Yesterday was one in a series of crazy days for me. I flew down the freeway like a bat out of hell praying to God for no ticket travel passage to the gym. Prayer answered. Thank you God!
As I walk into the gym my eyes lock on my lovely daughter. The girls are warmed up and sitting on one of the beams in the gym in their beautiful red, white, and blue leos. Although they all look the same, one of them stands out like no other. She notices me and flashes me the most beautiful smile that melts my heart. I try not to be sappy and choke back tears. I’m so proud of her I get the shivers. I had told my parents about the intersquad and how important it was and they’ve already arrived.
Out of the corner of my eye I see Satan across the gym. He’s on his mobile phone and pacing madly, as he always does. Even when he shows up physically, he doesn’t really show up, if you know what I mean. I choose to ignore him and huddle with my parents and the other proud parents who have mentally and emotionally checked in to support their children. Demitri is not there. Satan had him go to his step-sister’s basketball practice instead of bringing him to this important event. I’m bothered.
As I look around the gym, there are plenty of familiar faces and some new ones; likely divorced parents who have decided to play nice with each other for the best interest of their children, at least for today. I’ve met some wonderful people through all of this. Those who choose to get to know me in spite of the rumors usually end up building wonderful friendships with me. It’s kind of funny. None of them talk to Satan. He usually ostracizes himself. Evil tends to either push people away or suck them in.
I watch as the girls begin their beam routines. I clap and cheer them all on. It’s tough getting out in front of so many people in nothing more than your panties. Leos ride up, your cheeks hang out, and you can’t do anything about it, except smile and rock on.
During about the fifth routine a girl performs her leap. Trying to land it her foot misses the beam, the momentum of her body forces her forward, and she falls face first onto the mat beneath. My heart stops. I stand immediately and prepare to run to the floor to scoop her up in my arms. Watching these girls put their hearts and souls out there and miss a skill they’ve successfully performed hundreds of times breaks my heart. I don’t care whose kid it is. You learn to care about all of them. She isn’t physically injured. The coach lets her sit out until all of the girls have finished their beam routines and then lets her try again. She’s successful this time and relieved!
Madison approaches the beam, salutes the judge, and again I get shivers.
She’s perfect, she’s beautiful, she’s strong, she’s amazing, she’s mine.
I can tell she’s a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Besides, a little bit of the nervous jitters helps keep you going sometimes. Her biggest fear was falling off. As she performs my heart is racing. Although she was a bit cautious during her performance, she completes her routine without missing a beat. She again salutes the judge with a huge smile on her face!
Next is floor, then vault, then bars. I’m as nervous as I usually am during meets. The team sits down with the judge who passes out their score cards and then dismisses them. Mads walks directly towards my mother and me grinning from ear to ear, says, “My family!” hugs us, and hands me her score card. She successfully scores on all the apparatus with room to spare (highest score on beam, lowest on floor). I couldn’t be more proud!
Last year MadDog (nicknamed by her coach) only competed on trampoline, winning one first, two second, and one third place medals. (I will continue to post photos from her meets, although they’ll be a bit dark as no flash photography is allowed at meets.)
This year she will shine on all events. Peace, love, and much success to my baby girl, my angel, half of my heart. We watch, we wait, we breathe, we love … and we shall see a beautiful flower unfold.
I look forward to sharing this journey with you.
Thanks for reading!
