Something Beautiful Ending
Walking away from gymnastics is one of the
hardest things I have ever asked one of my kiddos to do. Amber is so talented.
She is gifted. She could go so far. There are so many reasons to stay with this
beautiful sport, and only one big reason to quit—family time. As a 12 year-old
girl, Amber spends as much time in the gym as she would for a part-time job. As
the months slowly pass, I can’t help but feel as if she is being raised by her
coaches. In ten years from now, I don’t want to feel as if I don’t know my little
girl. I don’t want to give so much to a sport. I want to be a part of her life,
and I want her to be a part of mine. Is it selfish? No—quite the opposite.
Because the thought of her walking away is breaking my heart—I am only doing
this, because I believe that “spiritually” speaking—Amber needs her family. And
that is the most important thing in the world.
More important than medals and triumphs. More important
than a love for a sport. And more important than her future with that sport….
Oh, but it is so hard. So very hard.
At the state meet, Amber rocked it. In the end, she placed third overall. The
only reason she didn’t walk away with first place is because of bad judging on
the floor routines. It was recognized by the board, that the judging was in
fact—dishonest, but there was nothing they could do to change the scores. They
simply promised that that judge wouldn’t be judging again… Too bad it was the
state meet, and too bad it was Amber’s last shot. She will always be first in
my book.
