heart isn’t ready to give up. I hear there is life after gymnastics and I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my DD and seeing what the future holds for her. Whatever it is, I know it will be bright. We only have two short years before she heads off to college. Here is to making the most of that time without gymnastics.
Best wishes to all of our fellow Chalkbucket families and gymnasts in your personal journey. And to all the coaches, gym owners and judges out there, here is a great big thank you from a gym mom and lover of the sport. Your hard work and efforts allow our children to follow their passion.
It has not always been a smooth or graceful journey, but she overcame and conquered so much. From a coach telling her she would never progress past (old) level 5 (she didn’t have the right body type), to winning multiple state championships at level 5 and level 6 and reaching level 8. She has lived through her fair share of gym drama, coaching changes, a gym closure and early life lessons. One of the biggest lessons learned is to not let other people limit your potential or tell you that you ‘can’t’ do something. You have to work hard to achieve your goals and be willing to push through exhaustion, pain and setbacks. When your friends and siblings are taking breaks from their sports and activities, you still have to power through hours of conditioning and training for skills that most kids would never even attempt. All to put yourself out there to be judged and told how far from perfect you are in this sport. But, you love every minute of it. It’s in your blood, sweat and tears.
I recently saw the following quote from my favorite positive coaching mentors: ‘Parents…Hard physical work has a way of eliminating excuses and making you humble. Don’t allow your kids to go through adolescence without experiencing many calloused hands (Proactive Coaching)’. I think gymnasts have this pretty well covered. My DD has the most callused hands of any kid I know and she takes great pride in what those calluses represent.
I am beyond proud of everything my DD has accomplished and learned. It is heartbreaking when your body says it’s time to be done, but your heart isn’t ready to give up. I hear there is life after gymnastics and I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my DD and seeing what the future holds for her. Whatever it is, I know it will be bright. We only have two short years before she heads off to college. Here is to making the most of that time without gymnastics.
Best wishes to all of our fellow Chalkbucket families and gymnasts in your personal journey. And to all the coaches, gym owners and judges out there, here is a great big thank you from a gym mom and lover of the sport. Your hard work and efforts allow our children to follow their passion.