There are times when we parents wonder if we are teaching our kids the right things. Are we teaching them how be good people with kind hearts? Are we teaching them to have good ethics and morals? Are we succeeding at all?
Then we are blessed beyond Love's boundaries. Such a thing has happened this week for me.
Paige tried out for the cheer squad at school. She wants to be on a squad so badly you can just feel it radiate from her. Paige went out for the squad even though none of her friends did. She was alone with a bunch of girls she had no bond with. She surpassed her fear of tumbling and tried to give the instructors what they were asking for. Even if it seemed physically impossible for her, she stepped past her fears and gave her all. Fred and I, as parents, went every single day to pick her up at 5:30. We sat in line with the parents of all the other hopefuls to pick up tired girls in short shorts and pony tails. We knew how badly she wanted this and were willing to do our part to give her the chance to try.
Yesterday, the coach put up the list after first cuts. It was to be posted on the gym doors at 6:30 p.m. so we went and got a bite to eat, then headed back to see this sacred list. And I'll admit it. I prayed. I prayed for my baby to make this cut. I begged God to give her at least this one thing because she's worked so hard. We pulled up to the gym and she bounced out of the van to go read this list. She came back with no expression and I finally couldn't stand it anymore. I had to ask. She didn't make it. My baby didn't make the first cut.
And I cried. And I'm crying now. There comes a time in your child's life when you have to step back and let them make it on their own. There comes a time when you have to just be there for them. You're not guaranteed to understand how or why things happen and it makes it hard as heck to explain when you don't get it your own self.
When making the cheer squad is the most important thing in your life at the moment, it's hard to get past that huge swallow of disappointment and keep going. I know this. I've had many times like this in my life. But, that doesn't mean I don't want to spare my kids from the pain and heart ache.
I could only tell her how proud I was of her for trying. I told her how she was the bravest person I knew because she stepped out of her comfort zone and didn't let harsh words from others and doubt from friends cloud her determination. And deep down, I know this is one of those stupid life lessons we all have to learn eventually but it just sucks. I just wanted her to catch a break for once. Get something she worked so hard for.
Who knows what God has in store for her. There might be another venture she's supposed to go on instead of cheering. That doesn't mean a hill of beans right now, but hopefully, it'll happen soon and she'll be happy within herself and love who she is and what she does.
Ro, I am so very proud of you. You are so brave and determined and talented. You'll see that one day, Baby Girl.
And so will the rest of the world.
6 comments:
I have to agree with Hope. This really does suck. I was hopoing and praying for Paige, too. I do have to tell Paige, "I am extremely proud of you too." Nothing in this life comes easy and you can't be afraid to go against the grain once in a while to get what you want. Even if you don't get it this time. Like your mom, you mean the world to me and I can't imagine my life without you. You do what you need to do now, but don't EVER be influenced by what people tell you you can and cannot do. You give your best, and that is what makes me proud. I love you and am very proud of you.
Paige, girl, I've been there! The same thing happened to me when I was in 7th grade. I wanted to be a cheerleader for the East Junior High Tigers so badly it hurt! Sometimes though, God had different plans for us. Even though you may not be able to see what those plans are right now, He's working on them, and someday soon you'll know what they are. I wasn't meant to be a cheerleader in junior high or high school for that matter, but I did find my knack in Student Government. I started off as class secretary back in 7th grade and then worked my way up to Student Body President my senior year of high school.
Your parents are right. Try your best, give your all, and some day, it's all gonna come back to you. You'll find what you're meant to do and you'll be great at it! Good luck!
Hope, I was praying for her too! Paige, you should be so very proud of yourself. You did something most girls don't have the guts to do, so hold your head high. Like your mom said, this is a sucky life lesson, but you passed :)You've affected someone by doing this, or made a new friend, or a opened a door that you didn't know existed...something good has come from this experience and I hope you'll see that.
I feel her pain...
I was nixed in the tenth grade when I was positively sure I was the best one there. It was a huge blow.
Hoping things get better.
I went through the same thing with you Hope and I can feel for both of you. My love and prayers go with you everywhere you go and she's still the best in my eyes. You're to smart to let a little thing like this get you down. How may children can read in the level you're in. There are so many things that my me proud of you. Nana
awwww.
thats so sweet...
ily all!
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