Blessings: May 2012

Two years ago, K participated in elementary track...the meet where Kyle performed CPR...but that's a different story. K's first track meet was cold, rainy and overwhelming due to the events that had occurred leading up to it. We all left the meet feeling drained and not really in the mood for conversation. K was still struggling with navigating his way through the many kids and varied personalities at his school. The burning question was "Where do I fit in?" During that meet, K raced against two superstar boys (boys that have been playing sports since age 2.5), and he earned 4th place in the 100 meter race. This 4th place felt like a defeat even though we were really proud of him. K came home and crumpled up his ribbon. I was frustrated because I wanted him to be proud of his efforts but I also understood knowing the history he had with the boys that came in first and second. A few days later, I saw that he had pinned his crumpled ribbon to his wall. :-)

A year later, K was excited to run track again. He had made the relay team and was so happy about that. Two days before the track meet, K started running a 102 fever. He missed the meet. He laid miserably on the couch that day knowing that all of his friends were at the meet and he was home sick...feeling defeat once again.

This year, with more speed and stamina due to all of his ice skating and hockey playing, he was ready to make his way. He was set to run the 100, 200 meter and hurdles. I was really excited about the hurdles because this was a new event. The night before the track meet, K was grumpy because he didn't make the relay team which then made me grumpy at him because he had a ~~BAD~~ glass is half empty attitude and that just doesn't fly with his mama. However, on the day of the track meet K woke up happy and excited.

The late afternoon meet finally arrived and kids, parents, grandparents, and siblings started to flood the stadium. This was a meet against the other elem schools in the district. It was high energy and there was a lot of team spirit coming from K's school. I was so impressed to see almost every single teacher from K's school sitting with the kids. The staff and students really had a sense of community. It was very exciting to be a part of it. They had their own chants, hand signals and of course, tons of smiles!

K started his first event- the 200. He placed 3rd! H, Kyle and I were cheering for him in the stands. He proudly walked back to the stands with white ribbon in hand. His next event was the relay. Yep, K got to run in the relay because a student was sick and he was the alternate. He was SO excited. K ran as hard as he could and he was first to pass the baton. However, in the end, the team came in fourth. K came back proudly holding his 4th place ribbon. What a change from two years ago! He then earned a 3rd in hurdles and a 4th in the 100. We left the meet feeling very happy for K and he left feeling satisfied too. So what's the difference?

This year, K has found himself a pretty decent peer group. He "fits in!" He has gained confidence and skill and well some attitude too but we'll keep him in line with that! :-) He is supportive of his peers and they are supportive of him. Was he the fastest at the meet? No! (You should see one of his friends...that kid has turbo jets on his feet) However, he worked hard and he did his best. He walked away with a sense of accomplishment...and really that is what counts the most.