I love nothing more than to watch my kids doing stuff. They could be playing a musical instrument in a school concert, smiling on a ride at Walt Disney World, or competing in a sport. I don’t really care as long as I can be there to witness as many events in their lives as possible. I especially love watching them running in track events, which is why I was beyond thrilled when Nick came to me about a month ago and said he was going to join the high school track team. Track was my thing. I loved it and for as long as I can remember I have been wishing, and maybe pushing encouraging, Nick to do track and field. It has been a very long time since he participated in any sport and he was never overly interested in team sports, which is why I always felt track would be a good fit for him and then he finally made my day, week, and year. We even share a love for the same event, the 100 meter dash, which makes his decision all the more meaningful for me. I mean, it doesn’t really matter to me what events he does, but I admit that there is somethingreally special about watching him run in an event that I did when I was his age.
Aside from the fact I get to watch my son doing a sport that I personally love so much, there have been some amazingly wonderful surprises since he decided to join the team. First and foremost, his confidence is growing. He believes in himself and he works hard to improve from week-to-week because he has set goals for himself and I particularly love that he comes to me and talks about those goals. I offer a little advice, but mostly I just enjoy listening to him talk about something other than video games with such enthusiasm. It makes me smile, both on the outside and on the inside.
The next thing that I love to hear from Nick is that there is a strong sense of camaraderie on the track team. His fellow teammates are supportive and helpful without talking down to him. He particularly speaks highly of one of the team captains who gives him a great deal of coaching advice when he is practicing the hurdles. Nick says even though he’s a senior he is still a really nice guy and really cares about helping him improve in this particular event. This revelation struck me a little bit because I’m not sure if Nick simply had his own preconceived notions about seniors or if he’s been treated badly by some of them, but either way I’m pleased he has had the opportunity to be mentored by another student who he obviously has a great deal of respect for and most likely someone he probably would have never crossed paths with if it hadn’t been for track.
Another thing that Nick says he really loves about track is that he has not only made several new friends, but his closest friends cheer him on when he is running and come to congratulate him on a good job as soon as he finishes. I pointed out I do those things, too, but he says I’m his mom so it doesn’t count. Fair enough. The takeaway for me is that little things can make a huge difference, especially for kids. I can still remember how great it felt to hear someone yelling my name when I ran in a race. It made me feel like I mattered and that people cared about me and how I was doing, so even though Nick probably blocks out the sound of my voice when he is racing I’m really grateful for his friends who stop what they are doing to take a few seconds to cheer on their teammate. They really have no idea how huge of an impact they have with such a seemingly small gesture.
He looks like a natural in that photo. Run Nick run! I’m rooting for you …….
Lori Popkewitz Alper recently posted..Boston Red Sox, FenwaYoga, and You!
Thanks so much for the comment Lori! I happen to think he’s a natural too, but I could be a little biased. Mostly I’m just really glad he’s found a sport he loves.