PLENTY OF TIME SPENT IN THE GYM

THIS WEEKEND...

Meg didn't compete this weekend but we still spent more time in the gym than usual.

I was very busy for quite a few hours earlier in the week getting ready for our gymnastics weekend.  (Buying food, making food and other items to sell at the meet.)

Her gym hosted a meet on Saturday, so Friday afternoon and evening were spent setting up, decorating and sprucing up the gym for visitors. 

Meg and Smash worked right along side me and then returned with me to the gym the next morning at 7:30 AM. 

Megan was assigned to be a squad leader/score flasher and Smash worked the concessions.  Boy, did he ever love that...food and counting money...his two favorite pastime's.

Saturday, I sat at the judges table and timed beam routines. 

Interesting story there, I was (not too pleasantly) surprised when one of my not so favorite judges walked into the gym that morning.  But, as I cordially greeted him, I thought to myself, "phew, am I glad that I am on beam today, he will surely be judging floor...his forte." 

That thought sustained my happy mood,

until,

he sat down next to me at the beam.

Shall we call it  "M A R phy's law?"

It was all fine, really. 

He came in, immediately stated that the instructions I had been given were wrong; then let me know what HE wanted me to do and was able to make me completely  n-e-r-v-o-u-s. 

I gave it my all,

did my very best...

I was conscientious and precise.

After we finished the 1st session, he asked if I would be able to work with him in the 2nd.

He was much nicer to the girls than in the past.  Not in their scores, but nicer to their faces.  That did help me, a little.

Seeing the gymnasts from such an up close and personal range, is so much fun, yet incredibly stressful at times. 

When a gymnast would start to go over time, I would feel nervous for her, beg her in my mind to hurry up and get off that beam before I had to ding!

Anytime someone missed an element, or fell from the beam, I hurt for her.

As hard as I tried, I could not see one of them cry and hold back the tears myself.

However, there were a lot of wonderful routines, beautiful artistry and many sweet little girls, giving it their all.

But the best moment for me, a moment that has been in my thoughts all day today; was just a short minute routine by a little girl who was disabled.  She started off seeming confused and a little disoriented.  Her sweet coach led her to the beam when it was time for her to begin, then sweetly reminded her which leg she was to lead with in order to start her routine.  I have to admit, I was worried for her.  I didn't think she would be able to complete her routine on her own.  But, once she was on top of the beam, she knew every step, she didn't falter, and she was absolutely joyful and beautiful as she went through every element.  Tears were flowing down my face.  Her coach and teammates were cheering her on; jumping up and down for her, sharing in her joy.  When she finished, they all ran to embrace her. 

In that one brief moment, I was able to see such courage, kindness, and love. 

A beautiful experience.

Comments

[Valerie Chandler]

You are always so good at being an active part of all your kids do. What a fine supportive mother you are--

[Jonathan]

That is such a sweet experience! I wish I could have been there with you to see that! (As long as I could skip the judge part ;)

JD

[Rachelle]

Wow you really are an awesome mother! The kind I want be. You're definetely a great example to me. That's a really neat experience you had, gave me chills for that sweet little girl.

[Shelley]

Does the judge's name begin the the letter K by any chance? :)

He used to scare me until I timed beam with him on several occasions -- now I have a great deal of respect for the man. He is a darn good judge. I might not choose him as a best friend, but I do respect him.

And your experience with the disabled girl -- how sweet! I hope your kids were able to witness it, too. I am always grateful for opportunities that help my children love and understand those with different challenges than their own. Growing up with deaf grandparents gave me such neat experiences, and I always want my children to similar opportunities.

[Karen]

I know that the experience with the judge must have been tough, but what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?? Yeah?? ...

But what a neat experience! I'm glad that you were able to get something so wonderful out of a potentially frustrating day.

Love you Aunt Mar!

[Joan Lloyd]

Very touching story. It made my throat swell up, on the verge of tears, not just with great respect for this little girl, but for the love of her coach and teammates. I'm sure her parents are very proud of her. (Mind if I share it in a lesson or talk?

[Kim]

What a special experience for you. Not only were you with your kids and showing them such a great example of hard work, getting things done and service, but your also had the opportunity to have your heart touched. That doesn't come along every day.

[Stacy]

Marilyn will always see the brightest spot of any situation, and she will always love for those who have seen challenges to everyday life. I love that about her. I love that she loves others so much more than herself even. I want to be like that more and more everyday. You're a beautiful example Marilyn. Thank you for everything...