Wrestling tournaments are of the devil.
So, Friday afternoon, my boys were to participate in a wrestling thing that was hosting kids from all over. There were kids from several states competing. It was a Friday/ Saturday deal. I had no idea what to expect.
My thinking was that Friday would be a long evening, but we'd be out of there by noon on Saturday.
Perhaps you can imagine my distress when we weren't able to leave until 5:30 in the afternoon. It stole my entire day. And since it's all about me, you can see why I struggled to remain cheerful.
My littlest kiddo placed 6th in...what? The valley? The world? He did really great. If he had been sensible and gotten eliminated early on, we could have left. But, no. He has to go and win all day. Very inconvenient, that.
I sat on a hard bleacher seat, with throngs of teaming humanity, in a gym that was hot and stinky, for 13 hours this weekend. I am a saint.
My children are the coolest. It's the only reason I hung in there.
I learned a lot about them as I watched them interact with peers and coaches. M, the 13-year-old is impressive with people. He puts people at ease, and he was very encouraging to all of his teammates. One of his coaches, whom I had not met before, spoke to me. He said M is a remarkable kid, and that whatever I'm doing with him seems to be working. He said several things that were music to my ears, and showed me that this young man of mine is making a name among the adults he interacts with, as well as with the students.
D really stood out, also. Not only is he apparently a great wrestler, but he didn't seem at all like the other kids his age. He was noticeably obedient, attentive, and responsive. Other kids were not even making eye contact with the adults.
It's interesting to compare them to their peers. Because they're schooled at home, I just don't see that very often. It was encouraging to me.
I actually have lots of thoughts to share, but I have to go get in the shower.
Have a glorious day. Never go to a wrestling tournament. This is my advice to you.
2 comments:
What's with kids not being able to make eye contact? Then again, many people in my generation are unable to do so as well. Or even to shake hands. It is deplorable - the state of manners in this country!
And I quote:
"My children are the coolest. It's the only reason I hung in there."
May i remind you that your children are also the only reason your HAD to hang in there?
As a parent as well, I enjoy the irony.
But following your blog for the last year or so, I have to say you got great kids, keep up the good work! Never underestimate the positive impact 13 hours on a hard bench has or your boys.
Post a Comment