I am sitting here, at the gym. The boy takes wrestling and we spend most week nights here. Here is where he gets to learn confidence, self-discipline, determination, honesty, and many more valuable character traits. I see him grow in his strength and love for this sport.
When we first started this MMA journey, I felt overwhelmed by the many nights away from home and away from the "other" things I could've been doing. Laundry, dishes, and household cleaning usually topped my list, not to mention those shows that aren't going to watch themselves. I thought of the "me" time I was missing out on.
Then I thought of my own childhood and the many, many, (did I mention many) nights my mom spent at the dance studio. I loved to dance and even went onto major in it in high school at a performing arts academy. It was a passion of mine. I didn't grow up to be a ballerina or be famous on broadway...in fact being a professional dancer was never even on my radar of life goals, but it was something I really loved to do. I loved performing and dressing up.
When I think back on all the classes, costumes, and tons of shoes my parents bought...I am stunned. They made so many sacrifices, so I could follow my passion. Although all those years of dancing didn't give me a life career, they did help shape me into who I am today. Dancing taught me to be tenacious, to speak up for myself, to believe in myself and my abilities. I am thankful for those friends I made so many years ago. I look back at those happy memories and just smile. I am thankful for the car rides to dance when my Mom and I would talk and listen to N'Sync and Gloria Estefan. I am thankful for nights in the studio, learning new things and working like crazy.
Thinking back on all of those sweet memories, makes the lost "me" time and putting off "other" things not so bad. Thank you Mom for being an example to me. For showing your love through the constant support you gave me. I pray I can do the same for my munchkins. I want to be their cheerleader....their number one fan.
Being a Mom is not always easy, convenient, or pretty. Sometimes its pb and j sandwiches for dinner because there wasn't time to make it. Sometimes it means wearing sweats to their lessons because the day got a way from you and you didn't get those skinny jeans on. Sometimes it means unfolded laundry and dirty dishes. For all you Moms out there, you're doing a great job. You're kids will not look back and remember that gourmet dinner you made, how good you looked in those skinny jeans, or how great you were at folding laundry....your kids will remember those moments you sat and talked with them, the lessons where you watched and cheered them on. Those are the things they'll remember.
I pray this week I can be a better Mom. I pray this week I can think of their needs first and how much little ones thrive when loved and supported by their parents. I will push aside my own personal feelings of wanting to get "other" things done and I will enjoy watching my son do "double take downs". Thank you Mom for teaching me about sacrifice. Thank you for those nights you and Dad took turns driving me, thank you for the shouts and cheers during shows, and for every bouquet of flowers you gave. They meant the world to me. So Hey Mom...Thanks!
And just cause I know you are dying to see me in all my 90's dancing glory....
XO Danielle
I've been contemplating what sport or lessons to sign my little guy up for. He just turned 5. I'm thinking piano lessons and baseball...maybe gymnastics. >.< Great post!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and good luck to your little one:)
DeleteGreat post. We don't ever really thank our moms enough do we? Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteFor reals! Moms rock, but don't get enough praise:)
DeleteBeautiful back then and even more beautiful now.
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!
Oh my heck you are so sweet!
DeleteI remember my mom sitting in her car for the hour and a half, twice a week for my flute lessons, bless her.
ReplyDeleteOur Moms are the best!
DeleteA perfect post, made even better by the pics you posted at the end, love those!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteThank you for sharing. My 8 year old started wrestling this year.It was a lot of long nights and Saturdays. When I look back it was all worth while
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I think we'd do anything for our little chickadees. They're just so dang cute!
DeleteI agree with you so much on this. I'd also add in a "thanks" to coaches and volunteers. It is amazing what a difference it can make to a child's life to have adults supporting them (even if they don't always get alot of thanks at the time!).
ReplyDeleteOh heck yes! You are so right! Those people give so much of their time and lets face it patience. It is tough nuggets teaching and training up children. It definitely takes a village:)
Deleteluv it! so many many times I worry about those dishes, laundry and messy house, more on the side of "what will he (my son) think?" "what if one of his friends wants to come over?" and then I realize he and they don't care - they care that I sat outside with them so they could play nerf war and then I joined in. and that they LOVE frozen pizza!!
ReplyDeleteyou are so right! He will remember you being there:>
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