In a recent conversation, I was asked, “Are you really going to drive almost four hours to a track meet where your son is competing in just one race?” Without hesitation, I responded, “1000% I wouldn’t miss it for all the money in the world.”
The thing is, for my son, FOR US, this is more than just one race.
This season, this one race, has been a win that is bigger than state qualifications or any medal he could ever win. A year ago, I would have never believed we would be where we are at today.
As a mom (and coach), one year ago, I was struggling and at the cusp of making a parental decision to either let him quit, believing he “sucked,” or force the issue and make him compete, knowing he would be pissed and resentful that I made him do it. It truly felt like a lose/lose.
“But mom, I get killed every time I compete.” And, in all honesty, he wasn’t wrong. The competition at meets was intense and he struggled to be competitive with the other sprinters.
“Then run a longer race,” I said.
He pushed back, but eventually, he very reluctantly complied.
The thing is, as a parent (or coach), I haven’t learned how to teach kids how to care. To teach kids how to (excuse my language), actually give a sh#%. I wish I could. It’s simply not enough for me to want it for them.
I wanted this for him, but he had to want it more.
I took a gamble and pushed the issue, having a greater fear of his missed opportunity as opposed to actualized disinterest.
My son, in one year, I have seen so many changes in you. Yes, of course, you are taller and I’m not entirely sure where all those muscles came from, but the change that I desperately wanted to see in you was to know that you actually started to care. You started to believe in yourself and developed the confidence to know that you could do it. You pushed yourself both physically and mentally and when that shift happened, my gosh, it was glorious.
And, for THAT specifically, I would drive to the ends of the earth to see.
Congratulations on a very well deserved 8th place finish at the Middle School state track meet with a 5:00 PR in the 1600. I could not be more proud of you for this one race.
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